Tusheti is a historical region in northern Georgia that offers every visitor a new chapter of the adventure. This place is attractive, especially for people who love extreme sports because the road to Tusheti is one of the most dangerous paths in the world. The Tusheti Region has an untouched nature that makes your experience wilder. This region is not well-known among tourists, but it definitely worth visiting. So, let me introduce you to this amazing place where you can see authentic architectural buildings, untouched nature and find out more about their culture and traditions.
Tusheti Region
FC2Q+GR Indurta, GeorgiaHistory and traditions
Archeological excavations in the Tusheti Region show its existence from ancient times. Some items found here belong to the late Bronze and early Iron Ages. For many centuries, there were two communities who lived near each other in Tusheti. They spoke different languages. The first one is called the Nakh language and another one is an Old Georgian. Locals are called the Tushs, and they are Georgian Orthodox Christians as well. The Tusheti Region was controlled by the Kahetian kings in the 15th century.
Traditionally, the Tushs are sheepherders as there is a great environment for sheep breeding. The Tusheti Region is also famous for its special cheese, that is called Guda cheese, and high-quality wool. In the past, the cheese was exported to Europe and Russia, and even today, shepherding and cattle breeding is the main revenue for the highlands of Tusheti. You will see many local shepherds who spend the whole summer in the highland areas of Tusheti to earn some money. However, they live in the lowland villages, as the living conditions are better there in the winter.
Tusheti Today
Tusheti is recognized as one of the most ecologically clean regions in the Caucasus, and it is a popular mountain trekking venue as well. One more interesting fact about Tusheti - they don't eat pork at all. You will not find any pigs in the farms of Tusheti, as it is considered a great sin there. So, travelers are always advised not to bring any pork with them while visiting this region. Visitors can also see Koshkebi, the stone towers similar to those in Svaneti. Those towers still stand in many villages, and they are very attractive to tourists. In addition, there are fascinating river valleys - Pirikiti Alazani and Tushetis Alazani that make the scenery very spectacular.
As I have already mentioned, the road that leads to Tusheti is very extreme. That is why you can only visit this region from late May to mid-October. You will definitely enjoy its wild nature, a mix of tower-dotted villages, rocky peaks covered in snow and beautiful deep gorges. Summer is close, and if you love hiking and horse trekking areas, Tusheti Region is definitely the place you have to visit in Georgia. It will be a new chapter of the adventure in this part of the world.
The author
Anano Chikhradze
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