Tusheti National Park, National park in Kakheti, Georgia
Tusheti National Park is a protected area in the Greater Caucasus range in northeastern Georgia, covering alpine meadows, glaciers, rivers, and dense forests. The terrain moves from deep gorges to rocky high peaks, with old stone villages sitting in between.
The area was designated a national park in 2003 with support from the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility. Long before that, it had been home to mountain communities living in relative isolation for centuries.
The stone towers found in the villages of Tusheti were built for defense and still stand today, giving each settlement a recognizable silhouette against the mountain backdrop. Every summer, families return from the lowlands with their flocks, and the valleys fill again with the sounds and routines of herding life.
The only road into the area crosses the Abano Pass and is generally open from June through October, depending on snow conditions. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and it is worth checking road status before setting out.
The villages of Tusheti have no official postal addresses, making them among the most off-grid settlements in Georgia. Despite this, some of the stone towers found there are thought to be over 1,000 years old and are still standing without any major restoration.
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