Tusheti - Region, literally, tucked in the mountains.

         Tusheti is a pristine, remote region tucked in the mountains of northeastern Georgia, located on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Tusheti is mostly populated by ethic Georgians called Tushs/Tushetians. Traditionally, they are sheep herders, whose famous Guda Cheese and high quality wool was exported to Europe and Russia.

The life in Tusheti is outlined by two main events - the opening and closure of the mountain road. The road to Tusheti usually opens in late May when the bulldozer clears the path and local shepherds herd their flocks of sheep through Abano Pass to summer pastures in the mountains. They are followed by tourists and hikers willing to experience this unique area. Also, many Georgians from lowlands travel here to reconnect to their ancient homeland. Then, in autumn (mostly at the end of September) shepherds drive their flocks back to the lowlands and road soon gets blocked by snow. And so, Tusheti falls into its winter sleep again. Only border guards and a few dozen people (tilted "Tushuraebi") stay there during that period to look after abandoned villages.

Travel to Tusheti is limited by the status of the mountain road linking the region with lowlands. From the autumn till the spring, the road is blocked by snow and is, therefore, unpassable. Even after the snow melts, some sections get damaged by landslides and must be rebuilt. For those reasons, the road usually gets opened in late May.

Since people of Tusheti are traditionally shepherds, their cuisine is based on meat and dairy products. Overall, it doesn't differ too much from traditional Georgian Cuisine. Traditional shepherd's meal is Khavitsi, which is a high-calorie mix of salty curd and butter, but the most famous local product would be Guda Cheese, tasty sheep cheese, which ages in sheepskin.

Tusheti is also the only Georgian region, which has a long tradition of brewing beer. For centuries, they've been brewing Aludi - a sweet dark bear made of hops and mountain barley. Originally, it used to be consumed only during local festivals, however, nowadays, it's available all summer long.

        Here are a few examples of the beauty of Tusheti.

        Mountains, covered up by clouds:

        Rivers flowing down dangerous paths:

        As well as some mesmerizing views:

Tusheti holds some of Georgia's best-kept secrets in terms of food, hospitality and natural beauty.

More pictures of Tusheti can be found on my Instagram.

More information can be found on Wikipedia, or through other sources.

In case you're interested, lack information or would want to know more than there's provided here, on Wikipedia (or any other source) - don't hesitate to contact me.