Plizio Visual Lab
Tusheti National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife-area
Weather…
Water temperature…
Tusheti National Park is positioned high in the Greater Caucasus Mountains of northeastern Georgia, representing one of the most remote and pristine regions in the country. Established in 2003, the park covers about 83,000 hectares and is characterized by its dramatic high-mountain scenery, featuring rugged peaks, deep gorges, and expansive alpine meadows. The region is not only ecologically vital but also culturally significant, famous for its iconic medieval stone towers and traditional villages like Omalo and Dartlo. In the alpine zones, rare wildlife such as the Caucasian tur, bezoar goat, and griffon vulture thrive. Due to its extreme isolation, both the park's biodiversity and the unique ethnographic traditions of the Tush people have remained remarkably well-preserved. Access to the park is restricted to the summer months via the challenging Abano Pass (2,850 m), making Tusheti a sought-after destination for high-altitude trekking and nature conservation studies.
- Location: Georgia
- Top sights: Makratela · Pitsilanta · Nakdurta
- Nearby: Omalo (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -10 | -9 | -4 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 4 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 26 | 25 | 43 | 59 | 82 | 74 | 54 | 49 | 45 | 49 | 32 | 24 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
Access to this extremely remote wilderness is strictly limited to the brief summer window, typically between June and late September. During this short season, the alpine meadows burst into bustling colour and wildlife activity peaks.
Best time of day
Starting high-altitude excursions early in the morning is crucial to avoid sudden afternoon mountain storms. Dawn also features the most realistic chance of spotting sure-footed ungulates moving gracefully along the dizzying cliff faces.
Etiquette
Visitors must respect the traditional grazing lands and maintain a wide, cautious berth around working shepherd dogs. Taking absolute care not to leave any trace of human presence is essential in this pristine, untouched landscape.
What to bring
Comprehensive alpine trekking gear, including sturdy boots, windproof layers, and emergency thermal blankets, is completely indispensable. Bringing your own reliable navigation tools and sufficient food provisions is required, given the extreme lack of local infrastructure.
Getting there
Reaching this isolated region usually requires hiring an experienced driver with a highly capable four-wheel-drive vehicle. The single, perilous dirt track traversing the mountain pass is notoriously treacherous and demands serious driving expertise.
What to expect
Spotting iconic high-altitude wildlife requires methodical scanning of distant ridges with powerful binoculars over extended periods. Even if major predators remain hidden, the panoramic, dramatic isolation of the landscape is a profound reward in itself.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 2003 to safeguard high-altitude ecosystems.
- The national park covers an area of approximately 83,007 hectares.
- The Abano Pass at 2,850 meters is one of Europe's highest drivable roads.
- Home to more than 60 plant species endemic to the Caucasus.
- A vital sanctuary for the globally threatened bezoar goat.
- The historic villages of Omalo and Dartlo sit above 1,800 meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tusheti National Park (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the road to Tusheti open?
The road over the Abano Pass is typically only passable from June to October.
Is the drive to Tusheti dangerous?
It is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world and should only be driven by experienced 4x4 drivers.
Which is the main village in Tusheti?
Omalo is the administrative center and the largest village in the region.
Can you eat pork in Tusheti?
No, bringing or eating pork is strictly forbidden due to local traditions.
Is there electricity and internet in the villages?
Electricity often comes from solar panels; internet is limited and not available in all guesthouses.
Tusheti National Park: where is it located?
Tusheti National Park is located in Georgia.
Tusheti National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Makratela, Pitsilanta, Nakdurta.
Tusheti National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Tusheti National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Tusheti National Park is positioned high in the Greater Caucasus Mountains of northeastern Georgia, representing one of the most remote and pristine regions in the country.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Georgia →
Nearby cities
Telavi
Telavi is the historical and administrative center of the Kakheti wine region.
Kvareli
Kvareli is a charming town in the heart of Kakheti, renowned for its exquisite wines, historic landmarks, and beautiful lakes.
Sagarejo
Sagarejo is the gateway to the Kakheti wine region and a city with an agricultural character.
Gurjaani
Gurjaani is a lively winemaking center in the Kakheti region, surrounded by endless vineyards.
Omalo
Omalo is the principal village of the remote Tusheti region, accessible only in summer.
Lopota Lake
An idyllic resort lake in Kakheti, surrounded by forested mountains.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Tusheti National Park
Hidden on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, Tusheti National Park is a place of rugged beauty and deep-rooted alpine traditions.
Mount Tebulosmta
Mount Tebulosmta is the highest mountain in the Eastern Caucasus, dominating the remote Tusheti region.
Pankisi Gorge
The Pankisi Gorge is a densely forested mountain valley in northeastern Georgia, intersected by the Alazani River.
Alaverdi Monastery
The impressive Alaverdi Cathedral in the heart of the fertile Alazani Valley was the tallest church building in Georgia until the 21st ce…
Mount Diklosmta
Mount Diklosmta rises powerfully on the border between Georgia and Russia.
Gremi Archangels' Church
Gremi was the flourishing capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th century.
Kakheti Vineyards
The endless vineyards in the Alazani Valley form the agricultural heart of Georgian wine production.
Udabno Desert
The Udabno Desert surrounds the historic David Gareja cave monastery.