Atsunta pass connects two highland regions in eastern Georgia. Khevsureti is a historical province in the high mountains, northeast Georgia, on both slopes of the great Caucasus range. Tusheti is located on the north slopes of the great Caucasus range, from the west it borders Khevsureti, and these provinces are divided by the Atsunta range. North is Chechnia, the border is on the Pirikita range, and on the east is Dagestan, the border is on the Akazma range. So, surrounded from all sides by ranges, Tusheti itself is divided into two gorges by the Gometsari range. So there are Gometsari gorge and Pirikita gorge. In Gometsari gorge there are two communities – Gometsari and Tsovata. Tsovata community earlier used to be Chechnians and then assimilated to Georgians. In Pirikita gorge are also two communities, Chagma and Pirikita. Historically Tush people are those who had emigrated from provinces Pshavi and Khevsureti, during the characterization of highland regions. Those emigrants choose to live in high mountains to keep their pagan religion against Christianity. The baptism of Tusheti happened later, but they’re still Christianity mixed up with pagan traditions. Tusheti territory is a national park.

Attention: is it strongly prohibited to take to Tusheti any food made from pork, anything made from pig’s skin!!! It is tradition.

The tour starts in Khevsureti. Transportation to Ardoti, on the way tourists will see Mutso and Shatili. After visiting Ardoti, tourists will trek by Khonischala gorge to Atsunta pass 3487 meters above sea level, and come down to Tusheti, Pirikita gorge. Tourists will visit villages Girevi, Parsma, Chesho, Dartlo, and Kvavlo with the original architecture. After going to Omalo, from there make one day hiking to village Diklo. After tourists will return to Tbilisi by transport. The tour duration is 7 days. One day may be added for hiking from Shatili to Ardoti. During this trekking, tourists will see the most isolated regions of Caucasus, with its ancient traditions, kept untouched by the modern world.

Atsunta Pass Trekking Highlights

• Datvijvari pass
• Shatili
• Mutso
• Atsunta pass
• Girevi
• Dartlo
• Omalo
• Abano pass