Tusheti highland village Chigho

Chigho village and Tusheti National Park are a real paradise for trekkers. Alpine and sub-alpine pastures, unbeaten passes, and breathtaking wilderness can be reached by foot or horses. The village is situated at an elevation of 2140 meters above sea level, 6-7 km from the administrative center of Tusheti – village Omalo. Similar to many other highland communities of Georgia, the population of village Chigho has been declining since the early 20th century. It had 147 permanent inhabitants in 1920 and just two in 2014.

Chigho has uncounted legends and three sacred places in its surroundings: Lasharis Jvari, Karatis Jvari, and Kavtar-Khagiri Shrine. Jvari translates as “cross” from Georgian. Such shrines have their origins in the pre-Christian times and pagan traditions of the Caucasian highlands.

Distance from Telavi: 110 km (3 h)
Distance from Tbilisi: 195 km (4 h 30 min)

Note: The only road linking village Chigho and Tusheti region to the rest of Georgia is closed for 7-8 months (the majority of the year) due to the weather and road conditions. It is passable with 4x4 SUV cars from Telavi to Akhmeta during the summer period.

To book private tour, please, contact travel expert here.