Tusheti Abano Pass & Stone Tower Villages
Cross the Abano Pass by 4WD, stay in Omalo and Dartlo, and explore high-altitude stone tower villages.
A high-mountain route accessible only in summer. Cross the pass into Omalo on the first day, hike to Shenako and Diklo on the second, transfer to Dartlo for an overnight stay on the third, and descend to Telavi on the final day. The entire journey relies on local 4WD vehicles with simple accommodations. It is suitable for travelers who can handle long mountain roads, and does not include multi-day trekking.
The mountain road usually opens in late June and closes in October, with dates varying each year; check road conditions before setting off.
Day by day
Day 1 · Cross Abano Pass to Omalo
Travel from Tbilisi to Kvemo Alvani (about 2.5 hours), then switch to a local 4WD to tackle the dirt road to Omalo (about 4 hours).
There are no ATMs in Tusheti; bring plenty of cash from Kvemo Alvani.
Stay: Omalo
Day 2 · Hike from Keselo to Diklo
Tusheti (Omalo)（Omalo & Keselo Fortress、Shenako、Diklo Fortress Village）
Walk from Omalo to Keselo, then hike about 11 km to Diklo (about 4 hours one way), returning by local vehicle.
You must carry your passport in border areas; a border permit is required for Diklo Fortress.
Stay: Omalo
Day 3 · Bochorna to Dartlo
Tusheti (Omalo)（Bochorna、Dartlo、Kvavlo）
Take a 4WD from Omalo via Bochorna to Dartlo (about 1 hour). In the afternoon, walk to and from Kvavlo village.
Accommodations in Dartlo are limited; contact guesthouses in advance for July and August.
Stay: Dartlo
Day 4 · Descend Back to Kakheti
Kakheti Wine Region & Sighnaghi（Alaverdi Monastery、Telavi Old Town & Giant Plane Tree）
Travel from Dartlo down the mountain via Omalo to Alvani (about 5 hours), then transfer to Alaverdi and Telavi (about 1 hour).
Landslides can temporarily block the road after rain; keep a buffer day after your return.