Region 2: GREATER CAUCASUS
8. Tusheti upland landscapes
Coordinates: 42 o20’ N, 45o30’ E
Altitude: from ca. 1050 to over 4,000 m. a.s.l.
 Temperate, similar to European Alps. Winters are cold and snowy, summers cool. Annual precipitation ca. 600– 1,000 mm (20– 60 mm in January, 40– 80 mm in April, 60– 100 mm in July, 50– 80 mm in October). 30– 40 days with heavy rains per year. 75– 100 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/ minus 6 to minus 8, April/ 0– 5, July /13– 16, October/16– 18. Mean maximum temperature (July)/26– 30 oC.
 Tusheti is one of the most wild and scarcely populated mountain areas of Georgia. Ironically, this is one of few parts of the country that lies on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, i.e. in Europe in a physical– geographic sense. The area lies in the upper reaches of the river Andis Koisu that flows through Daghestan (Russian Federation). This is an age– old shepherding region, covered with coniferous forests in river valleys, subalpine and alpine meadows, and alpine tundra. The region harbors abundant wildlife. We do not recommend planning a trip to this region for less than a one– week period.
 Important attractions of the area are large scavengers and birds of prey: bearded, cinereous and griffon vultures, and golden eagle. Birds native to the Caucasus are Caucasian snowcock, Caucasian black grouse, and Caucasian chiffchaff. Other birds to watch are peregrine falcon, chukar, and a common set of forest– adapted birds typical of European coniferous woodland, including common crossbill, several species of woodpeckers and owls, great rosefinch, various finches and other songbirds.
  Important attractions of the region are East Caucasian tur and bezoar goat. The area is the only stronghold of bezoar goat in Georgia. Other mammals to watch are brown bear, chamois, roe deer, wild boar, wolf, lynx, wildcat, wood and rock martens and badger. Locals believe that a few leopards still survive there. At small mountain brooks, one can observe Caucasian toad and Asia Minor frog. Interesting reptiles are endemic Caucasian and Daghestan lizards, a west Caucasian subspecies of slow worm, and Lotiev’ s adder. The area is covered by mostly coniferous forest dominated by pine.
 The area has great opportunities for hiking and cultural tourism.
 From June through September.
  The central village of the area, Omalo, can be reached either by four– wheel drive (only in June– August) or by helicopter from the town of Telavi. Trucks and four– wheel drive taxis leave from the village of Alvani daily in the summertime. Alternatively, a car with a driver can be rented in Tbilisi. Wildlife attractions are reachable both by foot and on horseback. Opportunities to travel with even a four– wheel drive are very limited.
 Food and lodging is possible in village houses (around 10$ per night). Camping is also possible. A restaurant is available in the village Omalo.
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