TUSHETI NATIONAL PARK

In 2003 the Tusheti National Park was established as a part of the Eastern Caucasus. Perfect for hikers, it possesses spectacular mountain landscape reaching up to 4,800m, where splendid alpine meadows, lakes and extremely well-preserved pine forests lay.


Since April 2003, the Protected Areas of Tusheti include a 10,694 hectare (ha) Nature Reserve, an 83,453 (ha) National Park and a 27,903 (ha) Protected Landscape.

The home to a variety of rare and endangered animal species, the park also possesses endemic plant relics, unique pine forests and an array of forest-forming species, such as birch and high-mountain oak. The mammals inhabiting this area include the Caucasian endemic subspecies like the Caspian Sea wolf, Caucasian lynx, Caucasian chamois and species of both East and West Caucasian goat. One of main goals for creating the Tusheti Nature Reserve was to protect a remarkable wild goat. The bird species are varied and incredible. They include the lammergeyer, the Caucasian black grouse, Caucasian snowcock and pheasant to name a few. And if these were not enough, the mysterious, and thought to be extinct leopard presumably lives there.

On designated tourist trails visitors can explore this mountainous park by foot, horse or vehicle.

Since 2003 the park has been protecting and preserving the historic Tusheti Villages which border it. Visitors can tour these charming villages (Diklo, Shenako, Dartlo, Kvavlo, etc.) where unique monuments of cultural legacy still stand.