Omalo

Travel Guide

July 2010
Keselo Fortress, Kvemo Omalo, Tusheti

The top towers of Keselo, a medieval fortress consisting of 13 towers built in 14-15th century, altitude is ca. 2.000 metres. The fortress originally served as protection against Mongol invaders and later against Dagestani invaders. It was mostly used only in summer months when the raids were usual. In winter people lived in the village below the fortress. It has lost its purpose in 19th century after the Russians allied with local Tushs. It was abandoned and destroyed during World War II. In 2003 the reconstruction started and sponsored by a Dutch family. Many of the towers were built back from ruins, accomodating a museum of local tradition with many old photos from the region. Keselo is few tens of metres over the village Kvemo (=Upper) Omalo, which is a usual starting point for trek west to Shatili in Khevsureti region or day hikes to Shenako or Diklo villages to the east.

July 2010
Kvemo (Upper) Omalo in Georgian Caucasus in Tusheti region. Altitude ca. 2.100 m, view from Keselo Fortress towards Tusheti Alazani river valley in the west. The watchtower made of shale stone are natural part of this region, each a little fortress on its own. In the past the Georgian used it to defend against invaders from Dagestan or Chechnya. Omalo can be reached only during summer by foot (few days) or 4WD cars (5 hours), as one has to come from ca. 700 m alt. Alvani village under the mountains over Abano pass in alt. 2.950 m. You can trek to Shatili in Khevsureti region (80 km, 5-6 days) on your own or using hired local mountain guide eventually with horses to carry the heavy backpack.

July 2010
Keselo Fortress, Kvemo Omalo, Tusheti

Keselo is medieval fortress consisting of 13 towers built in 14-15th century, altitude is ca. 2.000 metres. The fortress originally served as protection against Mongol invaders and later against Dagestani invaders. It was mostly used only in summer months when the raids were usual. In winter people lived in the village below the fortress. It has lost its purpose in 19th century after the Russians allied with local Tushs. It was abandoned and destroyed during World War II. In 2003 the reconstruction started and sponsored by a Dutch family. Many of the towers were built back from ruins, accomodating a museum of local tradition with many old photos from the region. The village below is Kvemo (=Upper) Omalo and the range south is the first mountains wall of Caucasus with peaks up to 3.500 meters. It is a usual starting point for trek west to Shatili in Khevsureti region or day hikes to Shenako or Diklo villages to the east.

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Hotel Samzeo

Tusheti Akhmeta Kakheti

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Akhmeta. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service.

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Lileo

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Stay at this guesthouse in Akhmeta. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping.

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Lileo

omalo Akhmeta Kakheti

Stay at this guesthouse in Akhmeta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk.

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Finca Idoize Camping Hotel

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