Tucked away deep within the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Omalo serves as the mesmerizing capital and central gateway to the remote region of Tusheti. Split into Lower and Upper Omalo, this high-altitude alpine village offers travelers an unforgettable journey into an isolated world of pristine nature, ancient stone fortresses, and deeply preserved highland traditions.

A Brief Overview of Omalo

Standing at an elevation of over 1,800 meters, it is the largest settlement in Tusheti, acting as the perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding medieval villages. The historic centerpiece of the area is Upper Omalo, home to the iconic Keselo Fortress—a cluster of 13th-century stone defensive towers that once protected the Tush people from foreign invasions.

Due to the extreme mountain terrain and heavy winter snow, the village is only accessible during the summer months via the legendary Abano Pass. This seasonal isolation has helped preserve Tusheti’s unique cultural identity, where ancient pagan-Christian animist rituals, local folklore, and legendary highland hospitality remain completely untouched by time.