Expedition: Secrets of Truso Valley

Imagine villages abandoned 80 years ago. Places where the last footsteps echoed back in the 20th century. Now only wind and silence reside there. Silent stone towers — centuries-old witnesses — still resist the passage of time.

One such village, once the highest in Georgia and Europe at 2,400 meters above sea level, held that title through the 20th century. Today, that honor belongs to Bochorna in Tusheti.

What makes this expedition truly unique is that no one has ever organized a trip here before. We’ll be among the very few who reach Zakagori by 4x4 vehicles. Most tours to this region are on foot and begin 9 km before the final location — totaling 18 km round-trip, which can be challenging for many, even if the trail is relatively flat.

I’ve often heard from hikers: “If only there were another way to access some of the beautiful mountain routes…” Challenge accepted — and completed for Group 2!

Group 1 will hike 11 km (one way) from the border post to the last village, crossing rivers several times on foot.

After or before the hike, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal (and maybe local beer) with donations to the nuns at the monastery.