Dakuekhi
/ 73 km, 6 days, pedestrian and horse riding, difficulty: difficult /
Main attractions: One of the most beautiful villages of Tusheti, medieval fortresses, picturesque landscapes of Pirikita Gorge and Atsunta Overpass, habitat of East Caucasian Tur, diversity of birds, Pirikita KHevsureti and remarkable pieces of mountain architecture – Mutso and Shatili.
The trail starts from Village Omalo and mainly runs along the automobile road leading toward Dartlo. The road goes up to Pirikita-Gometsari watershed overpass and then descends into Pirikita Gorge. From Dartlo the trail runs along the left bank of Pirikita Alazani River. After passing through Girevi, the pedestrian trail moves onto the right bank of Alazani River and reaches the source of the river. Then the trail continues toward Atsunta Pass, which is located at the crossroads of Khevsureti and Tusheti and one must cross this pass in order to go to Khevsureti. The trail ends in the village of Shatili of Pirikita Khevsureti, from where one can reach Tbilisi by car.
There are sheep farms alongside the trail (Chesho, Tursiekhi, Luibarche and Sagintskaro). By meeting Tushetian shepherds visitors can get an idea about their livelihood. It is possible to get involved in the process of making unique Tushetian cheese and to learn about domestic animals bred by using local selection process, such as: Tushetian sheep, Tushetian Horse and shepherd dog.
Possible schedules of pedestrian route:
Day 1: Village Omalo – Village Dartlo, 18 km. Overnight stay is possible at guesthouses in village Dartlo, as well as tents;
Day 2: Village Dartlo – Village Girevi. 13.5 km. Overnight stay in tents;
Day 3: Village Girevi – Kvakhidi. 16.5 km. Overnight stay in tents;
Day 4: Kvakhidi – Khidotani, overnight stay in tents;
Day 5: Khidotani – Mutso, overnight stay in tents;
Day 6: Village Mutso – Shatili.
