The Azunta Pass thrones at the heart of what many, including myself, call the most breathtaking region of Georgia. On one side, abrupt and pastoral Tusheti; on the other side, the even wilder and almost deserted Khevsoureti. These two historical high mountain regions are known for their ancestral pagan cultures, for the pride of their inhabitants and their great authenticity.
From Girevi in Tusheti, you hike up to the source of the Pirikitis Alazani. Be careful, you must first request permission from the military because the area lies along the border with Chechnya (Russian Federation). Its unspoilt, spectacular, rocky and arid nature is waiting to be discovered. From the Azunta Pass, the view of the two sides is unforgettable, as is the view of the Chechnya Highlands to the north.
On the Khevsoureti side, you descend from the Pass to the Khomistskhali Valley, which leads to Mutso, a striking village of abandoned defensive towers. A little further down, Chatili, a typical example of a north Caucasian village with a rich historical heritage, is the jewel in the crown of this hike.