Mineral springs of Georgia. Resorts of Kakheti. Omalo Resort.
There are many therapeutic and mineral springs in many places of the Omalo resort. There are very salty waters, alkaline-salty waters, sulfuric waters, waters with iron. Everyone will be able to find water for their needs and needs. Also, many waters of the Omalo have not even been studied and explored yet.
Omalo is the largest village in Tusheti and its administrative center is divided into two parts: old Omalo and new Omalo. Old Omalo, or Keselo Fortress, is a monument of the XVIII century. Low and wide 3-4 storey towers are built mainly of slate, dry method, without mortar. the roofs are also covered with slate.
At the very beginning, the whole village was built around the fortress. After the population descended into the plain, the towers were used as shelters during enemy invasions. Only a few towers have survived to this day. In one of them there is an ethnographic museum, which stores household items and military weapons.
OMALO
In Omalo, as well as throughout Tusheti, there are medicinal mineral springs in many places: there are three such springs in the vicinity of Omalo. One of these mineral waters "Chigostskali" is very salty and contains chlorides. At the foot of Vedisgor, two sources of acidic water flow out; alkaline-saline waters are found in the vicinity of Hiso, Shenakosi, Parsma, Nasoplari and Chonto; there are natural reserves of sulfur waters near Diklo; in the vicinity of Dochu and Hahabo, springs containing iron. These waters have not yet been studied and explored.
Since the 70s of the last century, in July-August, a folk holiday "Sheep- Water Day" ("Tushetoba") has been held near the fortress of Keselo, associated with the main occupation of the Tushin people - sheep breeding. On this day, sheep breeders are awarded and traditional games are arranged (archery, running in bags, tug of war, etc.). Tusheti women are great masters in knitting and felting felt. They exhibit carpets, colorful socks, knitted "chiti" shoes, hats and other products for the holidays, in which there is a special geometric style and a special color scheme.
Then a concert of Tushino folklore will be held and Tushino songs will be sung in the accompaniment of the Tushino harmony. Guests of the festival can watch how Tushino beer is brewed, khinkali is molded and Tushino cheese is made. The youngest participants of the holiday with a brush and paints in their hands compete in drawing on slate. "Tushetoba" is a truly national holiday.
Location: between the ridges of the Greater Caucasus and Pirikit, on the right bank of the Pirikit Alazani River.
Distance: from Akhmeta - 100 km, from Telavi - 110 km,
from Tbilisi (via Gombori) - 200 km.
Altitude above sea level: 18800 m.
Terrain: mountainous.
Climate: typical of the middle mountains (upper belt). Winter is cold, stable with high snow cover. Summers are moderately warm and dry.
The average temperature in the year is 6-8 ° C.
Omalo is a resort town located on the southern slope of the main watershed of the Greater Caucasus and in the valley of the Story River. This place attracts tourists from all over the world because of its healing mineral springs. The resort has many different types of waters such as saline, alkaline-saline, sulfuric and iron waters. Everyone can find here the water that suits their needs and helps them in treating illnesses. The resort is also famous for its cultural heritage. The largest village in Tusheti is Omalo, which is divided into two parts: old Omalo and new Omalo. The old one, also known as Keselo fortress, was built in XVIII century and is a monument of architecture. Its towers were built mainly of slate, without the use of mortar, and are three to four stories high. Some of the towers were used during enemy invasions as shelter when the population descended into the plain. Although only a few towers have survived, one of them houses an ethnographic museum where one can learn more about the everyday objects and weapons of war used by the inhabitants.
In addition, there are many other interesting places to visit in the area, such as the Church of St. George, which was built in the early 19th century and is an important religious center for the residents. Another attraction is the local school, which was built in 1930 and is one of the oldest schools in the region. It is also a place where you can see unique historical monuments. Queselo Fortress is one of the main attractions of Omalo. It is an eighteenth-century monument consisting of several low and wide towers built mostly of slate. In one of the towers is an ethnographic museum, in which you can see everyday objects and weapons of war.
An amazing resort that attracts tourists not only with its healing springs, but also with its unique history and folk festivals. One of the most popular events is the annual folk festival "Sheep Breeder's Day" (Tushetoba), which is held in July and August. On this day, villagers and tourists gather at the fortress Keselo to celebrate the main occupation of the locals - sheep breeding. At this festival you can see many traditional games, such as archery, sack race and tug-of-war. You can also taste national dishes and learn more about the culture and history of Tusheti. Finally, the women of Tusheti are famous for their unique crafts. They create beautiful embroidered costumes that are used in traditional dances and festivals, as well as handicrafts including embroidery, weaving and weaving vine products. Many women teach these crafts to their daughters and granddaughters to preserve and pass on traditional culture.
But the resort is rich not only in its history and culture, but also in natural beauty. In the vicinity of Omalo there are many therapeutic and mineral springs, which are known for their therapeutic properties. The waters here are very varied: from very salty to alkaline-salty and containing sulfur and iron. Many of these springs have not yet been explored, so this resort is an interesting place not only for recreation, but also for scientific research.
The climate of Tusheti is typical of the middle mountains, with cold and snowy winters and moderately warm and dry summers. The average temperature during the year is 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. The terrain of this region is mountainous, making it an attractive destination for mountain hikers and adventurers.
If you plan to visit the area, be sure to learn more about its rich history and cultural heritage, as well as enjoy the beauty of nature and taste the local cuisine. And don't forget to leave your comments under this article if you have any questions or thoughts about Tusheti. We will be happy to answer them and help you plan your trip to this beautiful part of Georgia.
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Я бы посетила Омало не только чтобы посмотреть на культуру и быт народа, но и чтобы насладиться прекрасной природой, минеральными источниками и свежим воздухом!