Omalo

Travel Guide

July 2010 Keselo Fortress, Kvemo Omalo, Tusheti One of the towers of Keselo, a medieval fortress consisting of 13 towers built in 14-15th century, altitude is ca. 2.000 metres. The fortress originally served as protection against Mongol invaders and later against Dagestani invaders. It was mostly used only in summer months when the raids were usual. In winter people lived in the village below the fortress. It has lost its purpose in 19th century after the Russians allied with local Tushs. It was abandoned and destroyed during World War II. In 2003 the reconstruction started and sponsored by a Dutch family. Many of the towers were built back from ruins, accomodating a museum of local tradition with many old photos from the region. Keselo is few tens of metres over the village Kvemo (=Upper) Omalo, which is a usual starting point for trek west to Shatili in Khevsureti region or day hikes to Shenako or Diklo villages to the east.
July 2010 Keselo Fortress, Kvemo Omalo, Tusheti One of the towers of Keselo, a medieval fortress consisting of 13 towers built in 14-15th century, altitude is ca. 2.000 metres. The fortress originally served as protection against Mongol invaders and later against Dagestani invaders. It was mostly used only in summer months when the raids were usual. In winter people lived in the village below the fortress. It has lost its purpose in 19th century after the Russians allied with local Tushs. It was abandoned and destroyed during World War II. In 2003 the reconstruction started and sponsored by a Dutch family. Many of the towers were built back from ruins, accomodating a museum of local tradition with many old photos from the region. Keselo is few tens of metres over the village Kvemo (=Upper) Omalo, which is a usual starting point for trek west to Shatili in Khevsureti region or day hikes to Shenako or Diklo villages to the east.
July 2010 Keselo Fortress, Kvemo Omalo, Tusheti The top towers of Keselo, a medieval fortress consisting of 13 towers built in 14-15th century, altitude is ca. 2.000 metres. The fortress originally served as protection against Mongol invaders and later against Dagestani invaders. It was mostly used only in summer months when the raids were usual. In winter people lived in the village below the fortress. It has lost its purpose in 19th century after the Russians allied with local Tushs. It was abandoned and destroyed during World War II. In 2003 the reconstruction started and sponsored by a Dutch family. Many of the towers were built back from ruins, accomodating a museum of local tradition with many old photos from the region. Keselo is few tens of metres over the village Kvemo (=Upper) Omalo, which is a usual starting point for trek west to Shatili in Khevsureti region or day hikes to Shenako or Diklo villages to the east.
July 2010 Kvemo (Upper) Omalo in Georgian Caucasus in Tusheti region. Altitude ca. 2.100 m, view from Keselo Fortress towards Tusheti Alazani river valley in the west. The watchtower made of shale stone are natural part of this region, each a little fortress on its own. In the past the Georgian used it to defend against invaders from Dagestan or Chechnya. Omalo can be reached only during summer by foot (few days) or 4WD cars (5 hours), as one has to come from ca. 700 m alt. Alvani village under the mountains over Abano pass in alt. 2.950 m. You can trek to Shatili in Khevsureti region (80 km, 5-6 days) on your own or using hired local mountain guide eventually with horses to carry the heavy backpack.
July 2010 Keselo Fortress, Kvemo Omalo, Tusheti Keselo is medieval fortress consisting of 13 towers built in 14-15th century, altitude is ca. 2.000 metres. The fortress originally served as protection against Mongol invaders and later against Dagestani invaders. It was mostly used only in summer months when the raids were usual. In winter people lived in the village below the fortress. It has lost its purpose in 19th century after the Russians allied with local Tushs. It was abandoned and destroyed during World War II. In 2003 the reconstruction started and sponsored by a Dutch family. Many of the towers were built back from ruins, accomodating a museum of local tradition with many old photos from the region. The village below is Kvemo (=Upper) Omalo and the range south is the first mountains wall of Caucasus with peaks up to 3.500 meters. It is a usual starting point for trek west to Shatili in Khevsureti region or day hikes to Shenako or Diklo villages to the east.
Hotel Samzeo

Hotel Samzeo

3.5 out of 5
Tusheti Akhmeta Kakheti
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Akhmeta. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service.
7.6/10 Good! (4 reviews)
Nice

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2025

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Hotel Samzeo
Lileo

Lileo

3 out of 5
Omalo Akhmeta Kakheti
Stay at this guesthouse in Akhmeta. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping.
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Lileo
Hotel/Guesthouse in Caucasus mountains

Hotel/Guesthouse in Caucasus mountains

Omalo Kakheti
Stay at this hotel in Akhmeta. Enjoy laundry facilities.
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Hotel/Guesthouse in Caucasus mountains
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Finca Idoize Camping Hotel

Finca Idoize Camping Hotel

Kakheti GE
Stay at this cottage in Akhmeta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attraction Alaverdi Monastery is located nearby.
Finca Idoize Camping Hotel
Pankisi Wooden Cottage

Pankisi Wooden Cottage

Akhmeta კახეთის მხარე
Stay at this cottage in Akhmeta. Enjoy laundry facilities.
Pankisi Wooden Cottage
Finca Idoize Camping Hotel

Finca Idoize Camping Hotel

Kvemo Alvani Kakheti
Stay at this cottage in Akhmeta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attraction Alaverdi Monastery is located nearby.
Finca Idoize Camping Hotel
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Alaverdi Monastery

You can find out about the history of Kvemo Alvani with a stop at Alaverdi Monastery. Amble around the area's forest or visit its churches.

Alaverdi Monastery

Akhmeta Wine House

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Akhmeta Wine House during your travels to Akhmeta.

Akhmeta Wine House

Things to do

Wine Region Private Day Tour From Tbilisi, The Best Experience

Kakheti Wine & Sighnaghi Private Tour from Tbilisi

CA $239
per adult
Kakheti Wine & Sighnaghi Private Tour from Tbilisi
Culinary & Wine tour in Kakheti region

Culinary & Wine tour in Kakheti region

CA $244
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Culinary & Wine tour in Kakheti region
Qvevri vessel that is used to make Qvevri wine, the winemaking method was approved by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Kakheti Wine Tour with 20+ Wine Tastings & Qvevri Masterclass

CA $348
per adult
Kakheti Wine Tour with 20+ Wine Tastings & Qvevri Masterclass
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Cities near Omalo

Alaverdi Monastery is situated 20km North-West of Telavi. The 56m high St. Georges Cathedral was built in the 11th century and was the highest building in whole Georgia at its time. The dimensions also today are impressive.

Akhmeta