An unforgettable tour to the Truso Valley
If you want to go from bright and noisy Tbilisi to a quieter place for one day, then trip to Truso Valley would be an excellent choice.
The Truso Valley in Georgia is located in the north, in the center of the Greater Caucasus Range, near the famous Mount Kazbek. This alone promises excellent views of high mountains with caps of snow. But this place is not limited to views of the peaks.
Not so long ago, by geological standards, these places were volcanically active. The last eruptions, which occurred about 8 thousand years ago, are even mentioned in local folklore.
The consequence of this activity was a huge number of mineral springs. And what is most remarkable is that these springs are different in their composition. Therefore, the valley was poetically nicknamed: "The Valley of Narzans".
Sights of the Truso Valley
The path to the Truso Valley starts from the village of Kobi, which is located on the Georgian Military Road. One of the main rivers of the Caucasus, the Terek River, originates in the valley itself. While in the Truso Valley, you can watch how mineral springs, flowing right out of the rock, replenish the waters of the Terek.
By the way, thanks to this, the Truso Valley always has a bright, sometimes even alien appearance. It's all about the mineral deposits - travertines that form around the springs: milky white - if the water is rich in calcium, or all shades of red - due to iron oxides. The sizes of travertines can be quite impressive.
However, next there will be a whole lake of mineral water. It is not large in area, but they say that researchers were able to find its bottom. Essentially this is a large natural well with mineral water! The water in the lake is cold, contains a large amount of iron, and is saturated with hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Swimming in it is prohibited, as it is a natural monument, but drinking from it and taking photographs as much as you like.
Once upon a time, the Truso Valley was densely populated, cattle were grazed here, hay was harvested - mainly Ossetians lived here for the last few hundred years. But now there are almost no permanent residents in the valley. The picturesque and somewhat sad ruins of the village of Ketrisi are reminiscent of bygone times. However, shepherds still graze their flocks on the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Passing the village of Abano, you can admire the restored women's monastery. There is an ancient tower and an ancient temple. The final point of the route will be the 14th century fortress - Zakagori. Time has not spared it, but these ancient ruins have their own appeal, and the view from them to the valley is beautiful. All this can be seen by visiting Georgia and making day trip to Truso Valley.
