Located in north-eastern Georgia, Tusheti is probably the most isolated corner of the country. It borders Russia to the north and east and is separated from the rest of Georgia by the Greater Caucasus range. The mountainous pass to Tusheti is covered by heavy snows for some 220-230 days a year - this makes travel by road to/from Tusheti possible only in summer months. The non-existence of basic services locally and the poor road infrastructure are the main reasons for massive out-migration of local population - once a home for 5,000 people, the region is virtually depopulated these days. It is believed that only some 30-40 families stay in 50 villages of Tusheti for winter season. The good news, however, is that Tusheti will not be completely abandoned - the region becomes increasingly popular among backpackers for its ancient pastoral culture, picturesque mountain villages and virgin nature.