From Remote Wilderness to Tourist Trails – The Changing Roads of Georgia

In this part of the journey, I begin my off road adventure in the Truso Valley, a land filled with wild, untouched landscapes. Although in recent years these areas have become more accessible, they still retain their primal wilderness. From the ruins of Zakagori to the memories of the village of Ketrisi, Truso Valley is not only a picturesque place but also an important testament to Georgia's geopolitical history. While soon I will be venturing onto more civilized paths, nothing takes away from the charm of the wild terrains of Truso, which seem to tell their story all on their own.
Than I revisit Stepantsminda, a place that holds both nostalgia and a stark contrast to how it was nearly a decade ago. The journey takes me again to the Gergeti Trinity Church, nestled high in the Caucasus, with breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek. While the town has transformed with new roads and increased tourism, I reflect on how much the landscape has changed, from gravel roads to smooth asphalt, and how these alterations affect the area's authentic, wild charm.
While hoping to retrace my journey from 2015 and reach the remote, wild landscapes that once marked the end of the road, I realize how much has changed. The once raw, mystical aura of the area, where nature reigned and every bend held a sense of discovery, has been replaced by a smooth, reinforced road and an overwhelming presence of human influence.