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TravelTips24 : Europe : Eastern Europe : Caucasus : Georgia : Abkhazia

Abkhazia

Abkhazia (Georgian: აფხაზეთი, Abkhaz: Аҧсны) is an autonomous republic of Georgia, which borders the Russian regions Krasnodar Krai and Karachay-Cherkessia to the north, Svaneti to the east, and Samegrelo to the south. Located in northwestern Georgia on the coastline of the Black Sea. Currently, Abkhazia is under separatist control due to Georgian-Abkhaz conflict which erupted in 1992-93 and remains unresolved.

Regions

Cities

Other destinations

Interesting destination for travellers to visit Novi Afon. It is famous for the orthodox Cathedral (Новый Афон, New Athos) and the Cave where there are 7-8 enormously large halls with thousands of wonderful of stalagmites and stalagtites. A special train takes you to the depth. The city has a marvellous seaside and restaurants with tasty local food. It is located between Sukhumi and Gagra and only 40 minutes drive from these cities. Ritza Lake lies among high mountains in the middle of the National Park. While driving to Ritza it is worth to stop for taking photos and enjoy the landscape. The lake is about 1 hour drive from the main road (M-27). On the other side of the lake Stalin`s Dacha (cottage) can be found. The shortest way could be by boat,but also available by road (5 km). The cottage is open for tourists in high season.

Culture and History

Abkhazia is named for the Abkhaz, an ancient northwest Caucasian people unrelated to the Georgians or the Russians. Not long after Georgian independence, ethnic conflict erupted in this region which resulted in the cleansing of Abkhazia of its ethnic Georgians and the establishment of a weak Abkhaz government with de facto independence from the Georgian central government, with tacit backing from Russia. Abkhazia is a beautiful subtropical region along the Black Sea full of beaches, history, excellent fruit, enormous mountains, lakes, caves, and lush flora.

Talk

Abkhaz, a northwestern Caucasian language, is the principal language of the region. Russian is near universally understood and the most convenient language for the traveler. Although many understand a good amount of Georgian, they may be hostile towards travelers attempting to use this language given the brutal and still unresolved ethnic conflict between the Abkhaz and the Georgians.

Travel to Abkhazia & Visa Requirements

For the moment it is not recommended to visit Abkhazia, especially its mountanious and eastern regions - since the sporadic armed clashes with the Georgian forces happen quite often. However if you still have to get in there is a border crossing with Russia at the Psou River and a crossing with Georgia at the Inguri River. Make sure you have your paperwork done in advance. If you cross the border from the Russian side and want to transit to Georgia make sure you get a Georgian visa ahead of time if you don't want to be caught on the Georgian side for entering the country (Abkhazia is de-jure part of Georgia) illegally. For an Abkhaz visa, you have to fill an application on the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, and have it with you when crossing the border from Georgia. Again if entering from the Russian side, be prepared to wait for hours (and possibly couple of days) before you will be able to get in. Abkhazian customs officers are known for being extremely slow, irresponsible and corrupt. Expect that you will be asked for bribes (for whatsoever reason) to get into Abkhazia.

Tours & Getting around Abkhazia

Abkhazia attractions and sightseeing

Itineraries

Abkhazia city tours

Abkhazia Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Abkhazia nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Stay safe

Non-Russian citizens should avoid all non-essential travel to Abkhazia because the Abkhaz government is at present unable to guarantee safety to travelers against the widespread threat of banditry. Moreover, there have been reports by travelers of having their passports stolen in armed robberies; this is a serious threat as there is absolutely no foreign representation in Abkhazia and it is impossible to get a replacement with which to leave the region. Relations between the de facto Abkhaz government and the central Georgian government remain very tense and there is an ever-present potential for renewed military conflict. Travelers should consider reviewing War zone safety.

There have been recent small bomb blasts in the capital Sukhumi which have been blamed on the Georgian government by the Abkhaz authorities. However this has not significantly effected the tourist industry, and Russian tourists continue to flock to this traditional Russian tourist destination.

The Georgian military no longer controls the strategic Kodori Gorge in the northeast of the region but there has been sporadic fighting between Abkhaz and Georgian forces across the Georgian/Abkhaz border around this area. For their own safety, travelers should generally avoid this area.

Because the region is de facto not under control by any legitimate government it is "greyed out" in all or most statistical databases available, including UN. Georgian sources however say that high level of infectious diseases and violent crime pose serious threat to both local population and foreigners in the area, however this has not been verified by independent sources.

Get out

Because travel between Abkhazia and Georgia is unsafe, the best way out is via the Russian border

This page was last edited at 01:05, on 22 October 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Peter Fitzgerald and Luis Dingley and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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