Tusheti and the mountains of Georgia, in general, are a partially isolated space where the unity of the society is especially felt. This can be seen on the Pshaveli-Tusheti highway, where almost all the oncoming cars stop to visit, because everyone knows everyone here, and from the moment you set foot on the territory of Tusheti, you become part of it.
In the mountains, unlike the fields below, there are more peculiar norms of behavior associated with the traditional consciousness of the Tush man. Therefore, our advice on several issues will be interesting and to be considered for those who are visiting Tusheti for the first time.
First, the traditional restrictions during the days should be considered. Women are not allowed at the icon area and are not allowed to participate in rituals. They are also not allowed to cross the icon area; it is a few meters of green meadow around the niche. The border is often marked with stones or not at all. So, it would be good to ask where the icon is when walking into a foreign village, as every village has several icons. This will facilitate relations with the locals and avoid misunderstandings. Violation of this prohibition (and any other prohibition) in the traditional mythological sense will upset the balance of the universe, and if it happens constantly and, then natural disasters are not far away.
The ethics of relationships are built on the principles of restraint and hospitality, but keep in mind that in mountainous regions everything is much more complicated than in the lowland, starting with moving and preparing food and supplies. The daily activities of housewives, shepherds and farmers require a lot of hard work and willpower, so helpfulness, simplicity, kindness and caring for others are highly valued here. Without these qualities it is difficult to survive in a harsh mountainous environment and coexist harmoniously.