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Abkhazia ( Abkhaz: Аҧсны, Russian: Абхазия, English: Abkhazia) emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union as an autonomous region of Georgia. Independent-minded Abkhazians fought a war with Georgia that resulted in a de facto independent territory of Abkhazia but is internationally recognised only by Russia, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Abkhazia highly depends on Russian support, currency and has a similar uncertain political situation as Ossetia or Kosovo. From a travel perspective it is for all intents and purposes an independent territory.

Abkhazia is situated on the eastern bank of the Black Sea, bordered on the northwest by Russia on the Psou River, near the 2014 Olympic city of Sochi, and on the east with Georgia at the Ingur River, with the Grand Caucasian Range of mountains on the north. Three National Parks exist in Pskhu-Gumista, Pitsunda-Mussera and Ritsa, rich with the freshwater resources of many lakes and rivers.

[edit] Regions

[edit] Cities

• Sukhum
• Gudauta
• Gagra
• Pitsunda
• Gyachripsh
• Agudzera
• Tquarchal
• Ochamchira
• Gal
• New Athos

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

After war with Georgia in 1992-1993 Abkhazia survived through immence embargo and blocade imposed by Georgia. Having most of its infrastructure destroyed Abkhazia manages to develop its main economic pillars which are tourism and agriculture. Though many efforts were taken to rehabilitate the country after war with Georgia there are still remains of destruction across the country. The unsolved conflict with Georgia is the burden for the future development of the territory. Since 1992 Georgia launched three wars against Abkhazia (May 1998, October 2001 and August 2006). Abkhazia is a beautiful subtropical region along the Black Sea full of beaches, history, excellent fruit, enormous mountains, lakes, caves, and lush flora.

[edit] Geography

[edit] Climate

[edit] Talk

Abkhaz, a northwestern Caucasian language, related to the Abkhaz-Adyg language group of the Indoeuropean languages family. There are two official languages: Abkhaz and Russian. Russian is convenient for intercultural communication since Abkhazia is multiethnic state. Russian is universally understood and the most convenient language for the traveler. In the cities one also can use English for basic communication.

[edit] Get in

The one viable land crossing into Abkhazia is from Sochi in Russia. Sea connection with Turkey has not started yet. The airspace of Abkhazia is crossed by three international airways but due to the conflict with Georgia there are capacity limits on the utilization of sea and airspace. Sukhum airport is recognized as one of the most technically advanced in the territory of the CIS countries, thanks to its facilities, and was permitted twenty-four-hour operation. Sukhum airport is not operational yet though there are plans to relaunch it in Summer 2009.

Visa to Abkhazia Those who wish to travel to Abkhazia have to fill out and send Abkhaz visa application form directly to the ministry of foreign affairs of Abkhazia MFA of Abkhazia [1].

• On receiving duly submitted documents Consular Service usually needs 5 working days to process the request. As soon as Clearance is ready an applicant will be contacted by the consular officer and entry permit letter will be sent to him/her by fax or e-mail.

The Entry Permit Letter (Clearance letter) only serves as entrance permit to Abkhazia.

• Please note that after you enter the Republic of Abkhazia you need to proceed to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia to obtain the actual visa which will serve as an exit permit document. *If there is some information missing or application is not filled fully the Consular Service does not guarantee that visa will be granted.

There are two types of visas for Abkhazia: single and multi-entry and transit visas; Nationals of the CIS countries (Commonwealth of Independent States) can enter and leave Abkhazia without a visa:

NOTICE!!!: For those who travel to Abkhazia via Russia, the transit, double entry or multiple Russian visa is required in order to be eligible to re-enter territory of the Russian Federation after visiting Abkhazia.

[edit] Get around

Visitors may use taxi for travel in the country. Many taxi companies provide special rates for sightseeing. There is a number of travel agencies providing excursions to mountains on jeep / four wheel drive cars. Due to economic sanctions Credit cards are not acceptable in Abkhazia. Dollars and Euros are accepted in official exchange offices which could be easily found in most of touristic locations. Sometimes visitors may pay with Dollars and Euros though for lower rate.

[edit][add listing] See

Abkhazia is a beautiful country with hospitable people and long and prominent history and culture as well as picturesque nature which makes Abkhazia a tourist popular destination. Abkhazia is a resort country laying on the Eastern Bank of the Black Sea with subtropical climate and snow covered mountains. Abkhazia attracts tourists with its beautiful nature and culture as well as beaches, caves, lakes and mountains. It is famous with its churches left from Meddle Ages and Christian heritage with the Saint Zealot buried in New Afon of Abkhazia. Masterpieces of the Ancient era and Middle Ages can be found throughout the country. Tourist’s season starts in May and slowly lasts till October. Vacation prices in Abkhazia are fairly low and affordable.

Interesting destination for travellers to visit Novi Afon which is 20 min drive from Sukhum - the capital of Abkhazia. 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. Another attraction is Lake Ritsa high in the mountains and 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. Resort Auadkhara with natural springs. Weekly local flights from Sukhum airport can take you to remote village of Pskhu where tourists may enjoy fantastic vews of mountains and enjow local honey and meat. City of Gagra and Pitsunda is the most popular touristic destination offering most kinds of vacational services. There are historic places like village Moqua with Beautiful Cathedral and Ilor Church near Ochamchira.

[edit][add listing] Do

Visitors can enjoy unique and peaceful rest in Abkhazia with the variety of vocational choices like ecotourism, gastro tourism, rafting and extreme sports, mountain jogging and snowboarding, diving and sky gliding, hunting and cultural and religious tourism.

• Visit Abkhaz Dramma Theatre, Botanic garden and Monkey Park in Sukhum.
• Famouse "Gagripsh" restaurant in Gagra.
• Take a boat trip from Gagra to Sukhum.
• Visit small cave of St. Simon the Zealot.
• Visit village of Kaman near Sukhum.
• Village of Lykhny with historic churches and dome of Abkhaz Kings.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Akud (bean souce), Abista (corn porridge with chees), variety of meat and fresh greens. Abkhaz food is spicy.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Local wines:

• Apsny,
• Buque of Abkhazia,
• Lykhni,
• Psou,
• Radeda,
• Gumsta Ashta,
• Dioskuria (ancient Greek name of Sukhum)

[edit] Stay safe

Abkhazia witnessed in the past military confrontations between Georgian armed forces and the Russian supported local independance groups. For the common traveller the country is relative safe but you should strongly avoid any place near the border to Georgia. Some minor unregistered mine fields are reported near the border, this should be an additional reason to delete it completely from your travel list. Keep in mind that Abkhazia is based on international law still a part of Georgia. Further military confrontations are unlikely but you should follow closely the international & independent news in case the situation changes. Travellers who visited Abkhazia and intend to visit Georgia can be questioned, refused entry to Georgia or in the worst case also be imprisoned by Georgian immigration officers as entry to Abkhazia is seen as illegal immigration.

The basic precautions for travellers are like in all touristic places: Watch your bag or purse e.g. buses, trains and meetings. Keep your car locked & do not leave your valuables like cameras jewelry or mobile phones on the beach when you go for a swim.

In case your mobile phone is stolen, the local cell phone company may help you to track it and in most cases telephones could be found if resold anywhere in Abkhazia.

Don't hesitate to report crimes to local police. If you report a theft, people are generally helpful.

Please keep dressed decently in public places. Abkhazia is a traditional country. Less clothing will cause less respect and too much attention of the local people.

[edit] Get out

The border with Russia is open for all visitors. Note: visitors entering Georgia from Russia through Abkhazia may be subject to a punishment and fines by Georgian customs since they consider it a violation of the Georgian border regime. Newly adopted Georgian Law on the occupied territories also prohibit visitors from enetring Abkhazia without permition from Georgian authorities.

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