Doctor Irakli Khvedaguridze and Village Bochorna. In the rugged mountains of Tusheti, where winter reigns with unyielding ferocity, there resides a figure of remarkable resilience and compassion—Doctor Irakli Khvedaguridze, the stalwart guardian of Bochorna village and the surrounding Gometsari gorge. At 83 years young, he stands as a living testament to the indomitable spirit of Tushetian resilience, a beacon of hope and healing in the harshest of environments.s.

Doctor Irakli Khvedaguridze 

Born and raised in the highlands of Tusheti, Dr. Irakli has spent a lifetime tending to the health and well-being of his fellow villagers. Despite his advanced age, he remains steadfast in his commitment to serving the community, braving the treacherous winter conditions to provide medical care to those in need.

Bochorna, perched at an elevation of 2,345 meters, is known as the highest inhabited village in Europe—a testament to the endurance of its residents in the face of extreme isolation and adversity. Yet, it is Dr. Irakli who truly embodies the spirit of Bochorna, remaining steadfast in his resolve to stay and serve his people, even when others flee to lower altitudes for the winter.

Throughout the long, harsh winter months, Droctor Irakli Khvedaguridze is the one and only human being for the entire Gometsari gorge, comprising 18 villages scattered across the remote mountain landscape. Armed with little more than his medical expertise and a deep love for his community, he tends to a myriad of ailments and injuries, from minor colds and fevers to life-threatening emergencies.

When summoned by the villagers in need, Dr. Irakli rides out on his trusty steed, Bichola, traversing treacherous mountain paths and braving biting winds and swirling snowstorms to reach his patients. His dedication knows no bounds, and his tireless efforts have saved countless lives over the years, earning him the admiration and respect of all who call Tusheti home.

Dr. Irakli and Village Bochorna

But Dr. Irakli is more than just a healer—he is a living legend, a source of inspiration and hope for the entire Tushetian community. His unwavering commitment to his calling serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that lies within each and every one of us, inspiring others to persevere in the face of adversity and to lend a helping hand to those in need.

As the winter winds howl outside and the snow blankets the mountains in a shimmering white embrace, Dr. Irakli Khvedaguridze stands as a beacon of light in the darkness, a symbol of hope and healing in the heart of Tusheti. And though the challenges he faces may be great, his spirit remains unbroken, his resolve unwavering—as enduring and unyielding as the mountains themselves.