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To achieve this feat, they must traverse the treacherous Abano Pass at an altitude of 2,800 m, one of the most perilous routes in the world.
Renowned European freelance photographer Amos Chapple embarked on a journey to explore the lives of shepherds and document their migration along with the sheep.
The inspiration for this adventure struck Amos Chapple during a drone photography session.
Prior to this, Chapple had the task of capturing images of various regions nationwide using a drone. He spent the summer in Georgia and endured two days in the Tusheti mountains. However, he decided to return to this land upon hearing about the sheep migration.
Chapple believed and hoped to capture precious moments of life here, but everything proved more challenging than he imagined.
Chapple shares: 'George, my driver, and I faced difficult times. In three days there, we had to change tires five times. Rough roads, falling rocks hitting the car body. More seriously, as George was driving the Jeep behind a truck, the truck suddenly lost traction and slid down towards our vehicle.'
Fortunately, both escaped unharmed. Driver George received assistance from fellow drivers, but he had to go to the police station to file an insurance report.
Later, Chapple followed a group of six shepherds moving their flock down from the mountain village. They crossed the Abano Pass, about 200 km from the Georgian capital Tbilisi, heading towards the flatlands before the harsh Georgian winter set in.
This challenging journey repeats every winter for thousands of years. Each trip takes several hours to complete, with the passage through Abano Pass being the most difficult and arduous.
Before crossing the pass, the men shared a simple lunch of bread and sheep cheese along with a glass of wine made from grapes in the Georgian region. They took a few minutes to remember a friend who tragically passed away just days ago in a car accident on this very road.
On the mountain road, they encountered bulldozers clearing the way and various other vehicles. These vehicles often had to stop as the sheep flocks passed through, as they were too numerous.
The shepherds in this mountainous region are known for their resilience, as they endure harsh weather conditions and a life of material scarcity at high altitudes.
Sulkhan Gigoidze, a 29-year-old adventurer, reveals his preference for mountain life over bustling towns or cities. 'I enjoy the tranquility, being alone up here. The crowded city life below makes me uncomfortable,' he shares with Chapple.
The path down the mountain is not just the perilous mountain pass but also includes steep snow-covered slopes, making them slippery. These men must make an extra effort using sticks, and sometimes even hooks, to descend safely.
For the 36-year-old photographer from New Zealand, this is a truly memorable journey. He finds it challenging to communicate with the sheep farmers due to language differences. Moreover, he is extremely cautious in his movements to avoid startling the sheep and causing them to scatter from the flock.
Each of these sheep is valued at around $60. They are destined for meat, not wool. According to Amos, raising sheep for meat is more economically viable than shearing for wool.
A companion accompanying the flock is a three-month-old puppy named Georgik. It's Georgik's first time on the move, and he is cradled by the owner while navigating steep slopes.
Sheepdogs are indispensable companions on every journey. They aid in herding the sheep and, to some extent, protect against the mountain wolves.
After two days of trekking through drizzle and snow winds, the livestock herders gradually emerge from the thick blanket of mist. Here, Chapple discovers another challenge – they must now contend with intense sunlight. Consequently, the entire group descends straight down the slope to a warmer valley below.
In three days, they lose eight sheep, a somewhat normal occurrence during any migration.
Chapple explains, 'If a sheep stops due to injury or exhaustion, it will soon perish due to exposure, become prey to wolves, or be taken directly to the slaughterhouse.'
After the perilous journey concludes, Chapple feels a sense of relief at the thought of a rain shower and a glass of beer.
Chapple also reveals his intention to return to these mountains in spring, bringing hearty meals from the plains for the local sheep herders and showcasing the photos he captured.
'You know, the sheep herders here didn't think I could pull off a return trip. It's a big challenge. If someone gets injured or dies along the way, it becomes a major hassle, risking them losing everything. Because the journey would slow down, the sheep would get cold, thin, or die along the way. But I'll definitely go back there once again.'
By Minh Hai/Tuoi Tre News
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 14, 2017
