ABAS-TUMAN

ABAS-TUMAN, a mountain-climate station and hot indifferent springs, Georgian SSR, 80 km from Borzhomi beyond the city of Akhaltsikhe. The resort and springs are located in a narrow gorge of the Adjaro-Imereti ridge along the Otckhe River. The resort buildings are situated at elevations from 1,270 to 1,350 meters above sea level. To the north it is protected by the Zekari Pass. The climate is mountainous, intermediate between the Akhaltsikho plateau and the Rioni River lowland. At different elevations the climate varies: at the bottom of the gorge snow lies for 1 month per year, while on the ridge it lies for 9 months. The average winter temperature is -4°, and summer +16°; minimum -24.8°, maximum +32.4°. Humidity is 75%. Precipitation per year is 603 mm. Average barometric pressure is 655. Clear days per year: 86, semi-clear 190, cloudy 89. Prevailing winds are southern and northern (due to the valley's orientation). The springs emerge in three groups: Bogatyrsky, Zmeiny, and Zolotushny. They belong to the group of akrotherms: temperature up to 48°C, dry residue 0.5241. Total flow is 1,060 liters per day. The water is supplied to a collecting basin, which has an original cooler for fractional cooling of the water to 41°, 36°, 30° and 25°. In the park are located bath buildings, sanatoriums and villas (partially in former palaces). Picturesque surroundings, coniferous and deciduous forests, walks through the gorge. Transportation: from Tiflis by railroad to the station of Khashuri (Mikhailovskoye) and to Borzhomi; from Borzhomi by automobile on the highway through the city of Akhaltsikhe - 76 km. A.-T. combines the advantages of a balneological and climatic resort. The akrotherms (see) provide hot baths, which are indicated for chronic rheumatism, neuritis, injuries and gynecological diseases. Sanatorium-climatic treatment (especially during the long and mild autumn) attracts tuberculosis patients, exhausted and weakened individuals to A.-T. The resort is managed by the Main Trust of Resorts of Georgia. Scientific research is conducted by the university and the Resort Administration in Tiflis.