This is one of the most demanding — and most rewarding — journeys we offer.
Over 13 days, you’ll ride through Georgia’s hidden mountain paths, sleep in remote Tush villages with no electricity or roads, and follow ancient trails used by shepherds and warriors for centuries. It’s not a horseback tour with comfort breaks — it’s an expedition into a vanishing world, carried by sure-footed mountain horses and led by the guides who live what they teach.
You’ll cross three major passes, ride deep into valleys barely touched by modern life, and stay in a mix of family homes and wilderness camps. Nights are spent in tents or traditional stone houses. Days are filled with riding, walking, and discovery — not just of places, but of what you’re capable of.
This is not a polished itinerary. It’s a raw adventure shaped by weather, terrain, and tradition. No Wi-Fi, No soft landings. Just wild paths, warm food, and a deeper sense of time.
Ride ancient mountain routes
Sleep under stars and corrugated roofs
Tbilisi International Airport
Example
Arrival in Tbilisi
Transfer to your hotel 3/4*
Itinerary – Kakheti Region
9:30 am: Meeting point at Kopala Hotel or your hotel. We begin our journey to the Kakheti region, known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty.
First stop: Shuamta Monastery Complex
Explore the historic Shuamta Monastery, featuring an old complex with three churches dating back to the 6th-7th centuries, and a newer nunnery built in the 16th century. The well-preserved frescoes offer a glimpse into the past.
Next stop: Telavi
Visit the main city of Kakheti. Wander through the vibrant local market, where you can sample Georgian specialties and immerse yourself in the region’s unique atmosphere.
Lunch: Quick picnic
After lunch, we continue our exploration.
Next stop: Tsinandali Estate
Visit Tsinandali, a village famous for its historic estate and winery once owned by the 19th-century poet, linguist, and winemaker, Alexander Chavchavadze. Explore his beautiful home and the lovely garden, which was built in 1835.
Final stop: Alaverdi Cathedral
Visit Alaverdi Cathedral, built in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 11th century. This impressive cathedral, originally located on a pagan worship site, stands at 51 meters tall and is one of the tallest in Georgia. The architecture reflects the traditional style of the region.
Dinner & Overnight:
We travel to Alvani, a small village at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, where you’ll be welcomed by a Tush family. Enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by the family and spend the night in their guesthouse, a cozy family home with shared facilities. This will be the last chance for a hot shower before the expedition.
Accommodation: Family guesthouse
Facilities: One shared bathroom, last hot shower before the expedition.
After breakfast:
We embark on a 4WD journey to the Tusheti Region. The road was carved into the rocks after World War II, offering a truly unique and adventurous route.
Driving over the ‘Abano’ Pass:
We drive over the Abano Pass, located at an altitude of 2,926 meters. The pass marks the border between Tusheti and Kakheti, offering splendid panoramic views of both regions.
Arriving in Omalo:
We reach Omalo, the main village of the Tusheti region, situated in the heart of Tusheti National Park at an elevation of 2,000 meters.
Driving to Borchorna:
Continuing our journey, we drive further to Borchorna, the highest village in Europe, as noted in local writings.
Horse Arrangements for the Next Day:
Upon reaching Borchorna, we meet and prepare the horses for the next day’s adventure.
Accommodation:
We stay in a traditional house that has maintained its authentic charm. The accommodation offers no modern comforts but provides breathtaking views. There are no bathrooms or electricity, and we will share rooms with fellow travelers.
Attention:
Please note that the toilet facilities are a simple hole in the ground located within the village.
Accommodation: Traditional house, no bathrooms, no electricity, shared rooms.
Paganism in the Caucasus:
The pagan traditions in the Caucasus Region remained strong until the mid-20th century. Many altars can still be found in Tusheti, and some of the ancient divinities, such as Otchopintre (god of nature) and Elia (god of weather), continue to be honored by the local people. Until the mid-20th century, most of the Tush people lived here year-round.
Horseback Ride to Secluded Villages:
Today, we explore the secluded villages of Tusheti on horseback. This will be a training day, with 6-7 hours of riding, including some opportunities for trot/gallop (possibly 1 chance for galloping). We will also spend 1 to 1.5 hours on foot, exploring the landscape.
Accommodation:
After a long day of riding, we return to our traditional house, with no modern amenities. There are no bathrooms, electricity, or running water, but the setting offers an authentic and rugged experience.
Attention:
The toilet facilities are a simple hole in the ground, located within the village.
Accommodation: Traditional house, no bathrooms, no electricity, no running water.
Ride to the Crest:
We ride to the crest with stunning panoramas of the Tusheti region, spending the day at altitudes around 3,000 meters (highest point near 3,300 meters).
Camp Setup:
We set up camp at 2,700 meters, depending on weather conditions.
Riding & Walking:
7 hours of riding (no trot/gallop) and 1.5 hours on foot.
Accommodation: Tents.
Start on Foot:
We begin the day with a 30-minute walk downhill, then continue through the valley towards a pass.
Arriving in Gometsari & Zovata Valley:
By early afternoon, we reach Gometsari and continue to Zovata Valley.
Riding & Walking:
Expect 6 hours of riding (no trot/gallop) and 1.5 hours on foot. We will mount and dismount several times.
Accommodation: Tents.
Ride to the Pass:
We ride up more than 900 meters to a pass, offering views of a beautiful valley.
Ride Along the River:
After reaching the pass, we ride along the river through wild landscapes. We may need to walk at times.
Camp Setup:
We set up camp near the river.
Riding & Walking:
6-7 hours of riding (no trot/gallop) and 1.5 hours on foot with a descent of 800 meters.
Accommodation: Tents.
Ride to the Third Pass:
We ride up to a third pass, gaining up to 800 meters in elevation.
Walking & Riding Down the Gorges:
From the top, we walk down through beautiful gorges, with occasional walking, before riding down into the valley.
Camp Setup:
We set up camp at Saidumlo, a little further along the valley.
Riding & Walking:
6 hours of riding (no trot/gallop) and 1.5 hours on foot.
Accommodation: Tents.
Ride to Pirikiti Valley:
We ride into the Pirikiti Valley, home to several Tush villages. Our first stop is Girevi, the first inhabited village.
Visit to Parsma & Tchecho:
We visit Parsma and continue our ride through Tchecho.
Camp Setup:
We set up camp near a river, between Parsma and Dartlo.
Difficult Passages:
Some parts of the route involve pathways carved into the rock along a ravine, requiring mountain experience for safe navigation.
Riding & Walking:
Expect 6-7 hours of riding (no trot/gallop) and around 50 minutes on foot.
Accommodation: Tents.
Visit Dartlo & Mirgvella Pass:
We begin the day by visiting Dartlo (a UNESCO World Heritage site) before riding up to the Mirgvella Pass. In the late afternoon, we reach Omalo.
Explore Omalo:
We visit the fortress and other places of interest in Omalo, learning about the history and culture of the region. The paganism in the Caucasus, with divinities like Otchpintre (god of nature) and Elia (god of weather), persisted in Tusheti until the mid-20th century. Many Tush people lived here year-round until the road construction began, which led to their departure.
Riding & Walking:
5-6 hours of riding, with opportunities for trot/gallop. We also walk for 50 minutes.
Accommodation: Traditional Tush house.
Drive Back to Kakheti:
We begin our journey back to Kakheti and reach Alvani by the end of the afternoon. After the long journey, you’ll surely appreciate a refreshing shower!
Visit to Alaverdi Complex (Time Permitting):
If time allows, we will visit the Alaverdi Complex, including its cathedral. Originally built in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 11th century, this cathedral was once the tallest in the region during the Soviet Union period. Its architecture is typical of the region.
Dinner with Locals:
We enjoy a warm dinner with the local people and experience the hospitality of the region.
Accommodation:
Overnight in a guesthouse or typical house.
Note: Depending on the weather and other factors, the final destination could be Gogrulta, Omalo, or Shenako.
We drive back to Tbilissi.
We arrive in Tbilisi in the beginning of the afternoon.
Free afternoon in Tbilisi.
Then we have dinner in a restaurant.
Hotel 3/4*
Transfer to the airport.
Sustaining Remote Wilderness: This tour actively supports the preservation of Tusheti’s unspoiled landscapes by promoting eco-friendly tourism, ensuring the protection of its natural beauty and biodiversity.
Connecting with Tusheti’s Heart: Your journey immerses you in the raw beauty of Tusheti’s wild terrain and the enduring spirit of its semi-nomadic people, fostering a deeper understanding of their life in harmony with nature.
Empowering Local Custodians: By joining this expedition, you contribute to the livelihoods of the Tush community, whose knowledge and care for the region are integral to preserving its unique character and wilderness.
1. Full board.
2. Equestrian material.
3. Tents, tableware.
4. Accommodation in a guesthouse in Alvani, in a traditional house in Borchorna (very simple, shared rooms, no bathrooms), in tent on the rest of the trek and in a hotel (2 nights) in Tbilissi. The hotel is located in the very old center of the town, a breakfast is included. The accommodation for this hotel will be in double or triple room (2/3 persons per room). For people who are willing to have a single room, there is an extra charge (40 euros/night).
6. Table wine/tchatcha during the trek until the stocks are out.
7. 1 dinner in restaurant in Tbilisi (except alcoholic drinks) .
8. Car transfers in some private cars (Mercedes mini bus and 4WD).
10. Guides/cooker.
1. Airline ticket.
2. Full insurances.
3. Sleeping bags and floor mattress.
4. Alcoholic beverage in restaurant.
5. Entry fees during your free time.
6. Water filter or purification pills (Actually you need neither purification pills nor water
filter as the water is very clean in this area. But CTC does not take any responsibility so
it is on your own to decide to use it or not).
7. Personal medicine.
8. Hut and glasses and sun cream.
9. Hard hats.
10.Raining clothes, warm jacket.
11.Small flash light or torch.
12.Small pocket knife.
13.Water bottle with handle or carabiner
14.Good trekking shoes are required. NO RIDING BOOTS. ONLY TREKKING SHOES
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