High in Georgia’s Caucasus, where stone towers guard steep valleys and clouds drift below the peaks, lie Tusheti’s last secluded villages – places where the road ends, and life follows the rhythm of the mountains.
This 11-day journey rides the trails of Tusheti. Over five days of riding, you will cross high mountain passes, deep valleys, and pathways that connect some of the most isolated communities in the Caucasus.
Tushetian horses—small, strong, and adapted to the rugged terrain – carry riders across river crossings and narrow ridges where roads do not reach. The journey follows a rhythm set by the land, requiring both patience and awareness. At times, riders will dismount and walk, allowing for a deeper understanding of the terrain.
Though the landscapes are dramatic, it is the encounters with Tush culture that make this experience distinct. From villages where only a few families remain year-round to sacred sites where pre-Christian beliefs endure, each stop reveals a way of life shaped by the mountains. As the days pass, the connection to both the land and the people deepens, making the return to the lowlands feel like stepping between worlds.
Tbilisi International Airport
Arrival in Tbilisi
Transfer to your hotel 3/4* located in the very old city.
Meet us at 9:30 am at Kopala Hotel or at your own accommodation for a journey into Kakheti, Georgia’s renowned wine and cultural region.
Our first stop is the Shuamta Monastery Complex, a site that harmoniously blends two historic eras. The Old Shuamta, with its three ancient churches dating back to the 6th-7th centuries, and the New Shuamta, a 16th-century nunnery, both showcase impressive, well-preserved frescoes.
Next, we head to Telavi, Kakheti’s vibrant heart. Here, we’ll wander through the lively local market, sampling Georgian specialties before enjoying a picnic-style lunch. From there, we journey to Tsinandali, a charming village known for the historic estate and winery of Alexander Chavchavadze, a 19th-century aristocrat, poet, and wine connoisseur. We’ll explore the elegant house and gardens, rich with stories from the past.
Our day continues with a visit to the Alaverdi Cathedral, a site once dedicated to pagan moon worship before it was built as a cathedral in the 6th century and later rebuilt in the 11th century. Rising to 51 meters, this cathedral is a hallmark of Georgian architectural heritage.
We conclude the day in Laliskhuri, a quaint village at the base of the Caucasus Mountains. Here, a welcoming Tush family will host us for dinner and an overnight stay, offering a warm glimpse into Georgian village life.
After breakfast, we embark in a 4WD vehicle toward the remote Tusheti region. The road, carved into rock after WWII, is a feat of engineering, leading us across the impressive Abano Pass at 2,926 meters. This pass serves as the natural border between Kakheti and Tusheti, offering panoramic views over both regions.
By early afternoon, we arrive in Omalo, Tusheti’s central village, nestled at 2,000 meters within the heart of Tusheti National Park. Here, you’ll have time to relax and take in the scenic surroundings offered by our guesthouse.
We’ll meet our horses either late this afternoon or the following morning to prepare for the journey ahead.
Today, we delve into the traditions of Tusheti, where pagan beliefs endured until the mid-20th century. Ancient altars remain, honoring gods like Otchopintre, the god of nature, and Elia, the god of weather. Until recent decades, many Tush people lived here year-round, preserving their rich cultural heritage.
We’ll spend the day riding through secluded villages, discovering Tusheti’s historical roots.
Weather permitting, we’ll ride along a stunning mountain crest toward Alaznis Tavi, reaching altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. The panoramic views here are truly breathtaking.
After our ride, we’ll return to Vestmo and spend the evening soaking in the beautiful surroundings of the village.
Today, we journey to a new village within the scenic Gometsari Valley. Our route takes us to Iliurta, one of the few villages in the region with a church, before continuing deeper into the valley. We ride up to Koklata, where beautiful panoramas over the valley await.
After our day’s ride, we settle into a charming guesthouse in the valley, complete with all conveniences.
Today promises a long and challenging ride, but the breathtaking views make it worthwhile. We ascend to the Naraicho Pass, sitting at 3,000 meters, which offers sweeping vistas of the Caucasus mountain range. On our way up, we pass a remote village where only two houses remain inhabited—a glimpse into the solitude of this rugged region.
After reaching the pass, we ride along the crest, taking in the incredible panoramas, before descending into the Pirikiti Valley. The final descent requires around 1.5–2 hours on foot, making it a strenuous but rewarding journey.
By evening, we arrive in Dartlo, a UNESCO-listed heritage village, where we’ll spend the night.
Riding Time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Trotting/Galloping: Not possible
On Foot: Around 2 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse with double or triple rooms, shared bathroom, and hot shower
Today, we ride up to the Ghele Pass, making our way to Upper Omalo, where we’ll visit the village and its historic fortress. After taking in the sights, we’ll walk down and continue on horseback to our final guesthouse in Omalo.
In the evening, we bid farewell to our horses, watching as they return freely to roam the valley.
Enjoy a final morning in Tusheti, taking some free time to soak in the beauty and tranquility of this unique region. Around 12–1 pm, we begin our drive back to Kakheti, arriving in Alvani by late afternoon.
In the evening, we’ll share a memorable dinner with local residents, experiencing their warm hospitality.
This morning, we begin our drive back to Tbilisi, arriving in the early afternoon. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Transfer to the airport.
Supporting the Tush Way of Life: By visiting these remote villages, you help sustain the unique culture of the Tush people, preserving their traditions and way of life.
Empowering Local Communities: Your journey directly supports local families by contributing to their livelihoods through tourism, helping maintain the vitality of these secluded communities.
Preserving Untouched Wilderness: This tour promotes sustainable travel practices, ensuring the pristine beauty of Tusheti’s rugged landscapes is protected for future generations.
Cover film recorded by Elsa Briault
Services :
1. Full board.
2. Equestrian material
3. Accommodation in a guesthouse in Alvani, in some traditional houses in guesthouses all the rest of the trek (alcoholic beverage are not included) 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 room (2 persons per room). For people who are willing to have a single room, there is an extra charge (40 euros/night), only possible in Tbilisi
4. 1 dinner in restaurant in Tbilisi (except alcoholic drinks) .
5. Car transfers in some private cars (Mercedes mini bus and 4WD).
6. Guides
From your side :
1. Airline ticket.
2. Full insurances compulsory
3. Alcoholic beverage
4. All entry fees during your free time.
5. Tips.
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 CE 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 (PANTS AND JACKET), warm jacket.
11. Small flash light or torch.
12. Small knife.
13. Water bottle with a hanker / carabiner
14. Good trekking shoes are required. NO RIDING BOOTS. ONLY TREKKING SHOES
1. The itinerary may change according to the mountains and weather conditions and at this season it occurs quite often that we have to modify the itinerary because of the pathway/weather/ consequences of the winter)
2. The airport transfers are only organised on the first day and the last day as written on the program. If you are planing to arrive or leave before (resp.after) the due date, the transfer is on your own. You can download the Bolt application or order a taxi at the airport.
3. The luggage will be carried in some precarious conditions. We are also not responsible for some damages which can occur
4. Except in Tbilisi, no possibility of single room.
5. At Alvani, we will give you 2 waterproof bags in which you should arrange your staff. You can leave the rest of your unneeded luggage there. The weight should also be reasonable. Our horse should carry all the staffs.
6. During the trek we have to be self sufficient as once the Kakheti region left we cannot find any shops.
7. We are cooking every day, typical Georgian food and Tush specialities. Our food is often coming from the local production.
8. In some of the guesthouses in Tusheti you can buy some biers and artefacts. So take some
money with you if you like to buy some. ATM and change office are everywhere in Tbilisi and
Telavi.
9. During the trek, ways down have to be walked.
10. We will go in a very secluded area and especially the first part of the trek. Some good physical and mental conditions are required. You have to take out an insurance to cover any accident, medical assistance and mountain rescue.
11. Mountain experiences are also recommended as some trails could sometimes be difficult.
12. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary if we judge for any reasons that the way is not safe enough. This decision will be taken by the main guide and should not be contradicted or discussed.
13. The horse trek is mainly done at low speed (at pace because of the difference in altitude and the type of soil). A few trots and canters are possible on the Tush village ride only.
14. ATTENTION : all products derived from Codeine molecules are strictly forbidden in Georgia. Please consult http://www.rs.ge/en/5982 as well as http://www.incb.org/documents/Psychotropics/guidelines/travel-regulations/2013-travellers-update/GEO_26_August_2014_Original_travellers_II_-_LTR_-_table.pdf
Tips : Do not even try to bring such drugs into Georgia. (codein/ tremadol)
Extend your stay in Georgia and definitely at least one more day in Tbilisi.
Ask for detail to arrange any other excursion in Svaneti, Kazbegi, additional overnights in Tbilisi in the same hotel.
Sales terms in case of trip cancelation
• Booking : Deposit 30% of the full amount
• For all booking 20% of the trip amount have to be paid.
• Between 60 days and 30 days : 30% of the total trip amount have to be paid.
• Between 29 days and 10 days : 50% of the total trip amount have to be paid.
• Between 9 days and the departure day : 100% of the total trip amount have to be paid.
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