Tusheti National Park Trail
Follow ancient trails once traveled by traders, warriors, and nomads as you ride across dramatic high mountain passes, through lush alpine meadows, and along rugged river valleys.
This journey is a deep dive into the wild heart of the Caucasus full of breath-taking views whether you’re galloping across open plateaus or trekking up the winding mountain paths of the Tusheti National Park. The pace on these trails is walk, canter and gallop where the terrain allows and you'll be riding between 4 and 7 hours a day. Please note that the trail is open to less experienced riders who are supported by additional mountain guides. On faster sections, the less experienced/confident riders can stay back with some of the guides while those happy to go faster go on ahead.
- Ride through the remote Caucasus mountains of Tusheti and Khevsureti
- Follow ancient trading and nomad routes across high mountain passes
- Experience long riding days through alpine meadows and river valleys
- Enjoy a mix of steady riding, canters and optional faster sections
- Stay in simple mountain guesthouses with authentic Georgian hospitality
- Sample traditional home-cooked food and local Georgian wine
itinerary
Day 1
Your adventure begins with an early departure from Tbilisi at 7:00 AM. Travel to Tusheti via the Abano Pass, stopping for lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Omalo, visit the visitor centre to explore a small museum and learn about Tusheti. In Upper Omalo, you can tour the Keselo Castle Towers before checking into the hotel for the evening. Dinner will feature traditional Tushetian and Georgian cuisine.
Day 2
After breakfast in Omalo, we ride to Shenako to visit its historic 19th-century St. George church. From there, we continue to Diklo Fortress, dramatically overlooking Dagestan, before reaching the remote village of Ageurta for dinner and overnight in a family guesthouse.
Day 3
Day 3 takes us on a 22 km ride (6–7 hours) from Ageurta over the Tutareki Pass (2,800 m), where sweeping mountain views unfold before us. From the pass, we descend into the quiet village of Chigo, before continuing on to Dartlo, renowned for its stone towers and UNESCO-recognized medieval architecture. We end the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy guesthouse in Dartlo.
Day 4
After breakfast, we get on our horses and start following a steep ancient trail from Dartlo up to the hilltop village of Kvavlo. From there, we continue through the quiet hamlets of Dano and Chesho, before reaching Girevi, the last inhabited village before the wild highlands begin. Dinner and overnight stay await us in a family guesthouse in Girevi.
Day 5
Today is a long ride (7–8 hours), taking us across the dramatic Nakaicho Pass (2,900 m) with breathtaking alpine views. From the heights, we descend through the remote villages of Dadikurta, Verkhovani, and Jvarboseli, before reaching Alisgori, a settlement tucked deep in the Tushetian wilderness. We spend the night in a guesthouse or tented camp, with dinner served on arrival.
Day 6
After breakfast, we set out on a 5–6 hour ride (18–20 km), following a scenic trail through Beghela and across the Dochu Pass. The path leads us past Bochorna, officially the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe at 2,345 m. By evening, we return to Omalo, where dinner and a cozy guesthouse stay await.
Day 7
The following morning, after breakfast in Omalo, we begin the long drive back to Tbilisi (280 km, 8–10 hours). A lunch stop is included along the way before reaching the capital, marking the end of your Tusheti adventure.
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Tusheti National Park Trail
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
The terrain is very rugged and remote requiring a good level of physical fitness from all participants. There are some long hours of riding (7 hours on some days) and this is also on challenging terrain. The maximum weight is 120 kilos.
Tato, a former diplomat, fell in love with Tusheti over a decade ago and never looked back. Leaving behind city life, he fully dedicated himself to Tusheti and Vashlovani, their people, and their traditions. He quickly realised that horses offered a unique way of exploring these remote national parks and set up riding trails to showcase the beauty of the area.
A certified mountain guide with a lifelong passion for horses, he grew up riding through the mountains, learning every trail, river, and hidden corner. Tato now works alongside his wife, introducing travelers from around the world to the magic of the Tusheti and Vashlovani National Parks.
Group size 4-15
The horses on this trail are primarily the Tushetian horse breed, a hardy and surefooted mountain breed native to the region. These horses are well-adapted to the rugged, high-altitude terrain, known for their endurance, agility, and resilience.
Tushetian horses are typically small to medium-sized, standing around 13.3 to 15 hands high. They have strong legs, sturdy hooves, and excellent stamina, making them ideal for navigating steep mountain paths and river crossings. Despite their compact build, they are powerful and capable of carrying riders for long distances over challenging terrain.
These horses are known for their calm temperament, intelligence, and ability to handle rough conditions, making them the perfect companions for these trails
The tack used on this trail is traditional Georgian mountain saddles, which are lightweight, utilitarian affairs constructed from a solid wooden tree or frame. To ensure comfort over long 6-to-7-hour riding days, a thick, cushioned pad or pillow is securely strapped over this wooden base. The bridles are equally simple and robust, typically fitted with basic snaffle bits and crafted from traditional rawhide or heavy leather designed to handle the steep, narrow, and technically demanding mountain terrain. Additionally, because this is an authentic expedition-style trek, riders are provided with basic pack equipment, but are expected to actively participate in the daily grooming and saddling of their own horses.
Price includes
- 6 nights accommodation (guesthouses or hotel)
- 5 days riding (4-7 hours per day)
- Full board
- Professional Guide & Horsemen
- Transfers from/to Tbilisi
- Homemade wine, chacha & soft drinks
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Accommodation before or after the trail
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
Accommodation on this trail is in family guesthouses except for one night in a hotel in Omalo. Rooms are simple but clean and comfortable.
This is an all inclusive trail so includes breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. You can also sample local Georgian wine with many of the evening meals!
Tusheti National Park Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Flights and transfers.
Do not book your flights until you have received the confirmation email from saddletravel.com
Flight and transfer information
- Tbilisi (TBS)
- Arrival time: You should fly into Tbilisi Airport the day before the trail begins, as departure from Tbilisi is at 07:00 on Day 1. We recommend an overnight stay in Tbilisi to allow for a smooth start to the ride.
- Departure time: On the final day, return to Tbilisi in the late afternoon/early evening. We recommend staying overnight in Tbilisi before onward travel the following day.
The single supplement is available upon request and subject to availability. We cannot guarantee a solo room.