Horseriding in Caucasus, Georgia

The Greater Caucasus expedition is always an adventure. The group rides through pathless tracts and sleeps at spots not mentioned on European maps. Hot water, electricity and mobile coverage aren’t that obvious and always available. In exchange for that, one can admire sailing eagles, drink water from streams and rest in the shade of mysterious stone towers.Tusheti is populated mainly by shepherds who spend July to October season there. During the rest of the year, the land is cut off from the rest of the world by valleys covered in deep snow. Life pace is different here. It’s slow and steady, which is something one should be prepared for. The locals are cordial and hospitable.

Highlights:
♦ Tbilisi - the capital of Georgia
♦ Abano Pass  - one of the most dangerous, yet most beautiful, roads in the world.
♦ The ruins of old Diklo
♦ Lake Oreti

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Itinerary: 

Day 1. Arrival in Tbilisi
All riders are picked up from the airport and taken directly to the hotel. Due to different arrival hours, no group activities are planned on that day. Riders are free to roam Tbilisi in their spare time.

Day 2. Tbilisi - Omalo
Right after breakfast a minibus will arrive at the hotel and take the group north-east, to Kvemo Alvani. The travel takes approximately 2 hours. Next, we’ll switch to cross-country/off-road vehicles and drive to Upper Omalo. It’s just 70 km, but it’s a 4-5 hour drive. The path runs through the Caucasus and Abano Valley (2836 m). It’s one of the most dangerous, yet most beautiful, roads in the world. We’ll reach our destination in the late afternoon.

Day 3. Omalo - Shenako - Diklo
In the morning, we will meet our horses, strap luggage to saddles and start our ride. First, we head to Shenako, a small village with a picturesque, old church. The path is wide and not too steep; a good place to test our horses. We will reach the ruins of old Diklo in the afternoon. The other side of the valley is already Dagestan. In between – a no man’s land.

Day 4. Diklo - Dartlo
That day, the group will have to make it through a mountain ridge. The path is scenic but hard. At times, riders will need to get off their horses and lead them through the most narrow or steep parts of the trail. Our destination is Dartlo, one of the most beautiful villages in Tusheti.

Day 5. Dartlo - Girevi
Starting in Dartlo, we’ll be riding west. The wide and firm path leads down the riverbank, which gives a chance to gallop a bit. Along the way, stone towers appear every once in a while. In the past days, those towers were used to pass fire and smoke signals. In the afternoon, we reach Girevi.

Day 6. Girevi - Tusheti
The group rides south towards a mountain pass. It’s the highest point during the trek, around 3000 meters above sea level. The air is noticeably thin, but the view rewards the effort. On the other side, we ride away from trails marked on maps and follow wild paths of Tusheti. We’ll stay for the night in one of the small, forgotten villages.

Day 7. Eagle path - Vestomta
We hack through wild places. Our horses will be eager to use paths beaten by shepherds. Tourists are quite unlikely here. Instead, if the weather allows for it, we’ll be able to see eagles. The trail runs above their nests. In the afternoon, we reach Vestomta.

Day 8. Vestomta - Hidden waterfalls - Vestomta
We leave our luggage in the mountain hut. Our path leads along the edge of the precipice. It’s winding, bumpy and spectacular. The group arrives at a wide, rapid stream. Riders may try themselves in fishing trout. It’s worth going up the stream – a waterfall is hidden behind offsets. In the evening, the group heads back to Vestomta.

Day 9. Vestomta - Loeli
We leave Vestomta and ride back to inhabited parts of Tusheti. The views are beautiful, we’ll also have a spot to gallop. The group stays for the night near Loeli.

Day 10. Loeli - Omalo
The group rides south-east. Our destination is one of the most beautiful places in Georgia – Lake Oreti. We’ll have lunch at the lake shore and ride one last time – to Omalo.

Day 11. Omalo - Tbilisi
After breakfast, we go back to Tbilisi by cars. Riders can rest a bit and hit the city centre for a walk and a dinner.

Day 12. Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure.

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Price Includes:
Accommodation in the Tbilisi hotel and guesthouses in Tusheti
Breakfasts in Tbilisi
Full alimentation in Tusheti (breakfasts,takeaway lunch during rests,supper)
Transfer to and from the Tbilisi airport (on the first and last day of the trek)
Transport from Tbilisi to Omalo and back
Local guides in Tusheti
A horse with full equipment
Tourist insurance covering high-risk sports

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Not Included:
Flight tickets to and from Georgia
In Tbilisi: meals other than breakfasts (a meal at a restaurant is 5-10 Euro)
Minor expenses (souvenirs,additional snacks,аdmission tickets,etc.)

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Gallery

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