Overview
- Ride through the untouched mountains of Tusheti, one of Europe's most remote regions
- Cross spectacular high mountain passes with breathtaking Caucasus panoramas
- Visit medieval villages including Shenako, Dartlo, Diklo, Farsma, Bochorna and Omalo
- Follow ancient horseback trails once used by Tushetian shepherds for centuries
- Experience authentic mountain hospitality in traditional family-run guesthouses
- Discover UNESCO-recognized cultural landscapes, medieval towers and living traditions
- Escape modern life while immersing yourself in pristine alpine nature
Far beyond the busy cities and tourist routes lies Tusheti, Georgia's most isolated mountain region — a place where medieval villages cling to dramatic cliffs, ancient stone towers watch over deep valleys, and horseback remains one of the most authentic ways to explore the landscape.
This seven-day horseback adventure has been designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of Tusheti without sacrificing comfort. Each day brings a new mountain pass, hidden valley, or centuries-old village, while every evening ends in the warm hospitality of traditional Tushetian guesthouses, where homemade meals and local traditions await.
Your journey follows historic trails that connected mountain communities long before roads existed. Ride across alpine meadows, through remote valleys and over spectacular passes, visiting iconic villages such as Shenako, Dartlo, Farsma, Bochorna, and Omalo. Along the way you'll encounter medieval fortresses, defensive towers, abandoned settlements and breathtaking viewpoints that reveal why Tusheti is considered one of the Caucasus' greatest treasures.
Unlike many horseback expeditions that rely on camping, this itinerary offers comfortable accommodation every night, allowing you to enjoy the wilderness while still relaxing after each day's ride. Local guesthouses provide an authentic glimpse into Tushetian life, where recipes, customs and traditions have remained remarkably unchanged for generations.
Although civilization feels wonderfully distant, this is not simply a horseback holiday. It is an immersion into one of Europe's last truly wild cultural landscapes—a region protected both for its extraordinary biodiversity and for the remarkable heritage of the Tush people, whose traditions continue to shape everyday life in these mountains.
The riding pace is generally relaxed, allowing both riders and horses to safely navigate mountain terrain while fully appreciating the spectacular scenery. There are opportunities for faster riding where conditions permit, but safety always remains the priority.
Gallery
Itinerary
- Tbilisi — Shenako
- Shenako — Diklo — Shenako
- Shenako — Dartlo
- Dartlo — Chesho
- Chesho — Jvarboseli
- Jvarboseli — Omalo
- Omalo — Tbilisi
Journey to the Kingdom Above the Clouds
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Tbilisi into one of the most remote and spectacular regions of the Caucasus. The journey follows winding mountain roads through Kakheti before climbing the legendary Abano Pass (2,826 m) — the only road connecting Tusheti with the rest of Georgia. The route itself is an unforgettable experience, offering dramatic mountain panoramas, deep gorges, waterfalls, and alpine meadows.
By late afternoon, arrive in Shenako, one of Tusheti's most beautiful villages, famous for its traditional stone houses, defensive towers, and the unique Holy Trinity Church overlooking the valley. Settle into your family-run guesthouse, enjoy a homemade Tushetian dinner, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this isolated mountain community.
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Ancient Fortresses and the Lost Village of Diklo
After breakfast, meet your horses and begin your first day in the saddle. Today's ride introduces you to the dramatic landscapes and medieval heritage that make Tusheti one of Europe's last great wildernesses.
Your route takes you across rolling alpine pastures to Aguerta, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Pirikiti Valley, before continuing toward Dotkalto, surrounded by untouched mountain scenery. The trail then leads to the impressive Diklo Fortress, an ancient defensive stronghold built to guard Georgia's northeastern frontier. From here, continue to the abandoned settlement of Old Diklo, where centuries-old stone towers and ruined houses stand as silent reminders of Tusheti's rich history.
Return to Shenako in the afternoon for another evening of authentic mountain hospitality.
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Crossing Sanare Pass to Medieval Dartlo
Leave Shenako behind and begin your ascent toward the beautiful Sanare Pass, where sweeping views reveal the vast mountain ranges and deep valleys of Tusheti National Park.
Crossing the pass, follow ancient shepherd trails to the tiny village of Chigho, one of Tusheti's most secluded settlements. Continue riding through breathtaking alpine scenery before reaching Dartlo, arguably the region's most iconic medieval village. Its beautifully preserved stone towers, slate-roofed houses, and cobbled pathways create one of Georgia's most unforgettable landscapes.
Spend the evening exploring the village before enjoying dinner at your guesthouse.
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Along the Legendary Villages of Pirikiti Valley
Today's ride follows the historic Pirikiti Valley, connecting several of Tusheti's most picturesque villages.
Begin with a climb to Kvavlo, dramatically perched on a steep hillside overlooking the valley below. Continue to Dano, a quiet settlement surrounded by breathtaking mountain panoramas, before descending toward Farsma, one of Tusheti's oldest inhabited villages, known for its distinctive defensive towers and traditional architecture.
Finish the day in the peaceful village of Chesho, where you'll enjoy another evening immersed in authentic Tushetian life.
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Crossing Nakaicho Pass: On the Roof of Tusheti
Today is one of the highlights of the expedition.
Leaving Chesho, the trail steadily climbs toward the magnificent Nakaicho Pass (2,800 m). As you gain altitude, panoramic views unfold in every direction, revealing endless ridgelines, dramatic valleys, and remote villages scattered across the landscape. This high mountain crossing offers some of the finest horseback riding scenery in all of Georgia.
After reaching the pass, descend into the tranquil village of Jvarboseli, a traditional Tushetian settlement surrounded by alpine pastures and ancient stone towers.
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Bochorna and Omalo: Into the Heart of Tusheti
Your final riding day explores the very heart of Tusheti.
Ride first to Dochu, a tiny mountainside village offering spectacular views across the surrounding valleys. Continue toward Bochorna, recognized as one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe at over 2,300 meters above sea level.
The journey concludes in Omalo, the cultural and administrative center of Tusheti. Before reaching your guesthouse, admire the iconic Keselo Fortress, whose stone towers have protected the valley for centuries and remain one of the symbols of the region.
Celebrate the completion of your horseback expedition with a traditional farewell dinner.
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Farewell to the Mountains of Tusheti
After breakfast, enjoy one final morning surrounded by the pristine beauty of Tusheti before beginning the return journey to Tbilisi.
Cross the spectacular Abano Pass once again, taking in the final views of Georgia's most remote mountain region before descending into Kakheti and continuing back to the capital.
Arrive in Tbilisi in the evening, bringing your unforgettable Tushetian horseback adventure to a close.
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Included
Our tour program's list of attractions is a guide, not exhaustive. Unlisted sites may be visited, and listed ones might be viewed from a distance. Conditions like operating hours, weather, or local rules may affect access. Thank you for your understanding.
Brochure
Want the Full Story on Reins of Freedom?
More than just a PDF, this brochure is your first step into the journey. It includes practical travel tips, what to pack, how to prepare, and a visual experience that brings Reins of Freedom to life.
