Martian Trails on Horseback

Your Georgian adventure begins the moment you arrive in Tbilisi, where our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you directly towards the remote, surreal landscapes of Udabno.

Leaving the city behind, the scenery gradually transforms — urban textures give way to open plains, and finally to the striking semi-desert terrain of eastern Georgia. This lesser-known region, bordering Azerbaijan, feels almost otherworldly — a place where silence, space, and raw nature take center stage.
Upon arrival in Udabno, settle into your charming, authentic guesthouse — your home for the coming days. Unlike traditional horseback expeditions, where camps shift daily, here you will enjoy the rare comfort of staying in one place, allowing you to explore freely without the burden of packing and transporting luggage.

In the evening, gather for a warm welcome dinner featuring homemade Georgian cuisine and local wine, as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Route

Included

After breakfast, we begin our first day on horseback, setting out across the vast, open desert landscapes that define this region. The terrain unfolds in soft waves of earth-toned hills, gradually revealing the dramatic, multicolored formations that give this area its “Martian” nickname.

Riding at a steady pace, with opportunities for trots and gallops, we approach one of Georgia’s most remarkable spiritual landmarks — the David Gareja Monastery Complex, carved into the rock in the 6th century.

Here, we dismount to explore on foot, stepping into a world where history, religion, and landscape merge seamlessly. The silence of the desert amplifies the atmosphere, offering a deeply immersive experience.
A scenic picnic lunch awaits in nature before we begin our return ride, capturing the shifting colors of the desert under the changing light.

By late afternoon, we return to the comfort of our guesthouse — a defining feature of this journey, allowing you to unwind without the demands of a moving expedition.

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Today’s route leads deeper into the wild heart of the region, where remote valleys and rugged ridgelines create a constantly evolving landscape.

As we ride, traces of the Soviet past emerge — abandoned collective farms scattered across the terrain, silent witnesses to a different era. These unexpected encounters add a striking historical contrast to the otherwise untouched wilderness.

Our destination is the John the Baptist (Natlismtsemeli) Monastery, dramatically set within the desert cliffs. The approach itself is a highlight, offering sweeping panoramic views across the semi-arid expanse.
After time to explore and absorb the atmosphere, we enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by raw, unfiltered nature before riding back toward Udabno.

As always, the day concludes with comfort, warm hospitality, and a relaxed evening at the guesthouse.

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Today’s ride showcases one of the most visually striking features of the region — the Mravaltskaro Colorful Mountains.

These formations, shaped by erosion over millennia, reveal layers of red, ochre, and ash tones, creating a landscape that feels more like a distant planet than Earth. Every turn offers a new composition, making this day particularly rewarding for photography and visual exploration.

With a slightly shorter riding duration, the experience becomes more relaxed, allowing time to fully appreciate the surroundings and enjoy a leisurely picnic in one of the most scenic locations of the journey.
Returning to Udabno in the afternoon, you’ll have time to unwind, reflect, and soak in the quiet rhythm of life in this remote corner of Georgia.

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We set off early for a longer and more immersive ride, traversing expansive plains and gradually transitioning into more varied terrain.

The journey leads us to the Mravaltskaro Reservoir, a hidden oasis within the desert landscape. The contrast between water and arid surroundings creates a striking visual balance — a rare and refreshing sight in this environment.

Along the way, the route passes remnants of abandoned farms, reinforcing the sense of isolation and timelessness that defines this region.

After a well-earned picnic in nature, we begin our return journey, riding through golden light as the desert shifts colors once again.

Back at the guesthouse, a hearty dinner and relaxed atmosphere await — the perfect end to a full day of exploration.

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Our final riding day takes us toward one of the most unique natural features of the region — the Salt Lake (Kapatadze Lake).

The ride itself is a journey through contrasts: open desert, carved valleys, and traces of human history scattered across the land. The presence of old Soviet-era farms once again reminds us of the shifting relationship between people and this harsh yet captivating environment.

Reaching the salt lake, the scenery transforms — pale, reflective surfaces and mineral textures create an almost surreal atmosphere, unlike anything else in Georgia.

After enjoying our final picnic in nature, we ride back to Udabno, completing our desert exploration.
The evening is dedicated to celebrating the journey — sharing stories, experiences, and the quiet satisfaction of having explored a truly off-the-beaten-path destination.

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Visited Attractions *

Included

After breakfast, we leave the desert behind and begin our return journey to Tbilisi by car.
As the landscapes gradually shift back from wild emptiness to urban life, you’ll carry with you the memories of vast horizons, silent valleys, and the freedom of exploring Georgia’s most remote terrains on horseback.

Arrival in Tbilisi and transfer to your hotel.

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Included