When you think of Georgia, the first image that comes to mind is of green mountain passes eyes . This expedition with long riding stages starting in the Tusheti National Park takes you right there: High mountains, deep river valleys, mountain lakes, picturesque alpine pastures where large herds of animals graze and typical villages where you spend the night in guesthouses. With riding stages of up to 32 km in sometimes difficult terrain, this ride is just the thing for all mountain fans who love adventure and want to get to know a new culture. Culinary delights are not neglected either: when you reach the vineyards at the end of the ride, a wine tasting is a must!

Itinerary

Day 1: Meeting in Tbilisi in the morning and drive to the Kazbegi region. On the way to Kazbegi you will visit Ananuri Fortress - a XVI-XVIII century fortress with towers and churches, as well as a viewpoint near Jvari Pass. After arrival and lunch, visit the "Gate to the Caucasus" in Dariali and the Gveleti waterfalls. Overnight stay in the guesthouse in Stepantsminda.

Day 2: In the early morning, you will drive to Gergeti to visit the Holy Trinity Church. Then head to village Juta, where you will meet the horses and guides and go on your first ride towards the Chaukhi Mountains and a picturesque alpine lake at the foot of the mountain. Overnight stay in the guesthouse in Juta. Riding time approx. 4 hours.

Day 3: After breakfast, you reach the border checkpoint near Juta and continue to the Arkhotistavi Pass through the Snostskali River Valley. You cross the pass (3280 m) and have lunch at the foot of the pass. Overnight stay in the guesthouse in Akhieli. Approx. 28km riding distance.

Day 4: Today's route starts at village, then leads into the deep river valley and climbs up to the Kalotana Pass. From the pass to ride you continue along the ridge until you reach the Bogovacho Pass. The riding route follows the main Caucasus ridge and is characterized by breathtaking panoramic scenery, although the bridleway follows the paths cut through the eroded steep slope sections. From here you begin the descent to your destination - village Roshka. You should be free from giddiness for this tour. Approx. 6 hours at saddle. Overnight stay in the guesthouse in Roshka.

Day 5: After breakfast in the late morning, make your way to the Abudelauri Lakes via the path that leads up to the Chaukhi rock massif. At the foot of the rock massif are the Abudelauri Lakes, the green, blue and white alpine lakes. After a lunch break and some relaxation, the route continues downhill. From the lakes to ride you continue to village Roshka. Approx. 6 hours. Overnight stay in the guest house.

Day 6: On today's ride you will discover various abandoned and dilapidated villages in the region of Khevsureti Blo, Tsinkhadu, Ukakhadu, Atabe, Batsaligo and a few more until you reach your destination of Gudani. Approx. 30km. Overnight stay in the guesthouse in Gudani.

Day 7: You to ride continue along the Gudani ridge towards the Datvijvari Pass. The whole ride goes over the less steep ridge adorned with alpine meadows to the Datvijvari Pass. After the break on the pass to ride you continue over the ridge that separates the regions of Pshavi (south) and Pirikita Khevsureti (north), so that you have great views of both regions during the ride. The destination is Kopala-lake - an alpine lake, which lies at 2760m above sea level at the foot of the Borbalo Pass. Overnight stay in tents. Riding distance approx. 32km in challenging terrain.

Day 8: The morning view from the tents here is even more breathtaking than the evening view. You still have a long day ahead of you and make your way to the Borbalo Pass (3030m), which separates the Tuseti region from the Khevsureti and Phshavi regions. Hundreds of animals graze on the surrounding steppes: Cows, horses, goats and sheep, while the horizon is lined with white shepherd's yurts and high peaks in the distance. Overnight stay in tents. Riding distance approx. 24km.

Day 9: You leave Alaznistavi and to ride continue towards the villages of Tusheti. After a few hours' ride, you will reach the Gometsarivalley, to rear descend along the riverbank and reach your destination for the day, Jvarboseli. The day will be relatively short and you will have time to relax after the long days of riding and camping. Approx. 4 hours at saddle.

Day 10: You will not start as early as usual. The riding part of the day is quite short. It is more the day to explore the villages in Pirikitivalley . First we go up to the Nakaicho Pass, then down into the Pirikitivalley to the target village of Baso. After lunch we ride on to visit the upper villages of the valley. Riding time approx. 5 hours. Overnight stay in the guesthouse in Baso.

Day 11: During the course of the day, you will visit the villages of Parsma, Chesho, Dano, Kvavlo and the destination village of Dartlo, which stands out with its medieval architecture and fortified towers. After arriving in Dartlo, you have some free time to enjoy the village and relax.

Day 12: On this riding day, you will cross another pass at 2,480 m and explore more villages in a different valley, the Chaghma-valley of Tusheti. Different architecture, different settlements, different atmosphere and more people. At the end of the day you will reach village Shenako. Overnight stay in the local guesthouse. Approx. 28km in saddle.

Day 13: Today you explore the village Omalo, visit the Keselo towers and to ride to the visitor center, overnight stay in Omalo. 

Day 14: You start to ride from forest near Tsokalta. The first part goes through the forest and is quite steep. After three hours of riding you reach a lake. After lunch, you return to Omalo. It is possible to hike or to ride in the alpine zone, but the forest descent should be done on foot (about 45 minutes downhill). After returning to the passable route, you will be picked up by a jeep and taken back to the hotel. Approx. 19km on horseback.
 
Day 15: Early in the morning, to rear you get into the jeep and drive towards the lowlands of Kakheti - Georgia's most important wine region. After a four-hour drive over the Abano Pass (2840 m), you will reach one of the small family wineries, where you will have lunch and a wine tasting. After lunch, you will need another 2 hours to drive to Tbilisi. Return flight in the evening or extra night.

Accomodation
You will spend most of your nights in simple rooms in local guesthouses, some with shared bathrooms. You will spend two nights in a tent.

Saddle & Tack: Local saddles and tack.

Experience: ou should have a few years of riding experience, as the terrain is sometimes quite difficult and you have to be able to lead and handle the horses. The riding days are also quite long and require a good level of fitness, and the horses are occasionally led downhill.

Horses: Local breed, height approx. 142 to 1.50m.

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