This is the real travel adventure with local people and culture, in the same way as they lived centuries ago.
Some of the challenges we’ll face are limited resources, bad weather conditions, and poor infrastructure, no shower for about 3 days. But it will be compensated with an exceptional experience of being honored guest of Tush shepherds, participating in one of their most important activities and see how they handle the life in the wilderness, how they trust, support and need, not only each other but also their animals to survive. This is their habit, their behavior, it doesn’t seem special to them and don't even realize how devalued and almost lost it is in the modern civilized lifestyle.
During the tour, we’ll be walking together with the sheep herd, sometimes making them walk, sometimes just following and letting them graze. Day distances vary from 15 to 23km per day but starting from the farm until Tbatana (Day 7) we never beat the road. We’ll herd the flock of about 1000 sheep together with the 4 Tushetian shepherds, about 10 Caucasian shepherd dogs, and pack horses, that carry our luggage (upon request it is also possible to organize horses for guests to ride).
Important Note: this activity is not an ordinary tour, we’ll be participating in a centuries-old working activity, so we’ll have to follow a real process that can not be to our needs and preferences. But there might be some unexpected changes to the itinerary, there might be some days when we walk just 10km, and some days when we walk up to even 25-28 km. So it’s very important that you are very fit hikers and acceptable & open for these changes.
From Tbilisi, we’ll drive to the Kakheti region, Telavi – the former capital of the kingdom of Kakheti nestled at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. After visiting the bazaar will continue to Tusheti by driving across Abano pass - one of the highest drivable mountain roads passes in Europe (2900m). Overnight in Omalo at a local family hotel.
Distance by car - 190km
From Omalo we’ll be transferred to our hosts’ farm. After setting up our tents we’ll explore Tsovata valley.
Early In the morning we’ll count our flock and let them slowly go grazing towards Alaznistavi with the autumn colorful views of birch forests and alpine meadows.
By the end of the day, we’ll arrive at Alaznistavi hut.
Another early morning departure: by 8 am we’ll be prepared and follow the flock towards Tsiplovana across Sakorne pass (2840m)
From the camp, we’ll follow the flock up along the footpath to Masara pass, (the word Masara means Chamonix in Tsova tush language), and camp by the river.
The last day of our shepherding experience. In the morning we ascend again to Sakisto pass (2560m) and continue on the ridge until we reach Tbatana where we spend last night together with our hosts and have goodbye dinner with them.
Overnight in tents
In the morning we’ll drive to the small family winery for wine tasting, visit Alaverdi monastery and drive back to Tbilisi.
Distance by car - 145km
| Package | Trip Status | Price PP In a Group |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed Dates | Min.participant Number 3p / Max.participant Number 5p | 3 -5 People Group |
| October | Bookable | €1680 |
Tour price includes:
Tour price excludes
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