Horse Riding Loop to Explore Entire Tusheti

At 9:00 a.m., you’ll depart from Tbilisi, driving through the Gombori Pass towards Kakheti, the renowned wine region of Georgia. There will be a short stop at the Telavi Bazaar to experience the local culture. From there, you’ll continue through Alaverdi and Pshaveli, taking the adventurous mountain pass road to the Abano Pass. Afterward, you’ll proceed to Omalo, the main village of Tusheti, where you’ll stay in a cozy local family hotel.

The journey will take from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with several small breaks and stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and explore. The total route from Tbilisi to Omalo is approximately 200 km.

In the morning, you’ll be introduced to your horse. Today’s ride serves as an introduction, designed to help you connect with your horse and ease into the journey. While it isn’t a long ride, it leads you through scenic areas that offer a preview of Tusheti’s natural beauty.

Arriving in Shenako, you’ll find beautiful trails perfect for a canter, winding through green meadows and pastures where local animals graze. Shenako itself is a fascinating blend of tradition and nature. Here, you’ll see one of the few Christian churches in Tusheti, a region largely influenced by pagan beliefs. Nearby stands a Chati, a pagan temple adorned with animal antlers—a symbol of Tusheti’s deep-rooted customs.

Next, you’ll ride to Diklo, a village known for its unique architecture. The houses here feature beautiful wooden balconies, a style that gained popularity in the 19th century.

After a snack break, you’ll continue through dense woodlands to reach the Old Diklo Fortress. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, this once formidable stronghold sits strategically along the Russian border. From its heights, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views that extend to Chechnya on the left and Dagestan on the right, revealing the vast, rugged landscapes of the region.

Enjoy a beautiful day ride from Diklo through Chigo and onward to Dartlo. In Chigo, you’ll encounter large flocks of sheep guarded by massive shepherd dogs, whose barking doesn’t faze the horses at all.

Dartlo, one of Tusheti’s most famous and sizable villages, is notable for its numerous fortresses and defense towers, which have been restored with World Bank funding since 2010.

Some of Tusheti’s most iconic and tallest defense towers are located in Dartlo

Route length 16 km

Overnight stay in a family hotel in Dartlo.

You’ll begin by riding up to Kvavlo, an isolated summer village chosen for its defensible position during the frequent summer raids from the northern tribes —offering more safety than Dartlo below. From here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the rugged mountains and deep gorges surrounding you. The ride continues to the neighboring village of Dano, and descend down to Chesho, where you can enjoy a thrilling canter across meadows and cross several small rivers on horseback. Here, nestled in a curve of the Pirikiti Alazani River, you’ll take a restful break and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay near Parsma in the tiny settlement of Baso, which consists of only two houses and a fortified tower.

Route length 17 km.

This day’s ride takes you from Parsma across the rushing river to the high Nakaicho Pass, which stands at 2,950 meters and links Gometsari and Pirikiti Tusheti. The landscape here shifts dramatically, with dense forests, few inhabitants, and the tranquil, nearly deserted valley of Tusheti Alazani. In this peaceful area, you might spot hunting falcons and, with a bit of luck, even massive vultures gliding overhead. 

Route length 18 km. 

Overnight in Alisgori.

Today’s ride takes you to Bochorna, the highest permanently inhabited village in Georgia at 2,345 meters. Here lives the village's dedicated family doctor, Irakli, who, even in winter, runs on foot to Omalo to treat patients in emergencies. For severe cases, he can call a helicopter from Tbilisi by radio.

In Old Omalo, you’ll have the chance to visit a restored Tushet tower house, offering a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. In the afternoon, it’s time to bid farewell to the horses you’ve surely grown fond of over the journey.

The route covers 27 km, and you’ll spend the night in Omalo.

You’ll return via the Abano Pass, heading back to Tbilisi through the scenic Kakheti region. If you’d like, we can coordinate with the group to organize a wine tasting and lunch in Kakheti after descending from the mountains, available for an additional fee.

The journey from Omalo to Tbilisi is about 200 km