Gallop through the past

Horse-riding Tour in the Caucasus Mountains

After visiting the Georgian capital of Tbilisi we drive to the centre of wine making province of Kakheti – the town of Telavi at the foot of the Caucasus range. Then transfer to four wheel drive for the exhilarating seventy kilometres journey over the Abano Pass (2926 m) to the Tusheti Valley.

In this part of the world, a horse is not just the most important means of transportation; it is a best friend in high mountains. There are special songs and toasts about great horses and all the festivals are followed by the wild horse race.

From our base in the mountain village of Shtrolta, we start our journey through the past on horseback, staying overnight in farmhouses along the way. You will meet local people who speak different dialects and observe different traditions – a fascinating mix of Christianity and mountain religions and myths. Throughout your trip you will enjoy the unique hospitality for which Georgia is legend.

Better to see it once with your own eyes then hear about it a hundred times!

DRAFT ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Guided sightseeing tour of Tbilisi . Dinner in a traditional city restaurant. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 - Drive to David Gareji semi desert area. After guided excursion, outdoor picnic lunch nearby the monastery complex. Then continue east to Kakheti province. Enjoy traditional Kakhetian cuisine & local wine at guesthouse.
Day 4 - Journey over the Abano Pass via 4x4 vehicles towards Tusheti Valley . Overnight in Strolta.
Day 5 - Ride through to Omalo to Shenako (6 hours), with a stop for picnic lunch en-route. Overnight
Day 6 - Luxury riding in the area of Shenako. Possible trout fishing in crystal waters of Pirikita Alazani River . Afternoon return to farmhouse for dinner & overnight.
Day 7 - After 3-4 steady hours climbing mountain paths, ride across the Sonekhi Pass and descend to Chigho village, renowned for its Lasharoba Festival. Then down via Dartlo to Chesho Village for overnight.
Day 8 - Follow up the Pirikita Alazani River to the last populated village Girevi. Stop to visit village Parsma, then return to Chesho for overnight.
Day 9 - Ride through wooded path to upper Omalo village, then continue to Shtrolta, where our journey into the past begins.
Day 10 - Return to Alvani by our 4x4 for lunch, then on to Tbilisi via minibus. Farewell dinner at one of Tbilisi `s traditional restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Free day or optional excursion.
Day 12 - Departure

GENERALThis program provides package service. The season for this trek starts from beginning of July and continues until mid October.
Accommodation & Meals:Hotel/BB (4 nights), guesthouse HB (1 night), wooden farmhouses FB (2 nights), village houses (4 nights)
In farmhouses of Tusheti and guesthouse of Telavi the food will be prepared by hosts with local organic products.
Mode of travel: coach/FWD/horses/on foot.
Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader, driver (s), assistant, and some local guides.
Group size: up to 12 participants (please ask for details in case of larger group).