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Georgia Horseback Riding Tour Week, Caucasus Mountains

Georgia Horseback Riding Tour Week, Caucasus Mountains
Historic stone church in a Tusheti mountain village on a horseback riding tour in Georgia
Ancient defensive towers overlooking the Caucasus mountains in Tusheti, Georgia
Traditional Tushetian stone tower in the remote Caucasus mountains of Georgia
Horseback riders exploring a traditional Georgian mountain village in Tusheti

Join a unique horseback riding adventure week in Georgia and discover the gorgeous landscapes as well as the local Georgian villages and traditions. Enjoy riding on a wide variety of terrains, participate in milking cows or shearing sheep, and end a fantastic week in the Caucasus with a delicious wine tasting in Kakheti.

Private

Caucasus

8 Days

Jun - Sep

High

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Enjoy an 8-day horseback riding adventure in Georgia with a local guide.
  • Explore local landmarks and villages and participate in regional traditions.
  • Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes and culture of the Caucasus.
  • Wrap-up an amazing week with a wine tasting at the Kakheti vineyards.

Description

Join an unforgettable 8-day horseback riding tour in the Georgia mountains and explore the wild beauty of the Caucasus with a certified local guide. This immersive itinerary combines full-day rides through high mountain passes, authentic Tusheti villages, cultural encounters with shepherds, and nights in traditional guesthouses and tents. Perfect for intermediate riders looking for a challenging yet culturally rich equestrian experience, this Georgia horseback adventure delivers remote landscapes, local traditions, and a memorable wine tasting in Kakheti.

Located in the Caucasus, between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Georgia is a gorgeous country with much to offer its visitors. Picture-perfect landscapes for one, but also amazing traditions that are well-preserved in charming villages where locals welcome visitors with open arms. Historical landmarks and ruins, lovely vineyards, and delicious local cuisine make it a top spot for exploration.

On this 8-day tour, we will have the chance to experience the local charm and the stunning wilderness as we ride on horseback from one village to the next. As a local, I will be able to show you my favorite places as well as give you an insider’s perspective on our rich culture. Over the course of the tour, we will have the chance to sleep in local guesthouses, to meet the villagers, and participate in their customs and traditions. You might even get to do some milking! To wrap up an amazing week of horseback riding and exploration, we will enjoy a wine tasting in a family vineyard in Kakheti.  You can find a detailed itinerary below with an outline of the distances we will cover and what we will see each day.

Keep in mind that we will be riding several hours per day and there will be some difficult stretches. Therefore, this adventure is for experienced riders with a good fitness level. If you would like to join an easier program, please don’t hesitate to contact me and we may be able to arrange a different itinerary.

So, are you ready to experience the beautiful landscapes and traditions of the Caucasus? Then contact me now and let’s start planning an unforgettable Georgia horseback riding adventure!

I also offer Hiking tours in Georgia!

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Transport during the trip
  • Porters
  • Mules and horses
  • Tents
  • Sleeping pad
  • Cooking utensils

Price details

  • Tour price includes:
  • Welcome dinner at the traditional Georgian restaurant in Tbilisi
  • Full board during the tour (not in Tbilisi)
  • Wine tasting in Kakheti on day 8
  • All 4x4 transfers during the tour
  • Pack horses during the hiking part
  • Riding horses
  • 5 overnights at the guesthouses
  • 2 overnights in tents
  • English speaking guide (1 guide for 8 people)
  • Horse keepers
  • Tents and camping equipment (sleeping tents & mats, kitchen equipment)
  • Tour price excludes:
  • Alcoholic beverages during the tour
  • Sleeping bags
  • Tips
  • Souvenirs

Meeting point

Tbilisi

Itinerary

Day 1: Tbilisi – Pankisi Valley – Jokolo

After a two hour drive we get to Pankisi Valley  – probably the most misunderstood place in Georgia. After years trying to shake off an unwarranted bad reputation, the community is now embracing tourism as a way to set the record straight. As we get there we’ll have a traditional Kist lunch which is a great mix of Georgian and Chechen cuisine.

Overnight and dinner at a local family guest house.

Riding distance: 15km

Day 2: Pankisi Valley – Tbatana – Masara

After breakfast, we’ll be transferred to the village of Tbatana – summer pasture above tree level just an hour drive from Jokolo. Our tush horses will be ready and waiting for us, we will mount and head up to Rkinis Mta (Iron mountain) on the footpath. From time to time we’ll need to get off the horse and lead the horse. 

  • Lowest elevation: 1900m
  • Highest elevation: 2980m
  • Total riding distance: 17km

Difficulty: Difficult

Day 3: Masara – Alaznistavi – shepherds’ hut

After morning preparation, we will lead horses down to the river for about half an hour and head up to Sakorno Pass (2850m) to descend on the Tusheti side into Alaznistavi valley via the alpine green grassland full of colorful alpine flowers.

Overnight at shepherds’ hut in Alaznistavi in tents. It will be possible to participate in milking cows or watch sheep shearing if wanted. 

  • Lowest elevation: 1965m
  • Highest elevation: 2770m
  • Total riding distance: 16km
  • Difficulty: difficult

Day 4: Alaznistavi – Vestomta

From Alaznistavi we’ll continue following the river valley downwards until we reach Jvarbosli. After a nourishing lunch at the guesthouse, where we will spend the night, we’ll visit a small community of Tsovata 6km away from Jvarboseli (12km both ways). Participation in the second part is optional.

Overnight at the local Guesthouse. 

  • Lowest elevation: 1965m
  • Highest elevation: 2770m
  • Total walking distance: 18km
  • Difficulty: difficult

Day 5: Vestomta – Jvarboseli – Baso

Starting from Vestomta we spend every night in guest houses and hotels. Tushetian villages are scattered on the ridges or rocky hilltops. During our ride in Tusheti we will visit several of them. Some of the most outstanding are Farsma and Dartlo etc.

Overnight at the most beautiful guest house in Baso.

  • Lowest elevation: 1860m
  • Highest elevation: 2820m
  • Total riding distance: 26km
  • Difficulty: difficult

Day 6: Baso – Darto – Omalo

We will continue exploring Tusheti villages. We’ll ride through 4 villages following the Piriqiti river valley until we reach the village of Omalo – the central and the biggest village of Tusheti, where we will spend the night in a hotel. 

  • Lowest elevation: 1830m
  • Highest elevation: 2310m
  • Total riding distance: 26km
  • Difficulty: medium (mostly on the dirt road with some opportunities to canter)

Day 7: Omalo – Shenako – Diklo – Omalo

Shenako and Diklo are the villages located at the eastern border of Tusheti (Georgia). We’ll visit an old fortress of ancient Diklo at the border of Dagestan.

  • Lowest elevation: 1830m
  • Highest elevation: 2120m
  • Total riding distance: 24km
  • Difficulty: easy (on the dirt road)

Day 8: Transfer back to Tbilisi

We’ll be transferred to Tbilisi by 4×4 cars via Abano pass – the highest drivable pass in Europe.

After we get down to the lowland in Kakheti we’ll have lunch and wine tasting at the small family winery.

 

Details

Accommodation

This horseback riding tour in the Georgia mountains combines guesthouse stays with nights in tents for a balanced and immersive experience. Most nights are spent in local family-run guesthouses in Tusheti, where you enjoy home-cooked meals and simple, comfortable rooms. On the more remote stages, you will camp near shepherd huts or in alpine pastures, with tents and camping equipment provided. This mix of lodging offers both authentic cultural contact and memorable nights in the wild Caucasus landscape.


FAQs

Is this horseback riding tour in the Georgia mountains suitable for beginners?

No. This is an intermediate-level horseback riding tour designed for riders who already feel confident controlling a horse outdoors. The route includes steep ascents, rocky trails, and long days in the saddle—conditions that require balance, experience, and endurance. If you are a beginner or prefer an easier itinerary, the guide can suggest a more suitable program.

How many hours per day will we ride?

Expect 4 to 7 hours of riding per day, depending on the stage and altitude. Some sections require dismounting and leading your horse on foot, especially on steep or exposed mountain paths. Breaks, photo stops, and lunch pauses are included to keep the pace comfortable and safe.

Do I need previous mountain horseback riding experience?

Yes. While you don’t need to be an expert rider, you must be comfortable riding in natural terrain—handling a horse on uneven ground, narrow ridges, and long descents. Previous experience on multi-day rides or trail rides in mountainous areas is highly recommended for this Georgia horseback tour.

What is the accommodation like on this tour?

You will enjoy a mix of local guesthouses and nights in tents. Guesthouses offer traditional Georgian hospitality, home-cooked meals, and simple but comfortable rooms. Camping nights take place in remote pastures or near shepherd huts, allowing for a deeper immersion in Tusheti’s rural life. All camping equipment—except your sleeping bag—is provided.

Are the horses safe and adapted to mountain terrain?

Absolutely. Tushetian horses are strong, sure-footed mountain horses native to the Caucasus region. They are accustomed to steep slopes, rocky ground, and long distances. Your guide and dedicated horse keepers monitor the horses daily, adjust saddles and tack, and ensure they remain healthy and comfortable throughout the tour.

When is the best time for horseback riding in the Georgia mountains?

The ideal season is June to September, when the weather is more stable and high mountain passes are open. Early summer offers green meadows and mild temperatures, while late summer provides clear skies and excellent trail conditions. Outside these months, snow and road closures make riding in Tusheti very difficult or impossible.

What should I pack for a multi-day horseback riding tour in Georgia?

Bring comfortable riding pants, sturdy boots, warm layers for cool mountain evenings, a rain jacket, gloves, sun protection, and your own sleeping bag. A detailed packing list is provided after booking, and the guide can answer any gear questions before the tour.

How big are the groups on this horseback riding tour in Georgia?

Groups are intentionally kept small—usually 6 to 8 riders—to ensure safety, proper pacing, and a more personal experience with the guide and horses. Smaller groups also allow better interaction with local communities and smoother logistics on narrow mountain trails.

What type of food is served during the tour?

You’ll enjoy traditional Georgian meals prepared in guesthouses and by the support team during camping nights. Expect hearty dishes such as stews, fresh vegetables, cheese, homemade bread, and local specialties. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

Can my luggage be transported by car or horse?

Yes. Your main luggage is transported by 4×4 vehicle or pack horses, depending on the stage. You only carry a small daypack with water, layers, and personal essentials while riding.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Weather in the Caucasus mountains can change quickly. The guide will adapt the daily itinerary if needed, choosing safer or lower routes. Light rain does not stop the tour, but in case of severe storms or unsafe conditions, the group may wait, reroute, or transfer by vehicle.

What altitude will we reach on this Georgia horse trek?

The tour regularly reaches altitudes between 1,900 m and 2,900 m, with several mountain passes close to 2,800–2,950 m. The itinerary is designed with gradual progression to help riders acclimatize comfortably.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Betsy's Hotel Yerevan Armenia
Republica Hotel Yerevan Armenia
Metropol Hotel Yerevan Armenia

About the guide

Guide profile image

Tinatin

5.0

(10)

Hiking Guide

Hiking and horseback riding guide.

I'm Georgian, native Tushetian. As a girl, I lived in the main wine region of Georgia – Kakheti, spent every summer in Tusheti – outstanding and authentic mountain region for its location, ethno-culture and nature. In 2014 I became certified sightseeing guide and started guiding all over Georgia. The more I travelled and learnt about Georgia’s rich cultural landscape, the more I grew to love my home country.

In 2017 I got certifications in trekking and in 2019 in horseback riding guiding. My main purpose is to use my experience in adventure tourism and offer unpopular, least crowded and still least popular activities such as agro tours, equestrian trekking and many others. My passion is to share the many undiscovered and unspoiled regions that make Georgia so special, adventurous and worth to discover.

Languages

Georgian | English

Certificates

GMGA


What people are saying about this trip

Gillian

Tinatin was a brilliant guide. Always cheerful, well organised and professional, and also very knowledgeable about Georgia and it's history. She organised a memorable trip for us.


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