Kakheti Horse Drive

Introduction
Georgia Georgia
Twice a year, Tush people collect their livestock and move them from winter to summer pasture (or reverse). It is the lifestyle that their ancestors have lived for centuries. However, every year more and more people leave their traditional way of life and go to the big cities. Join our horse drive to discover this unique way of life and connect with nature

During this riding tour, you will cross stunning landscapes and valleys of two completely different national parks (Vashlovani National Park & Tusheti National Park) at the Northern and Southern edges of the Kakheti region. Ride across grain fields, vineyards, villages and the great Caucasus Mountains. You will not only admire breath-taking landscapes but also experience the genuine Tush nomadic way of life, which is part of our ancient history and culture.

You will be riding with a free running herd of horses from the semi-desert area of Vashlovani to the summer pastures in the mountains of Tusheti. Endless, unspoiled nature awaits you and your horse, with huge glaciers shimmering at the horizon, far from all tourist crowds.
In addition to your days on horseback, you and your fellow riders will go on an exclusive sightseeing tour to some of the most famous attractions in the Kakheti region.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so you will be staying in a mixture of guesthouses and camping.
During the tour, all luggage will be loaded in one of the 4x4 cars and transferred to the overnight accommodation or campsite.

Description
You will spend 4 nights in tents and 4 nights in guesthouses. Most of the guesthouses have Wi-Fi access and bathrooms are usually shared.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Camp in Vashlovani Nature Reserve
Night 2 Camp in Dedoplistskaro
Night 3: Camp in Kitaani 
Night 4 & 5: Guesthouse in Alvani 
Night 6: Camp in Abano
Night 7: Guesthouse in Omalo
Night 8: Guesthouse in Tusheti

Camping
We provide tents (2p or 3p MSR Elixir) and non-inflatable sleeping mats. You need to bring your own sleeping bags.
We carry a shower tent (cold water). Because our camps are set up in the wilderness, there are no washrooms and you will need to dig a hole in the ground.

Room Occupancy
In case solo riders are willing to share a room the single supplement can be waived.


Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 9.

Alcoholic drinks are not included but you are welcome to bring your own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Riding Pace & Terrain
When riding through wheat fields and vineyards, the pace will be mostly at a trot, canter, and sometimes even gallop. As soon as we start ascending towards the mountains, the pace will be slower (mostly at a walk).

Horses
We use Tushetian Horses – a relatively small breed measuring between 140-150 cm. They are friendly, easy-going, surefooted, trustworthy, tamed and used to walk long distances on mountainous rocky footpaths as well as in the semi-desert of Vashlovani NP.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Note: This itinerary is an example of the itinerary planned but it is only an example and may be changed at your guides discretion if they consider changes necessary due to weather or other local conditions. The described itinerary is for the spring drive from winter pasture (Vashlovani National park) to the summer pastures of Greater Caucasus Mountains (Tusheti). The Autumn drive is exactly the same in reverse.

Note that it is sometimes possible to customize the program upon special request (price will be calculated accordingly).

Day 1: Arrival
After being picked up from Tbilisi you are transferred to Dedoplistskaro (about 4 hours drive), where you have some time for lunch and to visit the local bazaar.
Then, we will register everyone at the Visitors’ Centre of Vashlovani Nature Reserve.
This afternoon, you will go on a 2 hour introductory ride.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Vashlovani Nature Reserve

Day 2: Vashlovani Horse Farm to Dedoplistskaro
We start the day by gathering up the herd. You can sense the happiness of the free-running horses as we are heading towards the highland. Our ride takes us through the grain fields of Shiraki plain which is considered as the "barn of Georgia". The terrain is soft and you’ll enjoy cantering along the road between the wheat fields. Breath-taking view of the greater Caucasus mountain range lie beyond the wheat fields.
Riding approx. 50 km (5 hrs)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Dedoplistskaro

Day 3: Dedoplistskaro to Kitaani
After leaving camp, we ride alongside the villages of Kakheti (Ozaani, Arboshiki, Anaga, Kitaani...), Georgia's primary wine region.
Riding approx. 55 km (7 hrs)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Kitaani

Day 4: Kitaani to Alvani
This will be our last day riding among the beautiful vineyards and lowland villages. We finish the day with an exciting sightseeing tour of Alaverdi monastery.
Riding approx. 55 km (7 hrs)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse in Alvani

Day 5: Sightseeing (no riding)
Today, the horses will rest before we start heading to the mountains. This is the perfect opportunity for us to explore some historical and cultural sites of the region. In the morning we'll visit Ikalto and Alaverdi monasteries. In the afternoon we'll have late lunch and wine tasting at a small family winery.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse in Alvani

Day 6: Alvani to Abano
After breakfast, we leave our guesthouse and head towards the mountains, riding along the banks of the Stori River. 
Riding approx. 45 km (7 hrs)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Abano

Day 7: Abano to Omalo
We start the day by ascending towards the highest drivable pass in Europe: Abano pass (2930 m). As we move higher, the landscape gets rougher. We can see how the vegetation is changing into lush green colors, created by rich soil and water.
We take our lunch break at Abano pass. Then, we start our descent towards Tusheti, a truly fascinating and mystical place. While descending from the pass, we will have to dismount and lead our horses.
It is a peaceful and beautiful experience to see the horses enjoy their freedom as we leave them on the Omalo Plateau and continue our trip with our riding horses. Tonight, we stay in Omalo village.
Riding approx. 35 km (6 hrs)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse in Omalo

Day 8: Tusheti Valley
Today's ride lets us discover one of the valleys of Tusheti. After exploring Shenako and Diklo villages we will head back to Omalo. Tonight, we enjoy a goodbye dinner with the farmer and his crew.
Riding approx. 25 km (6 hrs)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse in Tusheti

Day 9: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to Tbilisi (approx. 6-hour drive).
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch



Non riders
Non riding companions are welcome to join this tour and will follow the riders in the support vehicle. Please inquire about rates (non riding activities not included).

Rates and Dates for Kakheti Horse Drive

Dates Note: Departures can sometimes be confirmed with less than 3 pax (small group supplement applies)

Other Info
Meeting: Tbilisi
Airport: Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
Transfer: Tbilisi Airport

Climate:
                                                    Telavi area