1.WHAT'S THE PLAN? 7 days of adventure, including 4 days of hiking and a day of horse riding (optional).
2.WHY TUSHETI? It's a remote mountainous area where small groups of villagers have maintained their traditions and way of life for centuries. The region is accessible by only one road, which is only open during the summer months. In winter, these regions become completely cut off from civilization and people prudently leave their homes and go down to neighboring areas. In some areas of the region there is no electricity supply or even cellular communications. This truly wildness allows you to merge with nature, feel the history of these places and experience tranquility. There are horses in Tusheti, and they help us on the expedition, so we can hike lightweight.
3. WHY THE ATSUNTA PATH? We believe the trekking route to Tusheti through the Atsunta Pass is the only right way to discover all the charm of Tusheti and realize how unique this region is. The path is developed enough to be comfortable and safe, but still uncrowded to enjoy solitude and connection with nature.
4.WHICH DIRECTION? The route is also known as the trek from Omalo to Shatili. We have done this expedition many times in both directions, and we are convinced that the start from Shatili is the only correct way. We have been doing this trek every summer since 2015, and we know how much more vivid the impressions are when you hike to Tusheti, rather than leaving it.
5. ESSENTIAL HIGHLIGHTS: ⭐ Enjoy an unique hiking adventure in the Greater Caucasus mountain range ⭐ Explore the rural life of both the most remote regions of Georgia ⭐ Visit Shatili – Medieval Fortress Village ⭐ Spend two nights away from any settlements, where only wildlife and nothing else ⭐ Cross the Atsunta pass at an altitude of 3,500 m (11,500 ft) ⭐ Take a full-day horseback ride (optional) ⭐ Taste a variety of dishes prepared by locals from organic home grown food.
6. WHEN ARE WE GOING? Atsunta pass is open from the first week of July until mid-September. We try to do 3-4 expeditions each summer so you have more options to join and enjoy this unique adventure.
7. WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE? Daytime temperature: 15° – 22°C (60°- 72°F). Nighttime temperature: down to +8°C (46°F). You need to be prepared for hot weather, as almost the entire route passes through the alpine zone, these are open spaces without much vegetation, and therefore without shade. But the cool mountain air makes the hike much more comfortable. You also need to be prepared for a rainy day, rain is always possible in the mountains.
8. WHERE WE ARE STAYING? We spend 4 nights in guest houses, in twin rooms, with shared hot shower and delicious home-cooked meals (dinners and breakfasts). We also spend two nights back to back in a tent camps in two-person tents, with a hot dinner and breakfast.
9. ITINERARY:
Day 1. Transfer Tbilisi – Shatili – Ardoti Our jeeps will be ready to pick everyone up at the meeting point at 8am. The trip will take 5-6 hours, the driving distance is 150 km (93 miles). Along the way, we will stop at picturesque places, including the Bear Cross Pass 2,676 m (8,780 ft). We're going to stop for a walk along the streets of the medieval town of Shatili, then continue on to the village of Ardoti, where we will check into a guest house. A delicious dinner of traditional dishes made from local products.
Day 2. Hike from Ardoti to Camp#1 After breakfast we start the trekking. The hike will take about 4-5 hours. Arriving at the camp, we set up our tents and rest while waiting for the dinner.
Day 3. Hike through Atsunta pass to Camp#2 The most difficult day. The trail goes through one of the highest passes in the country – Atsunta Pass 3,500 m (11,500 ft), which connects two regions – Khevsureti and Tusheti. It is a long day, but we'll not rush, we'll enjoy the hike and the views. Around 2pm we'll get the pass, where take a snack and rest (if it's not too cold). Then we'are going down to Camp#2. The descent is quite steep and long – it will take at least 2 hours.
Day 4. Hike from Camp#2 to Girevi The trail slowly descends along the Pirikiti Alazani River. The route is flat but quite long – about 15 km (9 miles). Along the way we come across several shepherd’s houses and another abandoned stone town – Chontio. This day we reach civilization – the village of Girevi, where people live and there are several guest houses. We will be met by a local family and fed traditional dishes of the region. A hot shower will be a very pleasant experience after three days of hiking.
Day 5. Hike from Girevi to Dartlo An easy and beautiful day – about six hours of hiking and about 16 km (10 miles) of distance. After the first half of the route on a wide and smooth dirt road, we will begin a slight climb up the mountain to enjoy the breathtaking views during lunch and the rest of the day. In the early evening we will be in the village of Dartlo – the pearl of Tusheti according to many people. It is a beautiful and unique place, waiting to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Our guesthouse, where we will spend the night, is the most beautiful stone building in the village, built according to local medieval traditions. We will have lunch in the dining room, which has a stunning semi-open design and stands on the bank of a wild river.
Day 6. Dartlo – Omalo and horseback riding Drive to Omalo, the largest village in Tusheti, where we will check into a guest house and start the horse riding. On horseback we will visit the village of Shenako and the village of Diklo, where we will have lunch with a local family. Then we will return to Omalo, where a hot shower and dinner will be waiting for us. With several stops, we will spend a total of at least four hours on horseback (the horses are very quiet).
Day 7. Transfer Omalo – Tbilisi After breakfast we say goodbye to Tusheti and return to Tbilisi. We will drive along one of the most beautiful roads in Georgia. 60 km (37 mi) of dirt road through the highest automobile pass in Europe – Abano Pass 2,826 m (9,270 ft). On the way, near the city of Telavi, we will stop for lunch in a restaurant. We will arrive in Tbilisi around 5 pm.
10. PRICE: $1190 per person.
What's included:
Experienced guide throughout the all days
Accommodation (6 nights)
Horses for your luggage
2-person tent and personal sleeping mat
Personal waterproof duffel bag
All transfers
Breakfasts, Lunch boxes, Dinners
What's not included:
Beer & wine in a guesthouse
Travel insurance
To book a seat on this trip, please contact us.
1. WHAT'S THE PLAN? 7 days of adventure, including 4 days of hiking and a day of horse riding (optional).
2. WHY TUSHETI? It's a remote mountainous area where small groups of villagers have maintained their traditions and way of life for centuries. The region is accessible by only one road, which is only open during the summer months. In winter, these regions become completely cut off from civilization and people prudently leave their homes and go down to neighboring areas. In some areas of the region there is no electricity supply or even cellular communications. This truly wildness allows you to merge with nature, feel the history of these places and experience tranquility. There are horses in Tusheti, and they help us on the expedition, so we can hike lightweight.
3. WHY THE ATSUNTA PATH? We believe the trekking route to Tusheti through the Atsunta Pass is the only right way to discover all the charm of Tusheti and realize how unique this region is. The path is developed enough to be comfortable and safe, but still uncrowded to enjoy solitude and connection with nature.
4. WHICH DIRECTION? The route is also known as the trek from Omalo to Shatili. We have done this expedition many times in both directions, and we are convinced that the start from Shatili is the only correct way. We have been doing this trek every summer since 2015, and we know how much more vivid the impressions are when you hike to Tusheti, rather than leaving it.
5. ESSENTIAL HIGHLIGHTS: ⭐ Enjoy an unique hiking adventure in the Greater Caucasus mountain range ⭐ Explore the rural life of both the most remote regions of Georgia ⭐ Visit Shatili – Medieval Fortress Village ⭐ Spend two nights away from any settlements, where only wildlife and nothing else ⭐ Cross the Atsunta pass at an altitude of 3,500 m (11,500 ft) ⭐ Take a full-day horseback ride (optional) ⭐ Taste a variety of dishes prepared by locals from organic home grown food.
6. WHEN ARE WE GOING? Atsunta pass is open from the first week of July until mid-September. We try to do 3-4 expeditions each summer so you have more options to join and enjoy this unique adventure.
7. WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE? Daytime temperature: 15° – 22°C (60°- 72°F). Nighttime temperature: down to +8°C (46°F). You need to be prepared for hot weather, as almost the entire route passes through the alpine zone, these are open spaces without much vegetation, and therefore without shade. But the cool mountain air makes the hike much more comfortable. You also need to be prepared for a rainy day, rain is always possible in the mountains.
8. WHERE WE ARE STAYING? We spend 4 nights in guest houses, in twin rooms, with shared hot shower and delicious home-cooked meals (dinners and breakfasts). We also spend two nights back to back in a tent camps in two-person tents, with a hot dinner and breakfast.
9. ITINERARY:
Day 1. Transfer Tbilisi – Shatili – Ardoti Our jeeps will be ready to pick everyone up at the meeting point at 8am. The trip will take 5-6 hours, the driving distance is 150 km (93 miles). Along the way, we will stop at picturesque places, including the Bear Cross Pass 2,676 m (8,780 ft). We're going to stop for a walk along the streets of the medieval town of Shatili, then continue on to the village of Ardoti, where we will check into a guest house. A delicious dinner of traditional dishes made from local products.
Day 2. Hike from Ardoti to Camp#1 After breakfast we start the trekking. The hike will take about 4-5 hours. Arriving at the camp, we set up our tents and rest while waiting for the dinner.
Day 3. Hike through Atsunta pass to Camp#2 The most difficult day. The trail goes through one of the highest passes in the country – Atsunta Pass 3,500 m (11,500 ft), which connects two regions – Khevsureti and Tusheti. It is a long day, but we'll not rush, we'll enjoy the hike and the views. Around 2pm we'll get the pass, where take a snack and rest (if it's not too cold). Then we'are going down to Camp#2. The descent is quite steep and long – it will take at least 2 hours.
Day 4. Hike from Camp#2 to Girevi The trail slowly descends along the Pirikiti Alazani River. The route is flat but quite long – about 15 km (9 miles). Along the way we come across several shepherd’s houses and another abandoned stone town – Chontio. This day we reach civilization – the village of Girevi, where people live and there are several guest houses. We will be met by a local family and fed traditional dishes of the region. A hot shower will be a very pleasant experience after three days of hiking.
Day 5. Hike from Girevi to Dartlo An easy and beautiful day – about six hours of hiking and about 16 km (10 miles) of distance. After the first half of the route on a wide and smooth dirt road, we will begin a slight climb up the mountain to enjoy the breathtaking views during lunch and the rest of the day. In the early evening we will be in the village of Dartlo – the pearl of Tusheti according to many people. It is a beautiful and unique place, waiting to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Our guesthouse, where we will spend the night, is the most beautiful stone building in the village, built according to local medieval traditions. We will have lunch in the dining room, which has a stunning semi-open design and stands on the bank of a wild river.
Day 6. Horseback riding to Shenako Drive to Omalo, the largest village in Tusheti, where we will check into a guest house and start the horse riding. On horseback we will visit the village of Shenako and the village of Diklo, where we will have lunch with a local family. Then we will return to Omalo, where a hot shower and dinner will be waiting for us. With several stops, we will spend a total of at least four hours on horseback (the horses are very quiet).
Day 7. Transfer Omalo – Tbilisi After breakfast we say goodbye to Tusheti and return to Tbilisi. We will drive along one of the most beautiful roads in Georgia. 60 km (37 mi) of dirt road through the highest automobile pass in Europe – Abano Pass 2,826 m (9,270 ft). On the way, near the city of Telavi, we will stop for lunch in a restaurant. We will arrive in Tbilisi around 5 pm.