Tusheti Nationalpark

The most fab summers ever: Riding, trailriding, hiking the Caucasus, Caucasuscrossing

Current Note: The road to Tusheti is closed in winter and opens in June. Tours are possible until September before the horseroundup. 

Tusheti is considered one of the last wild territories in Georgia. The region was declared a National Park in 2003. The 3,5 hours travel from Alwani is an adventure in itself. The off-road pathway from the valley of Alazani winds up through the 2,926-meter-high Abano pass towards the majestic Caucasus of Tusheti. 

Tusheti and its horses simply belong together. You can decide between coming back to your lodging after a day’s ride or undertaking a round trip with an overnight stay in a tent or a guest house. A suggestion for a most memorable trip is to commence on a five-day ride in order to get to know the fortified villages of Dartlo, Diklo, Parmsa, Shenako, Omalo, Vestomta and Strolta.

Hiking enthusiasts can book a guide and a pack horse with Soso and explore the mountain by foot.

Another possibility is to book a Transcaucasian Tour through either Atsunta or Borbalo passes from/to Shatili (five days in the saddle: Omalo-Dartlo-Girevi-Qvaxidi-Xidotani-Shatili and vice versa) or the Juta/Kazbegi trail in Chewsureti (approx. nine riding days).

Important note: During the tours in the high regions of Caucasus it is necessary every now and then to lead the horses downhills (sometimes over longer distances). Therefore, the ability to walk for prolonged periods of time is desirable. It is also important that you do not suffer from vertigo. 

Planned dates for riding tours in Tusheti in 2023 - individual tours always upon request

• "Grand Tusheti Ride": 10 saddledays combining classical sights of Tusheti with remote offthebeatentrack areas: 20.7.-31.7.
• Tusheti in bloom: 5 saddledays 16.6.-22.6.2024; 6 saddledays 23.6.-30.6.2024     
• Tusheti Summer: 4.8.-11.8. (6 saddledays); 11.8.- 18.8. (6 saddledays); 25.8.-31.8. (5 saddledays) 
• Tusheti Fall Classic:  8.9.-14.9. (5 saddledays) 

       
Grand Transcaucasus, an expedition: Omalo/Tusheti to Juta/Kazbegi via Shatili (9 saddledays): upon request, min. 5 people
Short Transcaucasus Omalo to Shatili (5 saddledays): 1.9.-7.9.2024 

Important note: All guests to Tusheti are kindly requested not to bring any pork meat in any form into the region as it is a sign of bad luck according to local belief. Tushs only consume pork in the valley, not in the mountains. Please leave the beloved "Knackwurst" and the salami at home or in the valley.

Vashlovani Nationalpark

Steppe riding, fast gallops, beautiful spring, fall and winter

If you like abundance of space, you will love Vashlovani (the name literally translates as “Apple Orchard”). The valley is home to Soso’s horses during autumn/winter. The Vashlovani National Park, a strongly protected region with impressive cliff formations, was founded in 1935. It is situated within south-east Georgia of the Kakheti region, close to the border with Azerbaijan and is characterised by a very dry climate. A special feature of the region are the wild pistachio forests, which resemble apple trees during the blossom period, hence the name “Apple Orchard”. Vashlovani offers the opportunity to ride in wild galop and experience the Steppe on horseback. It is possible to stay overnight in the National Park in simple bungalows or to choose an overnight stay in a tent (the latter option offers more flexibility in designing the travel route). 

Soso will take you to the most beautiful spots in the National Park. It is possible to undertake day trips or trail rides lasting several days. 

The starting and ending point of each journey is Soso’s farm, situated approx. 35 km/40 min journey time away from Dedoplistsqaro (offroad). The transfer from Tiflis to Dedoplistsqaro takes between 2-2.5 hours (170 km) by Marschrutka from Isani Metro Station in Tiflis, taxi oder hire car. Soso offers pick-up in Dedoplistskharo The “comprehensive care-free package” includes  (transportation, full board, overnight stay in a tent or the farm accommodation (bungalows along the route/guest house in Dedoplistskharo), riding, guide). You may also arrive on your own 4x4.
Planned dates for riding tours in Vashlovani - individual tours always upon request

• New season starts with almondblossoms and lambs on horseback and Happy Easter:  24.3.-30.3. and 31.3.- 6.4. 2024 (5 saddledays)
• Vashlovani Nationalpark Classic (5 or 6 saddledays): 21.4.- 27.4.; 5.5.- 11.5.; 12.5.- 18.5.; 13.10.-19.10.; 20.10.-26.10.; 26.10.-3.11.2024 
• SPECIAL: Horseguided empowerment retreat 7.10.-13.10.2024 in the magic plains of Vashlovani - learn more about yourself with the help of our horses
• winter-/springrides: daily departure November till March
• New Year’s Eve and New Year in Vashlovani: 3 riding days and New Years Supra as well as Georgian (old) New Year: 29.12.24-2.1.25

Annual Horsedrives

Up into the mountains and down into the valley or reverse - current tours: Horsedrives 2024 sold alreday, 2025 sold already, 2026 available
The ultimate experience: accompany Soso’s horses on their trip to the winter or summer camps!
The winter pastures within the Georgian Alazani Plane were given to the Tushs in the 17th century as a gift for the brave and successful military services against Persia. The tradition was born to drive horses, cattle, thousands of sheep and goats in daily stages through the difficult paths of the Abano Pass. This custom still takes place twice a year. Soso follows it with his horses and you can join him.
The riding adventure is spread over six days, with each day covering up to 50km and approx. six to nine hours per day in saddle. You stay overnight by the horses in your own tent, where the herd finds suitable spots. An escort vehicle will carry luggage and equipment. The experience has shown that driving the entire herd of horses to/from their pastures is the most authentic riding adventure. If the lack of comfort does not bother you, you shall not miss out on this experience. The number of available places is limited to 12 participants. The tempo is fast, be ready for up to 70 % of trotting, cantering and for a physically demanding trip. 

The Route of the Horsedrive down into the valley: Transfer on the day prior to the departure; Day 1 - Start in Omalo, overnight stay by the wayside below the Abano Pass in Kaklian Chala; Day 2 - further through Laliskhuri and Pshaveli, overnight stay near Telavi; Day 3 - Telavi to Gurjaani; Day 4 - Gurjaani to Znori; Day 5 - Znori to Dedoplistsqaro; Day 6  - Dedoplistsqaro to Kasritskali/Farm.
From 2025 on we add one more riding day in Tusheti for the fall horsedrive (7 ridingdays in total) to get acquainted before the 10h day.
The Route of the Horsedrive up into the mountains: vice versa.
The road has got it all: paths through mountains and fields, through concrete, villages, rivers, alleys, meadows, orchards and more fields, mountainviews, villages, rusty vehicles and traces of human civilization as well as remote steppe areas for great gallops. 

Dates 2024, 2025

8.6.-15.6.2024 (sold)
29.9.-6.10.2024 (sold)
1.6. - 8.6.2025 (sold) waitinglist only

4.10. - 12.10. 2025 (sold) waitinglist only
12.6.-19.6.2026 available
3.10.-11.10.2026 available