Tusheti is a scenic region in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, accessible from Kakheti region via the Abano Pass at around 3,000 meters above sea level. The area features picturesque villages such as Shenako, Dartlo, Omalo, and Gometsari. Hiking in Tusheti as well as trekking, and horse riding are among the most popular activities here.
This five-day, four-night tour includes visits to several villages, guided hikes, breathtaking views, local cuisine and warm, welcoming hosts.
Day 1 - The first day of the tour is dedicated to the drive from Tbilisi to Tusheti, to the village of Omalo. The road to Tusheti is not an easy one due to its terrain and altitude. However, the drive itself is an unforgettable experience thanks to the incredible views and dramatic scenery.
Before heading up into the mountains, guests will enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a small family-owned restaurant in Kakheti. After lunch, the journey continues toward Omalo.
At the top of Abano Pass in Tusheti, there is a small café with excellent coffee, desserts, and pastries. An obligatory stop will be made there to enjoy a cup of coffee and take in the panoramic views. The café is called “Above the Clouds,” which perfectly reflects both its location and concept.
The drive from the Kakheti Valley up to Omalo, the main village of Tusheti, takes approximately three to four hours and is absolutely worth it.
Omalo itself is the regional center, a beautiful place with a fortress, stunning views, old stone houses, and plenty of horses roaming freely. Only a few families remain in Omalo throughout the winter, as the road is closed for about seven months each year.
Dinner and overnight stay will be in Omalo.
Day 2 - The second day is dedicated to the journey from Omalo to Dartlo. Dartlo is a very beautiful village located at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, offering scenic views of the river and surrounding peaks.
The village lies in a narrow gorge, surrounded by mountains on all sides, which makes the atmosphere truly special. Since hiking in Tusheti is almost a must, a short hike from Dartlo to a nearby village will be arranged in order to overlook Dartlo from above and enjoy a different perspective of the mountains.
In the village overlooking Dartlo, there are numerous abandoned houses, towers, and shrines that give insight into how people lived here centuries ago. If time allows, additional nearby villages will also be visited.
Overnight stay will be in Dartlo, with dinner hosted by a local family.
Day 3 Early in the morning, the tour continues from Dartlo to the Gometsari Gorge. First, guests will be taken to the village of Iliurta, from where an easy hike leads to the village of Vestomta.
Vestomta is accessible only on foot. It overlooks a beautiful gorge and offers stunning mountain views. A welcoming family lives in the village. They keep sheep and produce traditional Tushetian cheese. They also operate a small guesthouse, and guests will enjoy a lovely lunch on their terrace.
After lunch, the group will hike back to Iliurta and continue on to the village of Gometsari for the overnight stay.
Day 4 - The guesthouse in the Gometsari Gorge is very comfortable, with beautiful views and delicious food. There will also be the opportunity to swim in the Alazani River and relax in the sun.
On this day, guests will enjoy a horse-riding trip and visit a place where traditional Tushetian Guda cheese is produced.
After finishing the day’s activities, the group will return to Omalo for an overnight stay.
Day 5 - The final day is dedicated to the drive back from Tusheti to Tbilisi. On the way, guests will visit the beautiful village of Shenako and its charming church.
After descending into the valley, there will be a pleasant wine tasting with lunch in the village of Babaneuri. Following lunch, the journey continues back to Tbilisi, where the tour concludes.
Additional Information about Tusheti:
Tbilisi to Tusheti distance equals to less than 200 kilometers. However, the journey takes around five hours due to the mountainous terrain and road conditions.
The people of Tusheti consider themselves distinct from Kakhetians, even though administratively Tusheti is part of the Kakheti region.
There are two main groups of Tush people: Chaghma Tush and Tsova Tush. Chaghma Tush speak a dialect that originates from Georgian. Most of it is understandable to Georgian speakers, although it has its own unique features. Tsova Tush, on the other hand, speak a language that originates from the North Caucasus, and it is generally not understandable to an ordinary Georgian speaker.
Things to do in Tusheti include trekking, hiking, horse riding, bird watching, and 4WD tours. Trekking in Tusheti is especially popular, and one of the most well-known routes goes via Atsunta Pass. This pass connects Tusheti with the Khevsureti region, and its highest point reaches approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.
The Atsunta route is a multi-day trek that requires special permits and proper preparation, including horses, food supplies and camping equipment. There are many other hiking options in Tusheti, several of which are included in our tour.
During the summer, Tusheti weather is generally warm and sunny, with cool evenings. The climate is typically dry, with only a few rainy days throughout the season.
