Desert and Hidden Monasteries

5.0 (7)
8 days 7 nights
Georgia
Photo Audrey B.
5.0
Audrey B.
Tour Provider
View Audrey’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Weight limit

Explore the desert valleys of Georgia's natural reserves and national parks on horseback, witnessing breathtaking scenery, uncharted trails and ancient monasteries carved into caves from the 6th century. As you ride, you may encounter shepherds tending their flocks during the winter months and even come across monks residing in the cave cities.

The itinerary may change according to the mountains and weather conditions and at this season it occurs quite often that we have to modify the itinerary because of the pathway/weather/consequences of the winter.

from
$1,680
per tourist for 8 days
Departing from
Tbilisi, ubani Dzveli Tbilisi
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Audrey B.
Audrey B. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, German
I am French and originally from the hinterland of Nice. Since my Caucasian wanderings in 2003, I have been passionate about the mountain ethnic groups of these little-known regions and more particularly that of the Tush, the last semi-nomads of Georgia. Adventurous and organized, I know well all the routes, manage all the expeditions and am your guide. I speak French, English, German, Georgian, a tad of Russian and Spanish.

Tour highlights

Georgian Desert
Explore the wide open landscapes
Culture and History of Georgia
Visit the cave cities and monasteries of the region
True Adventure
This is an expedition that is mostly away from touristic trails

Route details

Day 1
Arrival

Arrival in Tbilisi Everybody flight has to arrive before the evening. Transfer to your hotel 3/4* located in the very old city.
Meet at 6pm in the lobby of the hotel. Introduction and explanation of the rides. We have a dinner together.
It is better to arrive one day before or during the night before. Riders could enjoy Tbilisi.
In that case they need an additional night. For this ride only I will organize taxi if they arrive one day before.

Riding: No riding.

Overnight: hotel.

Day 2
Tbilisi - Sartichala Lake
Day 3
Sartichala Lake - Monasteries
Day 4
Monasteries - Udabno Rock Formation Desert
Day 5
Udabno - Iori
Day 6
Iori - Udabno
Day 7
Sartichala - Tbilisi
Day 8
Departure
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

To participate, you must have an intermediate level of horse riding experience and be comfortable in all gaits. While there are some chances to trot and canter, the speed is generally slow. Additionally, you must be physically prepared for extended periods of riding and be able to guide your horse through challenging areas by dismounting and leading them. During the trail we galop, canter and trot but be aware that they are not race horses. Riders considering this trail must have a good level of physical fitness and general good health.

The conditions (facilities, accommodation) are rather challenging.

Tack: Basic Georgian saddles that consist of a sturdy wooden structure and a cushion for added comfort. The bridles are equipped with uncomplicated snaffle bits and some are crafted from rawhide. It is important to note that you will be responsible for grooming and saddling your own horse throughout the journey.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Tent
5 nights
Hotel
2 nights

Single accommodation cannot be requested on the trail, but you can pay extra for a single room at the hotel in Tbilisi on the first and last nights. However, availability is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

5 nights
Tents

During the majority of your trip, you will be staying in two-person tents. It is essential to bring your own sleeping bag and Thermarest pad. In case of unfavorable weather, there is a communal dining tent available. The camping areas do not have any amenities, and as it is a desert location, water is limited to drinking and cooking purposes for both humans and horses. There will be water provided for washing hands and faces, but no shower or toilet facilities.

2 nights
3/4* Hotel

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Tbilisi, ubani Dzveli Tbilisi
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
sparklines

Tour conditions

Included

  • accommodation;
  • all meals;
  • table wine and tchatcha during the trail;
  • riding;
  • logistics vehicle;
  • cook;
  • guides;
  • set-time airport car transfers in private cars (Mercedes mini bus and 4WD).

Extras

  • flights;
  • insurance;
  • transfers outside of set times;
  • sleeping bag and camping mattress;
  • alcoholic drinks in restaurants on first/last nights;
  • all entry fees during your free time;
  • tips and other personal expenses.

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

8 days
7 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • personal medicine;
  • hat;
  • glasses;
  • sun cream;
  • hard hat;
  • raining clothes (pants and jacket);
  • warm jacket;
  • small flash light or torch;
  • wet wipes;
  • small knife.
What food will be served?
How comfortable is the ride?
What languages does your team speak?
Can I stay longer to see Tbilisi on my own?
Tell me about your horses
Important information
Cancellation of booking

Tour reviews

5.0
Based on 7 reviews
  • CM
    Camo Mille
    18 Sep, 2023
    about provider
    Ça faisait un an que j'attendais cette escapade et je n'ai pas Ă©tĂ© déçue ! Bienvenue en Touchetie, un coin de montagne exceptionnel, avec des paysages de moyenne et haute altitude, sauvages et prĂ©servĂ©s. Les chevaux sont super, Ă  la fois costauds, gentils et prĂȘts Ă  affronter tous les terrains. Audrey, notre guide, est vraiment top, elle partage gĂ©nĂ©reusement ses connaissances sur les chevaux et sur cette rĂ©gion de GĂ©orgie. J'espĂšre vraiment pouvoir la revoir quand elle reviendra en France ! Si vous ĂȘtes partants pour une aventure combinant haute montagne et Ă©quitation, n'hĂ©sitez pas !
    18 Sep, 2023
  • CL
    CĂ© Lia
    21 Jul, 2023
    about provider
    DĂ©but juillet, j'ai eu l'occasion de partir en une superbe excursion dans la belle rĂ©gion de la TouchĂ©tie. Nous avons explorĂ© Ă  cheval les montagnes sauvages, sillonnant entre crĂȘtes et vallĂ©es, toujours Ă©merveillĂ©s par les paysages Ă©poustouflants. Notre groupe a Ă©tĂ© parfaitement encadrĂ© du dĂ©but Ă  la fin, dans une atmosphĂšre conviviale et authentique. C'Ă©tait un sĂ©jour idĂ©al pour se dĂ©connecter et se plonger dans la nature la plus belle qui soit. Je recommande vivement de dĂ©couvrir la GĂ©orgie avec notre guide Audrey et ses fantastiques chevaux dans la rĂ©gion du Caucase.
    21 Jul, 2023
  • R
    Rachel
    19 Jul, 2022
    about provider
    Wow, what an amazing adventure!! For 9 days, we went on a riding trip through the Tusheti region of the Caucasus mountains, completely self sufficient. It was with Audrey, and let me tell you, it was something else! We explored tiny villages that you can only reach by horse or by foot. Then we delved even deeper into the Tusheti, crossing mountain passes and wandering into valleys where only a handful of shepherds and lucky folks like us, guided by Audrey, ever venture. The scenery with all those wildflowers and mountains was just breathtaking. And each campsite felt more perfect than the last. The mix of hiking and riding was spot on. If you're up for a challenging adventure in the mountains and you're in good shape, you'll absolutely love this ride. You gotta be nimble on those steep slopes and uneven ground, but that's part of the thrill! Audrey has been living amongst the Tush shepherds for years, and she really looks out for the local people. You can tell they adore her. Her positive attitude, enthusiasm and kindness really make the whole experience special. And her horses? They're like seasoned pros, handling every kind of terrain like champs. I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of this, and I can't recommend it enough. Thanks for showing me the real Tusheti, Audrey!! ❀
    19 Jul, 2022

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