Kakheti Adventure

The next day, we will wake up at sunrise, have breakfast, set up tents, prepare the horses and commence the journey at 9 a.m. The trail will follow a rocky slope, ascending a mountain ridge. We will need to ride along this ridge to reach the pass. 

Approximately an hour into the journey, we will encounter a shepherd. Nearby, we will notice bear footprints on a trail that the shepherd must have traversed the night before, following the rain.

By midday, we'll ascend the main ridge, revealing the peaks of Tusheti, Komito and Diklo, along with the Abano Pass on the opposite slope, connecting Tusheti to Kakheti. After 40 minutes, we will reach the pass (3145), situated 1580 meters above the camp and 4 kilometers away.

With favorable weather and comfortable conditions, we will choose to have lunch on the pass. Half an hour later, we will embark on the descent along the sandy trail. Continuing onwards, we will arrive at Didgverdi, where there's ample grass for the horses.

By 4 p.m., we will arrive at the campsite beside a small flowing stream. To the east, the campsite will be bordered by rocky mountains, while the western side will open up to alpine meadows leading towards the Pankisi Valley.

Throughout the day, the horses will quench their thirst, and we'll unsaddle them, allowing them to graze freely.

Breakfast will begin at 08:00, preparing for departure. By 09:00, we will mount the horses, ascending Samtsorno Pass. The trail will fade as we encounter a steep sandy slope, relying on our experienced guide. The dense fog will limit visibility to 20 meters. Uncertainty will prevail for half an hour, but the scene will shift dramatically – the fog lifting to reveal the sun.

By 10:15, we will conquer the pass (3020 m), unveiling the breathtaking mountains and valleys of Tusheti and Kakheti. A moment's pause, then onward to Tusheti, following a faint sandy trail. After an hour, we will reach the azure beauty of Samkirne Lake. A 15-minute rest will precede a descent through ravine-covered valleys.

The ravines will merge into a river, leading us to Ortskali. Another ascent will commence, likely marking the route's most challenging stretch. The rocky trail will challenge us, yet our experienced horses will navigate with ease. Shepherds will emerge, shearing sheep, offering hospitality with food, tea and coffee. Halting to document the sheep-shaving process and acquire “guda cheese,” we will bid farewell and resume our journey.

An hour later, the first Tusheti villages – Sachigholo, Vestmo and Vestomta – will appear. Arriving at Vestmo, we will camp alongside the river.

By 11:00, Sabue's shepherds will extend a lunch invitation, treating us to a traditional Tush dish crafted from their own cottage cheese. Fresh herbs, lettuce from their garden and hot tea and coffee will accompany the meal. At 13:00, we will ascend Kekhi Pass (2600).

We will ride to the village of Zhvelurta. Initially tracing the mountain slope, we will eventually reach a gorge and follow the river's path to Omalo village. Despite the rain, waterproof attire and nature's beauty will bolster our resolve on this challenging day.

At 17:00, we will arrive at a pre-booked family hotel in Shenako village. Removing wet saddles from the horses, we will bid farewell. A hot shower will be followed by savoring delectable Tush dishes. The day will end in comfort as we retire to cozy bedrooms.

On the final day, at 09:00, the driver will arrive. We will have breakfast, say goodbye to the host family, take memorable photos, see the Keselo castle complex and get back to Tbilisi by car.