Trekking in Tusheti 7 Days
From Omalo to Stepamzminda

Pack Horses & 2 Nights in Tents

This guided trekking tour is designed for travelers who want to discover Georgia’s wild mountain landscapes – either as part of a longer trip or as an unforgettable adventure while already in the country.
Join our experienced, German-speaking mountain guides on a breathtaking journey through the Tusheti region. Your luggage will be carried by pack horses, leaving you free to enjoy the trails with just your light daypack containing water, a rain jacket, and your picnic lunch.

Depending on the group size, a cook will accompany us, preparing delicious, freshly made meals each day. In the evenings, we gather around a hearty dinner, and in the mornings, a generous breakfast awaits you in our cozy kitchen tent.

Our Tusheti trekking tour invites you to leave your daily routine behind, breathe deeply, unwind, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Caucasus Mountains – while we take care of all the logistics and organization.

Included Services

Transportation:
Comfortable minibus or 4x4 vehicle throughout the journey

Trekking Support:
Pack horses for luggage transport  & camping equipment
(tents provided)

Guide:
Experienced, English-speaking tour guide

Accommodation:
- 1 night in a family guesthouse in Dartlo
- 1 night in a family guesthouse in Girevi
- 1 night in a family guesthouse in Roshka
- 1 night in a family guesthouse in Stepantsminda
- 2 nights in tents (Qvakhidi & Atsunta campsites)

Meals:
Full board – breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Tusheti

After breakfast (around 8:30 am), we depart from the hotel and drive across the scenic Gombori Pass (1,620 m) into the Kakheti region.
From there, we continue along unpaved mountain roads and cross the dramatic Abano Pass (2,830 m) – the highest drivable pass in Georgia – before reaching the administrative center of Tusheti, Omalo, in the afternoon.

After a short visit to the Keselo Towers, we continue to the village of Dartlo, where we stay in a simple but charming family-run guesthouse and enjoy homemade Georgian specialties.

Distance: 200 km (approx. 8 hrs)
Guesthouse in Dartlo (shared facilities)
Altitude: 1,880 m
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: First Day of Trekking – Dartlo to Girevi

After a relaxed breakfast, we set off westward into the lush Alazani Valley, hiking across meadows and pine forests to reach Girevi, the last inhabited village in Tusheti.
Once a defensive settlement, Girevi’s ancient towers tell stories of centuries past. Along the way, we admire the imposing ridges of the Greater Caucasus – forming the natural border with Chechnya.

As Tusheti lies in a border zone, passport control is required in Girevi (a simple, straightforward process).

Distance: 15 km (approx. 7 hrs with breaks)
Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 990 m / ↓ 760 m
Guesthouse in Dartlo (shared facilities)
Meals: Breakfast – Picnic – Dinner

Day 3: To the Foot of Mount Atsunta

Today marks the start of the most beautiful part of our trek. We follow a narrow, rocky path along the Qvakhidisqali River, passing abandoned mountain villages and ancient stone towers before reaching Chontio.
The landscape becomes wilder and more remote as we continue to Qvakhidi, our campsite for the night.

From this day on, our luggage will be transported by horses, and we’ll spend the next two nights in tents, cared for by our guide and camp cook.

Distance: 15.2 km (approx. 7 hrs with breaks)
Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 800 m / ↓ 450 m
Accommodation: Tent camp (Altitude: 2,420 m)
Meals: Breakfast – Picnic – Dinner

Day 4: Crossing the Atsunta Pass

A challenging but incredibly rewarding day lies ahead. After about two hours of walking, we ford the Qvakhidisqali River (approx. 3 m wide, 40 cm deep – sandals are recommended).

The ascent then steepens as we zigzag up to the Atsunta Pass (3,430 m), which marks the border between Tusheti and Khevsureti.
From the top, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The descent reveals a stunning alpine landscape with rhododendrons, meadows, and the snow-capped Mount Tebulos (4,495 m) dominating the horizon.

Distance: 11.5 km (approx. 8 hrs with breaks)
Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 1,150 m / ↓ 650 m
Accommodation: Tent camp (Altitude: 2,930 m)
Meals: Breakfast – Picnic – Dinner

Day 5: From Mutso to Shatili and Roshka

Today’s trail winds through fields of wild rhododendrons and colorful alpine meadows before descending steeply to the Andaki River.
After about 5 hours, we reach the nearly deserted village of Ardoti, home to ancient fortress ruins and listed as one of Georgia’s most endangered heritage sites.

Here we can cool off in the river before continuing by jeep via Mutso Fortress Village to the medieval stronghold of Shatili. After a short photo stop, we continue to Roshka, where a warm shower and a cozy guesthouse await us.

Distance: 11 km (approx. 5 hrs with breaks)
Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 170 m / ↓ 1,350 m
Drive distance: 80 km

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Roshka
(Altitude: 2,230 m)
Meals: Breakfast – Picnic – Dinner

Day 6: Crossing the Chaukhi Pass (3,340 m)

At the foot of Mount Chaukhi, three mountain lakes shimmer in different shades – one crystal clear, one turquoise, and one milky white.
We’ll take time to explore this enchanting landscape before beginning our 4-hour ascent to the Chaukhi Pass.

At the top, we are rewarded with sweeping views of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m), the rugged Chaukhi Massif (3,850 m), and the Khevi region below.
After a picnic on the pass, we descend gradually into the village of Juta, where a jeep will take us to Stepantsminda. A welcoming host family and a delicious homemade dinner await us there.

Distance: 14.5 km (approx. 8 hrs with breaks)
Elevation gain/loss: ↑ 1,100 m / ↓ 1,280 m

Accommodation: Family hotel in Stepantsminda
(private bathroom, Wi-Fi)
Meals: Breakfast – Picnic – Dinner

Day 7: Sunrise at Mt. Kazbek & back to Tbilisi

If the weather allows, this will be a perfect finale to our journey.
Early in the morning, we drive by 4x4 up to the Gergeti Trinity Church, where we witness the sun rising over the mighty Mount Kazbek (5,047 m) – a magical moment before the day’s tourists arrive.

After breakfast, we drive back to Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway, visiting the Ananuri Fortress at the Jinvali Reservoir, and Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, with its Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery – both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Upon arrival in Tbilisi, you’ll be transferred to your starting point and bid farewell to your guide and driver.

Distance: 170 km
Meals: Breakfast

Includes:

• Transportation
• Airport transfers on the first and last days of the trip
• 4 x 4 vehicles
• Professional trekking Guide and one cook
• Horses for luggage and food
• Tents
• Meal every day during trekking

Excludes:

• Sleeping bags
• Air Tickets
• Alcohol Beverages
• Travel Insurance