THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join a once-a-year, 260 km nomadic migration from the high Tusheti ridges down to the golden plains of Vashlovani. Ride with local horsemen, cross the Abano Pass and camp under open sky on an authentic, multisensory journey.
Join a once-a-year, 260 km nomadic migration from the high Tusheti ridges down to the golden plains of Vashlovani. Ride with local horsemen, cross the Abano Pass and camp under open sky on an authentic, multisensory journey.
Dawn breaks cold on the high ridges of Tusheti; hooves drum like a distant heartbeat as seventy free-roaming horses and their riders file over alpine meadows and shale cols. You saddle up beside local Tushetian horsemen, the wind pushing you along as the herd moves down from Abano Pass toward the warmer plains of Vashlovani.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tusheti Travel · Tbilisi, Tusheti / Kakheti
Dawn breaks cold on the high ridges of Tusheti; hooves drum like a distant heartbeat as seventy free-roaming horses and their riders file over alpine meadows and shale cols. You saddle up beside local Tushetian horsemen, the wind pushing you along as the herd moves down from Abano Pass toward the warmer plains of Vashlovani.
This route follows a living cultural migration—a seasonal movement that links the high Caucasus pastures with Kakheti’s lowland winters. Geologically, the ride threads glacial valleys, limestone ridgelines and the dry, eroded cliffs of Vashlovani. Along the way you pass ancient stone tower settlements, St. George’s highland churches, and wine country whose techniques date back millennia.
Expect long riding days covering roughly 260 km over eight days, including a high crossing of Abano Pass (2,826 m). Nights alternate between family-owned guesthouses and organized camp with full kitchen and camp showers. Meals lean on regional staples—cheeses, stews and simple, fresh bread—prepared by a professional camp cook.
Practically: bring layered riding clothes, stout boots with a short heel, and a small daypack; helmets and sleeping gear are supplied. Riders should be comfortable at the walk, trot and canter for multiple hours and able to mount/dismount on uneven ground. Hydrate often at altitude, protect skin from high sun and plan for sudden mountain weather. The experience is authentic and communal—expect basic comforts, deep cultural exchange and raw landscape that challenges and rewards in equal measure.
challenging.
8 days.
Moderate to high: should be comfortable riding full days, able to mount/dismount on uneven ground and carry a light daypack.
Yes—participants should be comfortable at walk, trot and canter for extended periods; guides can assist but this is not a beginner lesson.
The trip includes one guesthouse night, one hotel night, and organized camping the rest; tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, helmets and camp showers are provided.
The provider advises against pregnant travelers and those with serious spinal or heart conditions; suitability for children depends on riding experience and physical resilience.
Abano Pass reaches about 2,826 m and involves sustained riding on steep terrain—expect several hours at higher altitude and variable footing.
Tushetian transhumance is centuries old: communities move livestock seasonally between highland pastures and lowland wintering grounds, preserving equine and pastoral traditions.
Vashlovani National Park protects fragile steppe and canyon ecosystems; visitors should follow leave-no-trace principles and avoid disturbing grazing areas and nesting raptors.
Tusheti Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Dawn breaks cold on the high ridges of Tusheti; hooves drum like a distant heartbeat as seventy free-roaming horses and their riders file over alpine meadows and shale cols. You saddle up beside local Tushetian horsemen, the wind pushing you along as the herd moves down from Abano Pass toward the warmer plains of Vashlovani.
Dawn breaks cold on the high ridges of Tusheti; hooves drum like a distant heartbeat as seventy free-roaming horses and their riders file over alpine meadows and shale cols. You saddle up beside local Tushetian horsemen, the wind pushing you along as the herd moves down from Abano Pass toward the warmer plains of Vashlovani.
This route follows a living cultural migration—a seasonal movement that links the high Caucasus pastures with Kakheti’s lowland winters. Geologically, the ride threads glacial valleys, limestone ridgelines and the dry, eroded cliffs of Vashlovani. Along the way you pass ancient stone tower settlements, St. George’s highland churches, and wine country whose techniques date back millennia.
Expect long riding days covering roughly 260 km over eight days, including a high crossing of Abano Pass (2,826 m). Nights alternate between family-owned guesthouses and organized camp with full kitchen and camp showers. Meals lean on regional staples—cheeses, stews and simple, fresh bread—prepared by a professional camp cook.
Practically: bring layered riding clothes, stout boots with a short heel, and a small daypack; helmets and sleeping gear are supplied. Riders should be comfortable at the walk, trot and canter for multiple hours and able to mount/dismount on uneven ground. Hydrate often at altitude, protect skin from high sun and plan for sudden mountain weather. The experience is authentic and communal—expect basic comforts, deep cultural exchange and raw landscape that challenges and rewards in equal measure.