Four days of hiking through Georgia’s most remote highland region — summiting 3,050-meter peaks, reaching alpine lakes, and walking ancient trails through medieval tower villages that have stood for centuries.
Tusheti rewards those who explore it on foot. While jeep tours cover more ground and horse riding offers its own adventure, hiking gives you something different: the time to absorb the landscape, the freedom to stop at wildflower meadows or shepherd camps, and the satisfaction of reaching mountain summits under your own power. The trails here are ancient – the same paths that Tushetians have walked for generations, connecting villages and summer pastures across this high-altitude world.
Two full days of mountain hiking, combined with exploration of historic sites and dramatic road journeys over Abano Pass, offer the perfect introduction to Tusheti’s wild beauty. The landscape is dramatic: treeless alpine meadows above 2,000 meters, rocky ridgelines with 360-degree views, glacial lakes reflecting surrounding peaks. The trails are well-worn but rarely crowded – you might see shepherds and their flocks, but few other hikers.
Tour at a Glance
Tour Highlights
Who This Tour Is For
This tour suits: Active travelers in good physical condition who enjoy mountain hiking and want to earn their summit views. Regular hikers are comfortable with 6-7 hours of hiking and 1,100+ meters of elevation gain per day at altitudes up to 3,050m. Those seeking a deeper immersion in alpine landscapes than a jeep tour provides. Couples or groups with mixed fitness levels – the flexible hiking/riding option means everyone can share the experience.
This tour doesn’t suit: Occasional hikers or those unused to significant elevation gain and altitude. Anyone requiring luxury accommodation – guesthouses are simple with shared bathrooms. Those who prefer comprehensive coverage over focused summit experiences – choose the jeep tour instead. Travelers without proper hiking footwear and gear.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
We depart Tbilisi early (7:00 AM), heading northeast through the Gombori Pass into the Kakheti wine region. First stop is Alaverdi Monastery, one of Georgia’s most important religious sites and architectural masterpieces. This 11th-century cathedral – over 50 meters tall – was the tallest building in Georgia for centuries. The monastery still functions today, and monks produce wine using traditional qvevri methods.
After a picnic lunch in the countryside, the adventure truly begins: the drive over Abano Pass. Even though the journey takes around 7 hours from Tbilisi, you won’t feel the time passing. The views are extraordinary – Caucasus peaks covered with springs and glaciers, landscapes that transform from lush valleys to alpine moonscapes as you climb.
We arrive in Lower Omalo (Kvemo Omalo), the administrative center of Tusheti, around 2:00 PM. After a short rest, we drive to explore the Chagma valley’s most impressive villages. Shenako features a beautiful 19th-century church and proud local traditions. Diklo perches dramatically on a ridge near the Russian border. Here we walk to Pichekhi Castles, the fortress complex that once guarded against Dagestani raids – standing at these walls, you understand why Tushetians built their towers so tall.
We arrive at our guesthouse in Upper Omalo for dinner, accompanied by chacha (Georgian grape brandy) and wine tasting – the traditional welcome. Early rest prepares you for tomorrow’s summit hike.
After breakfast at 9:00 AM, we begin the main hiking day – the ascent of Unagira Mountain (3,050m). This is a full-day mountain hike with significant elevation gain, but the rewards are extraordinary.
The trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows, gaining over 1,100 meters of elevation. If you’re visiting between mid-June and mid-July, the hillsides are covered with flowering rhododendrons – masses of pink and white blooms against the green meadow grass. Near the summit, a small seasonal lake adds to the scenery (note: the lake dries up later in summer, but views remain spectacular year-round).
From the summit ridge, the panorama is breathtaking. Both the Pirikiti and Gometsari valleys spread below, with tower villages visible as clusters of stone on distant hillsides: Dartlo, Kvavlo, Chesho, Bochorna. On clear days, snow-capped peaks seem to stretch forever in every direction.
We take our time at the top, enjoying the packed lunch and photographing the views before beginning the descent. The return route offers different perspectives on the landscape, and you’ll appreciate the comfortable guesthouse beds when we return to Upper Omalo by evening.
Prefer to ride? This route can be done on horseback instead. Let us know when booking.
After breakfast, we drive to Kumelaurta village – the starting point for today’s hike to Oreti Lake. The trail leads through high summer pastures, and you’re likely to encounter Tushetian shepherds with their flocks along the way.
The shepherds here practice transhumance – seasonal migration that has continued for millennia. In June, they drive their sheep up from the lowland winter pastures, crossing Abano Pass to reach these high meadows. Meeting them at their summer camps offers a window into a way of life that’s nearly vanished elsewhere in Europe. Expect invitations for tea, cheese, and conversation (even through translation, the warmth comes through).
Oreti Lake sits at 2,850 meters in a classic glacial setting – cold, clear water reflecting the surrounding peaks. From the ridge viewpoint, you can see all of Tusheti’s main gorges spread below. This is one of the most photographed spots in the region.
We descend to Kumelaurta, where our vehicle meets us for the short drive back to Upper Omalo. Tonight’s dinner celebrates two full days of mountain hiking – you’ve earned it.
Prefer to ride? Horse riding takes a different, longer route (23 km) starting directly from the guesthouse. Both options arrive at the lake.
After breakfast at 9:00 AM, we make final visits before leaving Tusheti. The short walk up to Keselo Castle offers panoramic views over the Omalo valley and close-up looks at Tusheti’s most iconic towers – these are the images you see on postcards and travel guides.
In Lower Omalo, the ethnographic museum provides context for everything you’ve experienced: traditional clothing, household items, weapons, and artifacts that illustrate Tushetian life across the centuries. It’s a small but excellent collection.
Then begins the long descent: back over Abano Pass (equally dramatic going down), through the Kakheti lowlands, with a picnic lunch stop along the way. Arrival in Tbilisi is typically late afternoon – end of four memorable days in one of Europe’s last truly remote mountain regions.
Price Information
| Group Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $450 |
| 4 persons | $380 |
| 6 persons | $320 |
| 8+ persons | $290 |
Horse riding option: If you prefer to ride instead of hike on Days 2 and/or 3, additional fees apply. Contact us for pricing.
Photo Gallery
Tour Route Map
Tbilisi
Alaverdi Monastery
Abano Pass
Shenako
Diklo
Upper Omalo
Unagira Mountain
Oreti Lake
Keselo Castle
Practical Information
Fitness Requirements
This tour involves two full days of mountain hiking with significant elevation gain (over 1,100m each day). You should be in good physical condition and comfortable with 6-7 hours of hiking on mountain trails. The altitude (up to 3,050m) adds challenge – expect some breathlessness at the higher elevations. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, please contact us. The flexibility to swap hiking for horse riding on Days 2 and 3 means we can accommodate mixed groups.
Best Time to Hike
The tour runs from late June to early October. For wildflowers and the seasonal lake on Unagira, mid-June to mid-July is peak season. July-August offers the most stable weather. September brings golden autumn colors and fewer other visitors.
What to Bring
Essential: Sturdy hiking boots (broken in), layered clothing, rain jacket, sun protection, water bottle, daypack, personal medications, camera with spare batteries.
Recommended: Trekking poles, warm fleece for summit, hat and gloves (it’s cold at 3,000m even in summer), snacks for trail, basic first aid supplies.
Accommodation
Three nights in a traditional guesthouse in Upper Omalo. Rooms are simple but clean. Bathrooms are shared. Hot water is usually available. The warmth of Tushetian hospitality and excellent home-cooked food are highlights.
Trail Conditions
Trails are well-worn but not marked or maintained in the European style. Your guide knows the routes intimately. Expect varied terrain: alpine meadows, rocky sections, some steep scrambles near summits. Trails can be muddy after rain.
Guide Support
Your professional guide leads all hikes and provides pace management, navigation, and safety support. Guides carry first aid equipment and emergency communication devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adventure in the Wild
Four days is enough to fall in love with Tusheti – and to push yourself to mountain summits that few tourists ever reach. The combination of serious hiking (or horse riding), medieval history, and authentic village hospitality creates an experience that stays with you long after your legs stop aching.
This tour is ideal for active travelers who want more than scenic drives – who want to feel the mountains under their feet, breathe the thin air at 3,000 meters, and earn those panoramic views. The flexibility to swap hiking for riding on any day means groups with mixed abilities can still share the adventure.
Ready for the wild? Contact us to check availability or discuss your fitness level.
