Pickup from Tbilisi at 6:00 AM. Driving distance: 190 km, appx. 6 hours.

Early morning we’ll start driving East heading to Kakheti, wine region of Georgia. While most people would find Gombori pass to be quite amusing, our main adventure and thrilling ride will be still on the way. After passing Alaverdi cathedral and village Pshaveli, we will start a long and bumpy off-road ride, crossing the main Caucasus range at 2926 m Abano pass – following the road which one might intuitively think - shouldn’t be there at all. After a lunch break right at the pass, we will descend into the valley lying at the other side of the ridge and finally arrive to village Omalo, the largest settlement of the area.

Explore the area around upper and lower Omalo, with beautiful views of Chagma valley. Visit the Keselo fortress and ethnographic museum of Tusheti.

Overnight at Guesthouse in Omalo.

Trekking time: 11 km, 5 hours;

Elevation: ↑649 m / ↓400 m

After breakfast in guesthouse we will pick up our day packs (our driver will take your main luggage to next village) and start exploring surrounding villages of Tusheti. The first village on our way is Shenako - one of the few still populated villages of Tusheti, overlooked by Mount Diklo, with Georgian traditional dwellings and medieval Trinity church. Next comes tiny village Diklo and ruins of the old Diklo fortress.

Overnight at Guesthouse in Diklo.

Trekking: 8.6 km, 4 hours.

Elevation: ↑691m / ↓719 m

Today is going to be relatively short, but quite demanding hike with steep descend and abrupt elevation gain. On the way you will be crossing Tutareki pass at the elevation 1911 m. Views from the top of the pass are quite impressive. You can see almost all gorge of Pirikiti Alazani and nearby villages. Arrive to village Chigho, ancient settlement of Pirikiti valley with traditional wooden houses.

Overnight at Guesthouse in Dartlo

Trekking: 9.14 km, 4 hours.  

Elevation: ↑490 m / ↓390 m

Today you will have a chance to explore village Dartlo and enjoy by the views of the Pirikiti valley. Situated about 1800 meters above sea level – Dartlo is perhaps one of the most picturesque villages in Tusheti, protected by UNESCO. Hike up to village Kvavlo and Dano located up above Dartlo and continue our way along the ridge to small village Cheso for overnight.

Overnight at Guesthouse in Chesho.

Trekking: 18.4 km, 8 hours,

Elevation: ↑970 m / ↓1070 m

From Chesho we will follow a road that goes along the right bank of Pirikita Alazani until arriving to village Parsma. Cross the river Alazani by shaky metal bridge and start hiking up to Nakaecho pass – the most demanding and picturesque part of our journey. Once on a pass take a short detour to climb nearby summit of Mt. Makratela (3092 m asl.) offering one of the most beautiful views of Tusheti valleys. From here the trail descends into the Gometsari valley. Along the way you pass through the villages Dadikurta and Verkhovani.

Overnight at Guesthouse in Jvarboseli.

Trekking: 16.7 km , 6 hours

Elevation: ↑915 m / ↓709 m

After breakfast, we will slowly descend to the river bank, cross the bridge and follow the main road downstream. After about one hour the road crosses a river again and climbs up to Beghela village, where to road foes uphill and enters into the forest. After another hour of walking, we’ll get views of beautiful village Dochu right below on a slope. Finally we will arrive to Bochorna village – located at 2,345 m asl. which with a permanent resident population of only one man – is by some considered as the “highest settlement in Europe”. Here we will be picked up and driven back to Omalo for well deserved rest and farewell dinner.

Overnight at Guesthouse in Omalo.

After late breakfast and some free time in Omalo, we will start driving back to Tbilisi. About Halfway on a road we can make an optional stop near Torgva Baths a tiny managed bathhouse, where it is possible to relax and enjoy warm pool with mineral water.

Once in Telavi, we will make a stop in one of the local restaurants for a lunch and you’ll have some time to stroll around local farmer’s market as well, before heading back to Tbilisi.

Drop off in Tbilisi.