Transhumance Expedition in Georgia: Caucasus Mountain Horse Drive

We invite you to take part in horse transhumance in Georgia – horse drive from Caucasus Mountains.
Winter horse transhumance in Tusheti, a remote and mountainous region of Georgia, is a journey that merges the ancient practice of seasonal livestock migration with the raw beauty of the Caucasus Mountains.
Horse transhumance is a traditional practice where horses are moved seasonally between fixed summer and winter pastures. This age-old custom is deeply embedded in Georgia’s rural life and is a testament to the deep connection between the Tushetian people, their livestock, and the formidable landscape they call home.

Highlights

• Join a unique 13-day horse transhumance adventure in Georgia’s Tusheti region.
• Experience the age-old tradition of herding horses across breathtaking landscapes of Greater Caucasus.
• Immerse yourself in local culture, sleep under the stars, and explore Tusheti’s wild beauty.

What to expect

This horse drive journey invites you to explore the Tusheti wilderness for 3-4 days, while learning to be self-sufficient with your horse, followed by 2-3 days dedicated to the communal task of horse gathering and the 1.5-2 days horse transhumance –  tradition, which remains a vital aspect of Tusheti’s cultural, social, and ecological fabric.
 
Sleep under the stars with basic arrangements, truly connecting with the wild spirit of this experience. Ideal for physically fit, experienced riders with a love for adventure, this unique expedition offers deep exploration of local traditions and a  ride through seasons.

• Prepare for a physically demanding experience with long hours of travel, minimal breaks, and challenging weather conditions, including potential rain, snow, and significant temperature drops.
• During this adventure, you’ll need to be self-sufficient, carrying your own food and managing basic sleeping arrangements with a floor mattress and sleeping bag.  
• The itinerary is not fixed and be arranged on the spot according to the mountains conditions. In total, the ride is between 6 and 7 riding days.

The following itinerary can give you an idea of what is possible to do but could be completely different as written.

PRICING
$2,540 per person

Services
1. Full board.
2. Equestrian material.
3. Tents, tableware.
4. Accommodation in a guesthouse in Laliskhuri, in some traditional houses in Omalo and in Gogrulta and other village where we should stay, in tent on the transhumance day and in a hotel (2 nights) in Tbilissi. The hotel is located in the very old center of the town, a breakfast is included. The accommodation for this hotel will be in double room (2 persons per room). For people who are willing to have a single room, there is an extra charge (40 euros/night), only possible in Tbilisi.
6. Table wine/tchatcha during the trek until the stocks are out.
7. 1 dinner in restaurant in Tbilisi (except alcoholic drinks) .
8. Car transfers in some private cars (Mercedes mini bus and 4WD).
10. Guides/cooker.

From your side
1. Airline ticket.
2. Full insurances compulsory
3. VERY Warm sleeping bags and floor mattress.
4. Water filter or purification pills (Actually you need neither purification pills nor water filter as the
water is very clean in this area. But CTC does not take any responsibility so it is on your own to
decide to use it or not).
5. Personal medicine.
6. Hut and glasses and sun cream.
7. Hard hats.
8. Raining clothes, very warm jacket, gloves, warm hat.
9. Small flash light or torch.
10. Small knife.
11. Water bottle
12. NO RIDING BOOTS. ONLY TREKKING SHOES

Key points to be aware of:

• The first day of the transhumance might involve more than 14 hours of travel. There are no scheduled breaks for toilet use or eating; you’ll need to manage these needs swiftly and independently. Additionally, after approximately 10 hours of riding, expect to walk for around 4 hours, making the journey physically demanding.
• Weather conditions can be harsh, with potential rain, snow, and significant temperature drops. Prepare for wet and cold circumstances.
• Meals are not served during transhumance days. Participants must carry their own food with pockets for 1.5 to 2 days, and no hot meals will be cooked. Also, during these days, your guide’s focus is solely on the horses, leaving limited time for rider care. You may be called upon to assist.
• Sleeping arrangements are basic, with only a floor mattress and sleeping bag. Other belongings will be transported by car. Camp setup occurs at night after tending to the horses.
• Due to the excited nature of the horses and long days, a high level of riding skill is required. Participants should be physically fit, resilient, and prepared for challenging conditions. Weather can vary significantly from year to year.

Guide invites riders to partake in this remarkable transhumance experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding the real conditions. This tour is about sharing a cherished time with Tush friends, embracing freedom and spontaneity. This opportunity has been offered to riders for 7 years, resulting in fantastic experiences. However, it’s crucial that the conditions align with your mindset and expectations. If you have any doubts, consider first trying the Wild Tusheti for an introduction. After gaining experience and confidence, you might be more prepared for this horse transhumance experience in Georgia, from highlands to winter pastures.

IMPORTANT : 
At this time of the year, days are shorter, the temperatures drop significantly during the night and the day time. It may snow.
We first ride in the Tusheti region and overnight mostly in Tush houses (There is only a wood oven (and sometimes not at all) and the rooms are not isolated). Take a very warm sleeping bag. Night temperature can drop to -6°C. Then we gather the horses and ride down with all the horses. Depending on the weather conditions, it may snow/rain, we will choose the way and decide if we do it in 2 days or 1,5 days. If so we could be more than 12 hours on horse without any stop. Be aware that we can not cook in the evening and we eat what we have.

Advises 
Extend your stay in Georgia and definitely at least one more day in Tbilisi.
Additional overnight in Tbilisi in the same hotel.

Remarks
1. The luggage will be carried in some precarious conditions. We are also not responsible for some damages which can occur.
2. The airport transfers are only organised on the first day and the last day as written on the program.
If you are planing to arrive or leave before (resp.after) the due date, the transfer is on your own. You can download the Bolt application or order a taxi at the airport.
3. At Laliskhuri, we will give you 2 waterproof bags in which you should arrange your staff. You can leave the rest of your unneeded luggage there. The weigh should also be reasonable. Our horse should carry all the staffs.
4. During the trek we have to be self sufficient as once the Kakheti region left we can not find any provisions.
5. We are cooking every day (except during the transhumance), typical Georgian food and Tush specialities. Our food is coming from the local production and is organic.
6. During the trek, long way down should be walked.
7. We will go in a very secluded area and especially the first part of the trek. Some good physical and mental conditions are required. You have to take out an insurance to cover any accident, medical assistance and mountain rescue.
8. Mountain experiences are also recommended as some trails could sometimes be difficult.
9. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary if we judge for any reasons that the way is not safe enough. This decision will be taken by the main guide and should not be contradicted or discussed.

Sales terms in case of trip cancelation 2024
• For all booking 20% of the trip amount have to be paid.
• Between 60 days and 30 days : 30% of the total trip amount have to be paid.
• Between 29 days and 10 days : 50% of the total trip amount have to be paid.
• Between 9 days and the departure day : 100% of the total trip amount have to be paid.