Immerse yourself in colorful nature when embarking on a riding experience through expressive
mountains the Lesser Caucasus and cantering across lush green gorges. The mountain forests and
grasslands are full of biodiversity, and your trails along verdant canyons, valleys, and countryside offer
the best natural views and tours to important historical sites. Picnic cuisine includes locally grown
vegetables, native cheeses, bread, and wines served under the shade of oak trees. The camping tents
will be set up over scenic hillsides where you will explore centuries-long traditions of the local lifestyle.
Tbilisi
08:00
Arrive at Lori province and be welcomed with local food and drinks in the equestrian center. Start
your ride through cultivated fields then continue across the Dzoraget Canyon. Pass through riverside
orchards and find huge bare rocks and medieval hilltop forts along the way. On the opposite bank of the
river, you will also explore the medieval Hnevank. Following lunch, you will mount up again and
continue on the old Stepanavan road towards the southern rim of the canyon. Dinner and overnight
camping are in Dzoragiugh village lying on the verge of pine forests.
Today’s route follows along the Debed ravine. Pass by Vahagni crossing the river over the bridge
and appear in picturesque Yeghegnut (an area full of reeds). Next, your trek follows the ancient Dsegh
road. Used by locals for more than 200 years the trail provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the
natural beauty on horseback. Overnight stay in Concept Hotel by COAF.
Your third day on the saddle starts with a scenic ride on sinuous and wooded paths leading to
Dsegh. In the center of the village, you will visit the Hovhannes Tumanyan house-museum. Your next
stop is the glorious Mamikonyants princely cemetery where you will explore a vast number of medieval
khachkars as well as four-sided obelisks. On leaving Dsegh you may do some canter or a gallop on the
field trails to reach the marvelous hillside Lake Tsover, surrounded by lush forests. Overnight in Tsover
campground.
This morning you will be left free to enjoy the beauty of lakefront scenery and experience other
outdoor recreations. Following lunch, your descending path will lead you across the wooded Marts River
Gorge. Then pass over the cascading river stream and reenter the woods bypassing Marts village. At
sunset, you will reach the hillside village of Qarinj opening a panoramic view over the forested
landscapes of the gorge. Dinner and camping in rural orchards.
Your final destination is the medieval Qobayr monastery. Carrying on up and down across the
hillside roads, you can enjoy the peace and the scenery of Debed valley. Finally, the trail leads you across
the river toward the 12 th -century monastic complex of Qobayr, prominent as a cultural, writing center,
and the greatest point of strategic importance. After your tour is over you will be transferred back to Tbilisi.
