Horseback riding in Georgia: the Caucasus on horseback

A country still moving on horseback

In most of Europe, riding a horse across a mountain landscape is a curated, premium experience — carefully managed, short in duration and firmly inside a recreational tradition. In the Georgian Caucasus it is something else. Horses remain working animals in Tusheti, Khevsureti and parts of Svaneti, where they transport hay, carry supplies to summer pastures, and are ridden daily by shepherds who learned to mount before they learned to drive. The trails you will ride were cut by transhumance over centuries, and the horses you will ride are descended from the small, tough Tushuri and Mingrelian breeds bred for these specific terrains.

Horse trekking in Georgia is therefore one of the more authentically adventurous ways to see the country. It is slower than a jeep, faster than walking, and able to reach terrain where vehicles cannot go and where hiking would demand a week of heavy carrying. This guide covers the five best regions for multi-day horse treks and shorter day rides, the established outfitters, prices, seasons and what to expect.

The five best regions for horse trekking

Tusheti: the classic

Tusheti is the most storied riding region in Georgia and the place where the culture has changed least. The villages of Omalo, Dartlo, Shenako and Girevi sit on a high plateau surrounded by the Greater Caucasus, accessible only via the Abano Pass — one of the world’s most notorious mountain roads — and only from mid-June to early October. The Tushuri horse, small and sure-footed, is bred specifically for this terrain.

Classic Tusheti rides range from day excursions around Omalo (150–300 GEL) to five- to ten-day treks between villages over high passes. The Diklo–Parsma–Girevi–Chontio circuit, typically ridden in four to six days, crosses the Caucasus watershed and includes nights in shepherd huts and village guesthouses. Fitness required is moderate — you spend long hours in the saddle at altitude — but no prior riding experience is needed for the easier loops.

Svaneti: the dramatic

Svaneti offers the most photogenic riding in Georgia. The medieval stone towers of Mestia, Ushguli and the intermediate villages stand against the permanent snowfields of the Main Caucasus Ridge. Multi-day treks from Mestia to Ushguli, from Ushguli toward the Shkhara glacier, and into the Khaldechala and Adishi valleys combine dramatic scenery with real wilderness feel. The Mingrelian horses used here are slightly larger than Tushuri and well adapted to the steeper, rockier ground.

The season runs roughly mid-May to mid-October. Mestia has multiple outfitters offering everything from two-hour rides to ten-day expeditions. Prices are higher than Tusheti due to tourism infrastructure (400–600 GEL per day including guide, horse and meals).

Kazbegi and Khevi: the accessible option

The region around Stepantsminda, reached via the Georgian Military Highway, offers the most accessible horse riding in Georgia. Day rides around Gergeti Trinity Church, through the Chaukhi foothills, and into the Truso Valley are available from multiple local stables, and the drive from Tbilisi is only three hours. Multi-day treks connect Kazbegi across the mountains to Khevsureti via the Chaukhi Pass — a strenuous but extraordinary crossing.

This is the best region for travellers with limited time. A two-day Kazbegi-based trek into the Juta valley and the Chaukhi amphitheatre, overnighting at a guesthouse or tent camp, packs in the essential Caucasus riding experience inside a long weekend.

Khevsureti: the remote alternative

Khevsureti, reached via a rough mountain road from Tbilisi, is the less-visited sibling of Tusheti. The medieval stone villages of Shatili and Mutso cling to the gorge walls, and the terrain is genuinely remote — more so than anywhere else reachable by road in Georgia. Riding here involves multi-day treks between Shatili, Ardoti, Mutso and the Chaukhi Pass crossing to Juta. The logistics are less polished than Tusheti and Svaneti; outfitters are few and less predictable. For experienced travellers who want wildness over comfort, it is the richest option.

Javakheti: the volcanic plateau

Javakheti, in the south, is an entirely different character of landscape — a high volcanic plateau at 1,600–2,200m, dotted with crater lakes (Paravani, Tabatskuri, Saghamo), shepherd settlements and a large Armenian-speaking population. Riding here is across open steppe rather than through mountain passes, with long horizons and thunderous summer weather. It is ideal for travellers who have ridden Tusheti or Svaneti before and want something different. The Poka monastery area and the circuit around Paravani Lake make excellent two- to four-day loops.

Outfitters worth knowing

The horse trekking market in Georgia has professionalised considerably over the past decade. A few consistently recommended operators:

Wild Georgia Horse Riding (Tbilisi-based, operates nationwide) — Established, English-speaking, with a range of routes from weekend Kazbegi trips to two-week expeditions. Tends to use experienced local guides in each region.

Jomardi Adventures (Mestia, Svaneti) — Local Svan family operation, strong on the Ushguli and Adishi routes, reasonable prices and genuine village knowledge.

Omalo-based guesthouses (Tusheti) — Many Tusheti guesthouses organise their own horse treks with family horses and neighbour guides. Less predictable than booking through a Tbilisi agency, but typically cheaper and more culturally immediate. The Omalo tourist information point can connect you with operators.

Kazbegi stable operators — Multiple stables in Stepantsminda offer day rides and two-day packages. Quality varies; ask guesthouses for current recommendations.

Adventure Tours Georgia (Tbilisi) — Does well-organised multi-day treks across all the above regions, including Khevsureti. Suited to travellers who want booked logistics rather than improvised village arrangements.

For a short day ride from Tbilisi as a first experience, a guided excursion in the Kazbegi area is the simplest introduction.

Book a Kazbegi day tour from Tbilisi with GetYourGuide

Seasons and weather

The Georgian mountain riding season is short. The practical window is:

• Tusheti: mid-June to early October (Abano Pass access)
• Svaneti: mid-May to mid-October (highest passes open from mid-June)
• Kazbegi/Khevi: May to October
• Khevsureti: June to September
• Javakheti: May to October (winter is severe but accessible; some operators run limited winter rides)

Peak summer (July and August) brings thunderstorms almost daily in the afternoons — plan to be in the saddle in the morning and at shelter by mid-afternoon. September is often the best month: stable weather, autumn colours, fewer visitors and grazing still good.

What a multi-day trek actually looks like

A representative five-day Tusheti ride:

Day 1 — Arrive Omalo via Abano Pass. Afternoon short ride to get acquainted with your horse and check the saddle fit. Overnight in guesthouse.

Day 2 — Omalo to Dartlo (3–5 hours riding). Cross the Alazani watershed, descend to Dartlo’s stone towers, overnight in a village guesthouse.

Day 3 — Dartlo to Parsma and Girevi (5–7 hours). Into the more remote villages on the Chechen border. Simple village accommodation.

Day 4 — Exploration loop to the Sakarne waterfall or a high pass, returning to Girevi. Half-day ride.

Day 5 — Return via a different route to Omalo. Departure to Tbilisi.

A full supra feast with horn-drinking typically happens on the last night. The ride covers roughly 60–90 km total.

What to expect physically

Multi-day Georgian horse trekking is not difficult riding — the horses are sure-footed, the terrain is rarely technical, and the guides maintain a walking pace punctuated by occasional trots. What is hard is the cumulative effort of five to eight hours in the saddle at altitudes of 2,000–2,800m for several consecutive days.

Riding experience — No prior riding experience is required for most routes. Outfitters match horses to riders and will keep complete beginners at a walk. If you have ridden before, you will get more out of the experience, particularly on longer trots and canters where conditions allow.

Fitness — Good general fitness makes a significant difference. Tight hips, weak core and sore knees are the standard post-Tusheti complaints. Doing some saddle fitness preparation (stretching, core work) in the weeks before helps.

Saddle soreness — Expect some. Georgian saddles are traditional wooden or leather designs that take adjustment. Padded riding shorts under your trousers are a worthwhile investment.

Altitude — Most rides are at 1,800–2,800m. Altitude sickness is uncommon at these levels but possible. Hydrate aggressively.

Gear and preparation

Essentials to bring:

• Sturdy riding boots or hiking boots with heels (prevents foot slipping through stirrup)
• Long trousers — riding tights or sturdy hiking trousers
• Helmet (some outfitters provide; bring your own if you care)
• Warm layers (mountain temperatures swing dramatically)
• Waterproof jacket — summer afternoons produce sudden thunderstorms
• Hat with chin cord and sun cream
• Basic first aid including saddle sore prevention (Sudocrem, chamois cream)
• Water bottle and snacks

Provided by outfitter:

• Horse, saddle, bridle, saddlebags
• Guide (typically speaks Georgian and basic English)
• Accommodation in guesthouses or tents
• Meals — breakfast and dinner plus packed lunch
• Support logistics (pack horse if needed)

Prices

Multi-day guided horse trekking in Georgia costs broadly:

• Budget: 250–400 GEL per person per day (village guesthouse network, basic English, group tours)
• Mid-range: 500–700 GEL per day (established Tbilisi operator, English-speaking guide, better guesthouses)
• Premium: 800–1,200 GEL per day (luxury logistics, private guide, support vehicle, gourmet meals)

Single day rides from established tourism centres (Mestia, Omalo, Kazbegi) typically cost 150–300 GEL including horse, guide and a half-day route.

Combining horse trekking with other activities

Horse trekking combines naturally with several other Georgian experiences. Common combinations:

• Tusheti riding + Kakheti wine: the drive into Tusheti passes through Kakheti, and a few days of wine touring before or after the ride makes a complete week.
• Svaneti riding + Samegrelo: after the Mestia rides, descend to the Samegrelo subtropical lowlands and Martvili Canyon for a contrast of landscapes.
• Kazbegi riding + paragliding: combine a day ride with paragliding in Gudauri on the same Military Highway trip.
• Multi-region expedition: serious riders tackle a Kazbegi–Khevsureti–Tusheti crossing over two weeks, a genuine Caucasus traverse.

The adventure itinerary includes horse trekking as one component of a broader active trip.

FAQ

Do I need prior riding experience? Not for most routes. Outfitters match horses to rider ability and can keep beginners at a walking pace. Five days in the saddle teaches basic riding whether you want it to or not.

Is horse trekking safe in Georgia? Reasonably, when using established operators with trained horses. Risks are the normal equestrian ones — falls, kicks, tack failures — plus the specific risks of remote mountain terrain (weather, river crossings). Helmet use is standard with better operators; insist on it if not offered.

Can I ride in winter? Limited. Some lowland and Javakheti operators run winter rides; the high mountain regions are closed by snow. The main season is May to October with the shoulder months most reliable for weather.

Are the horses well treated? Standards vary. Established outfitters with international clientele generally maintain their horses well because their livelihood depends on reputation. Village horses are working animals — healthy and capable, but not pampered. If you see tack that is rubbing sores or a visibly exhausted animal, raise it with your guide or change operators.

How heavy can a rider be? Most Caucasus horses carry up to approximately 100 kg comfortably. Heavier riders should confirm specifically with the outfitter; some have larger horses for taller and heavier guests.

Related guides

• Tusheti destination guide — the classic riding region
• Svaneti destination guide — tower villages and glacier rides
• Georgian Military Highway — the road to Kazbegi
• Best hikes in Georgia — the walking alternative
• Adventure itinerary — multi-activity trip structure
• Trekking itinerary — long-form mountain trip planning