Horse Herding Tours
Experienced riders are invited to this amazing horse herding tour, covering 170 km in 4 to 5 days with beautiful creatures, to/from Shatili through the Artani valley to the forests of Sabaduri.
We offer two separate horse herding tours twice a year.
Price starts at €950.00 per person in double or twin rooms with a minimum of 5 participants.
Georgian Horse Herding Experience in Khevsureti
It is still customary in Georgia to herd horses from the lowlands to the mountain tops and back down to the lowlands. This is a highly emotional and intriguing journey. We herd the majority of our horses to rich mountain pastures in the spring and return them to lowland pastures in the fall. Each time, we schedule two herding tours to and from the mountains.
Khevsureti is beautiful and special!
If you want to experience the historical road that many real Khevsuri people, ancient warriors, nomads, and travellers have traveled, this unforgettable horse herding tour on horseback is for you!
Khevsureti is renowned for its high green mountains, deep ravines, roaring rivers, rocky slopes, rare mountain birds, magical flowers, free grazing horses, rituals lost in time, and courageous people.
The Khevsuri people, an ancient Georgian ethnic group with incredibly unusual fortune and character, lived in the Main Caucasus Watershed, on the southern and northern slopes of the Eastern Caucasus. Their dramatic way of life and unique traditions have long been the subject of scientific research and served as an inspiration to authors, poets, and artists.
The upper part of Khevsureti is not accessible by road throughout the year, as the Datvis Jvari mountain pass is blocked by snow from the end of October until the road opens in May. Unfortunately, today, Khevsureti is almost completely unpopulated.
Discover the most romantic and unique locations in Khevsureti when you stay at the Mariam Chincharauli Tower Hotel. You will enjoy the delicious khinkali that they have set out on the table as you listen to harmonica music.
The Historical Route of the Sheep and Horse Herding Experience
TBD
This is an exciting route! Riding and herding horses toward Khevsureti in the provinces of Ertso-Tianeti and Pshavi from May to October. Many of the firmly embedded customs in this region focus around farming, shepherds, horses, sheep, and cows. The Artani Valley pilgrimage, the Shatili pathways in the natural reserve, the stunning mixed forests and farmland, and its function as a refuge for migratory birds are some of its best-known attractions.
Itinerary
Day 1
7 hour horseback riding from Ertso to the Artani Valley
Overnight stay in tents near the river
Day 2
5–6 hours of horseback riding from Artani Valley to Chargali Village
Overnight stay in tents near the river or in a guesthouse
Day 3
6–7 hours of horseback riding from Chargali to Khakhmati area
Overnight stay in tents
Day 4
5–6 hours of horseback riding from Khakhmati to Shatili
Overnight stay in tents
Day 5
3–4 hours of horseback riding in the Shatiliskhevi Ride and return to Tbilisi
Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Accommodation, Meals, Guides, Horses and Equipment
- Stay in a guesthouse or a tent;
- The total distance approximately 240 kilometers;
- Horses are the traditional Caucasian breed (well trained and strong);
- Saddle types: Western or Caucasian (upon participant’s request);
- Duration of the tour: 6-8 hours per day;
- Number of guides: 2;
- Minimum five participants.
Georgian Autumn Horse Herding Experience
TBD
Itinerary
Day 1
5 hour drive to Shatili
Day 2
5 hour horseback riding from Giorgitsminda/Kavi to Gudani, 35 kilometers
Day 3
5-6 hour horseback riding from Gudani to Chargali, 35 kilometers
Day 4
6-7 hour horseback riding from Chargali to Artani Valley, 45 kilometers
Day 5
6-7 hour horseback riding from Artani Valley to Tianeti-Devenaantkhevi, 50 kilometers
Accommodation, Meals, Guides, Horses and Equipment
The package price includes transportation from and to Tbilisi in a 4-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Delica, an English-speaking guide and a guide’s assistant, use of the horses, a saddle, pad, bridle, and helmet, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and lodging at the guesthouses.
We will provide drinking water, thermos tea, refreshments, food, tents, transport, radio transmitters (walkie-talkies), a route map, and photography.
Not included in the price: travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, and the services not listed above, private equipment, such as sleeping bag, rain-coat, jacket, rucksack, flashlight, boots, trekking shoes, gloves, hat.
Special Requests and Requirements
- Each rider must be able to get on and off the horse independently.
- The participant must be able to harness a horse or assist other riders (on-the-spot training is possible).
- All participants must follow the tour coordinator’s directions at all times.
- The participants should assist the guides in gathering the horses.
- The organizer must see an identity card from each participant.
- All participants must notify the organizer of any personal, physical, or mental limitations (such as phobias, altitude anxiety, and so on) as well as nutritional restrictions.
- A vehicle will escort the horse team throughout the calling days to transport the participants’ belongings, food, equipment, and other necessities (except for the Chargali-Artani route). The luggage will be delivered from Chargali to Artani by car.
- Riders can travel periodically by car, which will always be nearby, with the exception of the Chargali-Artani route.
- It is not permitted to change the route without the permission of the coordinator.
- For safety, it is necessary to register for 3-day travel insurance, which the tour company will help you with.
- Show consideration and respect for the guides and other participants. Do not impede or delay others. Do not disturb or pollute the environment. Smile and greet individuals as you pass them.
Warnings and Risks
- In extreme weather conditions, the tour may be canceled without a refund to the participant.
- Expected risks include rain and snow, road closures, dogs scaring horses, bad weather, and horses getting lost or lost from the route.
Map out your adventure vacation with us
Georgia has a mild and enjoyable climate for horseback riding. Plan your getaway now!
Contact Us!