Why this experience is so special?
This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with authentic Tushetian shepherd families and experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. You will spend time in the alpine summer pastures of the Caucasus, learn about the seasonal migration between Tusheti and Vashlovani, and discover traditional cheese-making techniques that have been preserved for centuries. Along the way, you will gain insight into the demanding yet honorable life of mountain shepherds, whose daily routines revolve around their animals, the land, and the rhythms of the seasons. This is not simply tourism—it is a genuine cultural immersion into one of the Caucasus’ oldest living traditions.
Tusheti is our homeland – a land of high mountains, alpine pastures, and centuries-old traditions. For generations, Tushetian shepherd families have followed the same seasonal rhythm, moving between the summer pastures of Tusheti and the winter grazing lands of eastern Georgia.
Each year, we spend only a few months in the mountains. From late spring until early autumn, our flocks graze on the high-altitude meadows of Tusheti before beginning their long journey to the warmer lowlands for the winter. This seasonal movement, known as transhumance, is one of the oldest living traditions in the Caucasus and remains an essential part of our way of life today.
The alpine pastures of Tusheti, lying between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, are among the most pristine and untouched landscapes in Europe. Rich mountain herbs, wild thyme, alpine flowers, medicinal grasses, and pure glacier-fed water create ideal conditions for livestock grazing.
The natural pastures are the reason Tushetian sheep produce milk of exceptional quality, giving our famous mountain cheese its distinctive flavor and nutritional value. For centuries, families have made cheese in these mountains using knowledge passed down through generations.
Being a shepherd in Tusheti is more than a profession -it is a way of life. It means caring for large flocks, living for months in remote mountain camps, protecting animals from predators and harsh weather, and continuing traditions that have been handed down from father to son for generations.
This journey offers a unique chance to live alongside Tushetian shepherds, sharing in their daily routines, traditions, and way of life as they have done for generations.
August 3-8
September 4–10
Shared accommodation – 1590 EUR
Deposit – 600 EUR to book your saddle (non-refundable)
Due Payment – 40 days before departure
Cancellation Policy
The deposit is non-refundable, as horses, guides, accommodation, and logistics are arranged specifically for each participant.
Travel Insurance
All participants must have valid travel insurance that covers horseback riding and adventure activities.
- All-inclusive package
- Transportation from/to Tbilisi
- Horses with full equipment
- Local, experienced horsemen
- English-speaking guide
- 6 nights accommodation – tents and guesthouses
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Homemade wine, chacha & soft drinks
- Traditional Georgian & Tushetian cuisine
- International flights
- Hotels in Tbilisi before/after the tour
- Health & travel insurance
- Personal expenses
The itinerary follows our planned route through Vashlovani National Park; however, it may be adjusted if necessary due to weather conditions, horse welfare, or for the safety and comfort of guests.
Tbilisi → Diklo → Shenako → Omalo
- Hotel in Omalo
- Your journey begins with a dramatic drive into the Caucasus Mountains.
- We explore Diklo and Shenako, ancient stone villages overlooking Dagestan.
- You begin to understand how isolated and strong mountain life is.
- Evening in Omalo with traditional dinner.
Omalo → Oreti Lake → Shepherd Farm (Camping)
- 15–18 km | 4–6 hours riding
- Overnight at traditional sheep farm
- We ride toward Oreti Lake, crossing open alpine landscapes.
- From there we continue to a remote Tushetian shepherd farm – a summer mountain shelter called “bina.”
- Here you meet the shepherd family
- You will help gather sheep and learn how the camp is organized
- Eat traditional shepherd food
- Sleep in mountain tents under the stars
Living the Shepherd Morning → Shtrolta → Sabue
- 14–18 km | ⏱ 4–6 hours riding
- Camping at shepherd farm in Sabue
- We wake before sunrise.
You will witness:
- sheep milking at dawn,
- fresh milk processing traditional Tushetian cheese making
- fire-heated copper pots
- natural fermentation methods
- You can participate in milking and cheese preparation.
Later we ride through Shtrolta and arrive in Sabue, where you will see the evening shepherd routine:
- Counting sheep
- Protecting animals
- Preparing animals for night
- You experience shepherd evening life – quiet, strong, and disciplined.
Sabue → Vestmo → Vestomta → Iliurta → Jvarboseli
- 18–22 km | 5–7 hours riding
- Guesthouse in Jvarboseli
- We ride through remote Tusheti villages: Vestmo, Vestomta, Iliurta.
- These lands are open, wild alpine pastures – rich grassland where sheep graze freely.
- Arrival in Jvarboseli for a warm shower and comfortable night.
Jvarboseli → Girevi
- 15–18 km | 4–6 hours riding
- Ride deeper into Pirikiti Valley toward Girevi.
Here you meet cow farmers and see:
- Cow milking
Dairy storage methods
Differences between sheep and cow cheese production - Another evening of mountain farming stories.
Girevi → Dartlo → Kvavlo → Omalo
- 20–24 km | 6–7 hours riding
- Hotel in Omalo
- We visit historic Dartlo and Kvavlo, stone defensive villages built centuries ago.
- Return to Omalo for farewell dinner and celebration.
Omalo → Tbilisi
- Departure day.
- You leave not just with photos, but with deeper understanding about the harsh lives of Tushetian shepherds.
Tusheti is our homeland – a land of high mountains, alpine pastures, and centuries-old traditions. For generations, Tushetian shepherd families have followed the same seasonal rhythm, moving between the summer pastures of Tusheti and the winter grazing lands of eastern Georgia.
Each year, we spend only a few months in the mountains. From late spring until early autumn, our flocks graze on the high-altitude meadows of Tusheti before beginning their long journey to the warmer lowlands for the winter. This seasonal movement, known as transhumance, is one of the oldest living traditions in the Caucasus and remains an essential part of our way of life today.
The alpine pastures of Tusheti, lying between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, are among the most pristine and untouched landscapes in Europe. Rich mountain herbs, wild thyme, alpine flowers, medicinal grasses, and pure glacier-fed water create ideal conditions for livestock grazing.
The natural pastures are the reason Tushetian sheep produce milk of exceptional quality, giving our famous mountain cheese its distinctive flavor and nutritional value. For centuries, families have made cheese in these mountains using knowledge passed down through generations.
Being a shepherd in Tusheti is more than a profession -it is a way of life. It means caring for large flocks, living for months in remote mountain camps, protecting animals from predators and harsh weather, and continuing traditions that have been handed down from father to son for generations.
This journey offers a unique chance to live alongside Tushetian shepherds, sharing in their daily routines, traditions, and way of life as they have done for generations.
CLOTHING
Comfortable riding trousers.
T-Shirts. Long sleeved shirts.
Short multipurpose riding/walking boots and half chaps. We recommend your boots are waterproof.
Waterproof coat. We recommend a breathable coat.
We recommend you bring clothes which can be put on in layers when it is cold and taken off as it warms up.
Fleece, jumper, or jacket.
Warm coat
Waterproof riding gloves.
Waterproof trousers or leggings.
Sunglasses – with a neck strap.
Casual clothes – for when you are not riding.
Shoes – for when you are not riding.
Socks and underwear.
Swimwear.
Thick socks.
Set of thermal underwear
Woolly or fleece hat.
EQUIPMENT
Bum bag (waist bag) for keeping small items like lip salve close to hand.
Supply of candy/sweets to help keep up energy levels.
Water bottle. It is important to drink plenty of water, particularly if the temperatures are hot. Metal water bottles are particularly useful as they can double as hot water bottles at night!
You may want to bring a sleeping bag liner or you own sleeping bag
Pocket Knife (but remember to pack into your checked in luggage on flights).
Small torch – a head torch is particularly useful (take spare batteries).
Dry bags/supply of plastic carrier bags – always useful for separating wet and dry kit.
A sarong and flip-flops can be practical where washing facilities are limited.
Ear Plugs – if you are a light sleeper.
Bandana or Buff. These have a myriad of uses including keeping you cool when it’s hot or warm when it’s cold.
Contact lens wearers should take glasses as dry air can make contact lenses uncomfortable. If you do take contacts, we recommend daily disposable lenses.
TOILETRIES AND MEDICAL
Towel.
Hand Sanitizer
Wet wipes.
Personal medical kit with antiseptic cream, pain relief tablets and sticking plasters. Moisture absorbing baby powder can be useful to prevent chafing. Compeed blister plasters work well on sore patches, acting as a second skin. Sudocrem, E45, Vaseline or similar soothe rubbed skin.
Any medication you regularly take.
Sun protection cream.
Due to the altitude the sun can be strong, and we advise a high factor sunscreen.
Lip balm.
Insect repellent and after bite ointment.
Nasal Spray such as Similasan nose moisturiser which is good for the ‘dry nose’ that can develop at altitude.
Rehydration sachets (Dioralyte or similar, allow one per day). Imodium or similar.
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