USHGULI, THE HIGHEST HILLS OF GEORGIA - 4-day horseback expedition
- Ushguli Horse Trails
Latpari Pass and Georgia's highest peak Shkhara 5193 metres
4 days
4-8 persons
20/07 to 20/10
750 euros
4 days
20/07 to 20/10
4-8 persons
750 euros
USHGULI, THE HIGHEST HILLS OF GEORGIA - 4-day horseback expedition
Georgia is one of the oldest countries in Europe. It has a long history, inextricably linked to horses. Thanks to their brave and courageous horses, Georgians were able to defend their homeland.
Horses in Georgia are held in high esteem and have been an integral part of the country's culture for thousands of years. In the museums you can find numerous artefacts related to these animals, such as mane bells, harnesses, women's saddles, men's saddles and bridles from the 5th century BC!
Georgia explored from the perspective of horseback is something special! Enjoy an unforgettable horseback expedition in the High Caucasus mountains, to Georgia's highest peaks, to the unique village of Ushguli, which is the highest village in Europe.
In Ushguli, we will be riding the Svan horses. They are not a separate breed, but are a mix of Caucasian breeds with Arabian, English, Karachai or Karabakh horses. Svaneti horses are raised in the Great Caucasus. They are very hardy, courageous and eager to gallop.
View from the village of Ushguli to Georgia's highest peak Shkhara 5193m
Ushguli village
Day 1 - 4×4 expedition from Kutaisi to Ushguli
We will pick you up in Kutaisi from your accommodation. We will set off at 9 a.m. on our way to the unique region of Georgia! Svaneti!
We will take a scenic route through the Gelaveri Pass, which overlooks the famous Okatse Canyon from above. We will stop at the Rakhcha waterfall. En route we will pass Khvamli Mountain and glades of Georgia's most expensive grapes on its slopes.
We will drive through a scenic route passing through the village of Mele, Tsana, Zagaro Pass (2800m). We will stop at scenic spots for photos.
In the afternoon we will arrive in Ushguli. We will have lunch and head to our horses. We will assign a mount to each of you and go for a pleasant walk around the village. On horseback we will reach the 11th century Lamaria monastery. We will ride on horseback between the medieval fortified towers. We will take you to the winter residence of Queen Tamar. The walk will take us about 2 hours. You will get to know and feel the unique atmosphere of Ushguli.
After the horse ride there will be time to relax. In the evening we will have a delicious dinner prepared by our hostesses.
Day 2 - Expedition to the Shkhara Glacier.
After breakfast we will start saddling our horses. We will set off on the trail at 10.00 a.m. On this day, the route to the foot of the highest mountain in Georgia - Shkhara 5193 metres - awaits us. We have about 10 - 15 kilometres to cover.
We will take a pleasant route along the Enguri River. We will take you to Shkhara Lake and then to the glacier. Our guide will wait with the horses and we will cover the last stretch to the glacier on foot. After returning to the horses we will have a picnic lunch. On the way back to Ushguli, we will face stretches of galloping.
Upon reaching Ushguli, we will unsaddle the horses. There will be time to rest, change clothes.
In the evening we will sit down to a lavishly set table and enjoy regional specialities.
Views from the pass
View of the Shkhara mountain - 5193 m
Day 3 - Expedition to Latpari Pass (2830 m)
After breakfast we will start saddling our horses. We will set off on the trail at 9.00 a.m. A fabulous route to the "roof of Georgia" awaits us that day. We have about 30-35 kilometres to cover.
Passing the medieval towers, you will reach the stream behind which begins stage 1 - an uphill climb. The trail leads through picturesque meadows, forests and streams. With height, the flora changes to dwarf pine. Behind our backs more and more peaks of the High Caucasus appear, from which it is hard to take your eyes off. The route is steep but suitable for horses. We take breaks to rest. We cover an elevation of about 550 metres.
Stage 2 of our adventure begins by reaching the Alpine glades. We drive through mountain passes having the Shkhara mountain, Tetnuldi, Ushba on our right and the Lower Svaneti region and the mountains of the Racha region on our left. We pass a total of 3 mountain lakes. On the route we take breaks so that the horses can rest and we can enjoy the fabulous views.
This section has steep and flat parts. It is longer than the first one. The highest point of this section is 2943 metres and is called Gvibari. We continue through the Gorvashi Pass (2899m) and, savouring the 360-degree views, we reach the chapel overlooking the Tetnuldi Glacier. The chapel is right next to our main destination, Latpari Pass (2830 m). There is a lake where we will prepare and have a well-deserved picnic.
After a rest we will start the 3rd stage of the journey - we will set off on our return journey. We will choose the route to Ushguli depending on the weather. We will return by going down to the village of Kala and taking the main road to Ushguli or by taking the same route we took to Latpari. In both versions we will cover part of the route on foot.
Upon reaching Ushguli, we will unsaddle the horses. There will be time to rest, change clothes.
In the evening we will sit down to a lavishly set table and enjoy regional specialities.
Views from the pass
Ushguli village
Day 4
After breakfast it will be time to say goodbye to Ushguli, our horses and the Ushguli team. We will have one more look at the majestic Shkhara and then set off on our way back to Kutaisi. We will make pleasant stops at scenic spots along the way. In Kutaisi, we will take you to the indicated address. And on us will come the time to say goodbye, but we believe not for long!
Requirements for the rally:
- Skills: walk, trot, gallop in the mountians .
- Weight: max 90 kg
- NThe tours are only for experienced riders
Informations:
- We determine the order of the route according to the weather.
- If you are following a special diet let us know in advance
- Bring your own raincoat and protective helmet. Riding without a helmet only at your own risk.
In addition, you can book:
- Overnight stay in our family at Hostel Kutaisi by Kote
- Transfer from and to the airport.
RESERVATION
Call to book a tour. Whatsapp: +995 593 54 85 07, +48 505 236 650
The tour must be booked at least one week in advance. We do not make bookings on site.
