8 days
Private group of 4-12 people
Season: 01.11 - 30.04
"Orei Orera" Ushguli. Winter 4×4 expedition in Georgia
Interested in what life is like during winter in the self-sufficient village of Ushguli, in the High Caucasus, located at the foot of the highest mountain in Georgia - Shkhara (5193 m)? We invite you!
Ushguli is a unique place on the map of Georgia, it is the highest village in Europe inhabited all year round, even in very harsh winters! You will learn about the unique folklore, ethnography, native inhabitants of Ushguli, their daily life. You will live among the 4 and 5 thousand people - Tetnuldi, Ushba, Shkhara. You will taste regional Svaneti cuisine prepared at home.
Winter in Ushguli
Photo: Roman Tolordava
But that's not all, after all, there can be no shortage of horses! You'll get to know what winter life is like for our mounts, who bravely gather us in the summer to unique places in the High Caucasus. Together with us you will participate in a study of winter horse tourism in Ushguli! We will test the winter horse trails. With your participation in the expedition you will support the local community and our horses!
*The trip, due to its nature and logistics, can only be booked for individual groups of a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 12 people..
1 Day
The first day of the trip is the day of your arrival in Kutaisi. We will pick you up from the airport and host you in our fantastic 4000 year old city of Kutaisi, the first capital of Georgia. You will stay in our family guesthouse with views of mountains full of mythology, historic churches. Supra, Imeretian cuisine, natural wine made by the house host Lasha, traditional Georgian toasts, Tamada await you. The evening will be spent in a merry feast. You will get to know our Kutaisk part of the team!
at Hostel Kutaisi by Kote
Mestia by night
2 Day
After breakfast we will take you to the High Caucasus, to Mestia. We will start our 4×4 expedition! We will spend the whole day on the road and visiting the attractions along the route. In the evening we will stay in a fantastic hotel in the centre of Mestia. You will marvel at the views The 360 degrees that open up from the hotel terrace to the Caucasian mountains. In the evening we'll have a dinner full of swanky, delicious dishes!
3 Day
After breakfast, we set off in all-terrain vehicles to the Tentuldi ski lift. Here you will be treated to another dose of cosmic views of the Caucasus! During the winter season and with the ski lifts open, you will be able to ski! (Don't worry about your equipment. We will help you to rent skis/snowboards in Mestia and buy a ski pass).
4×4 expedition
Ushguli in winter - the winter fortress of Queen Tamar
We will arrive in Ushguli! We will be welcomed and hosted in a warm house by our friends, the horse guides Mose, Nuro, Gela and the Ratiani family. Who also host us during the summer season during horseback rallies. We will visit our lovely horses who, just like humans, have to survive the winter in Ushguli. In the evening we will sit down to a table full of regional dishes. A welcome, fun party in Ushguli awaits you!
In Ushguli we will spend 3 nights and another 2 days We will explore the village and its surroundings on horseback. You will get to know winter Ushguli not only from the horseback! Visit unique stone towers, monasteries that are 1000 years old and more!
There will be no shortage of visits to the local cinema in the 12th century bastion! In the cinema you will be treated to a screening of the film "Dede". The film is about the life of the locals, their customs and - of course - a tragic love story! The film was shot in Ushguli and the actors (except for one character) were the villagers, including our horse guides! Our horse trails are inspired by frames from this very film! After a cosmic sojourn in Ushguli, during which you will experience daily life you will understand what the self-sufficiency of the village means, in a good way.
Karde from the film "Dede"
Hatsvali ski lift
6 day
This day our goal is to return to Kutaisi. It will take us the whole day. On the way in Mestia we will take you to the ski lift to Hatsvali. During the winter season and with the slopes open, you will be able to ski here! In Kutaisi we will be welcomed with a warm dinner. There will be no shortage of natural Georgian wine!
Day 7
After breakfast we will take you to the Lechkhumi region! Our destination is the village of Kulbaki. We will drive through the town of Tskaltubo, visiting the beautiful Prometheus Cave on the way. We will continue through the Gelaveri Pass overlooking the Okatse Canyon and the picturesque Rachkha Waterfall. We will stop at Green Lake, where there is a trout farm. The site lies in a picturesque valley, wrapped by mountains! It is in these mountains that we organise horse rallies in the summer! On site, in the village of Kulbaki, you will be hosted by our friends. We will prepare a picnic and fish on the grill. In the snow this place looks fabulous! Our horses in Kulbaki live in the wild in winter, but maybe we will meet our herd!
Day 8
After breakfast, end of the programme. Transfer to Kutaisi airport.
Balls in winter
Informations:
- You can join the expedition by signing up for a date from our CALENDAR OF EXPEDITIONS or INDIVIDUAL, then we will agree a detailed date with you. How do I book a tour of Georgia with ToursByKote?
- For interested people we will organize ski equipment rental
- Horseback tours are directed to people who can ride. Free ability to ride at a walk, trot and gallop in the countryside is required.
- If you have a special diet, are vege no problem, Georgian cuisine is very rich. Just let us know in advance.
- In an off-road vehicle we share 4 - 6 people each.
- Accommodation:
- In Kutaisi in our family-run guesthouse Hostel Kutaisi - rooms for 2 or more people with private bathrooms or a bathroom opposite the room.
- In Mestia in a hotel/guesthouse - twin or double rooms with private bathrooms.
- In Ushguli - in the house of our hosts - rooms for 2 or 3 persons, shared or private bathroom
