TUSHETI & UDABNO
Period of travel
From March to November. Individual booking and private group on request
Horseback expedition
Workshops in the Tusheti Mountains and the Semi-Desert of Georgia
A Unique Concept
Our new concept combines horseback riding in the semi-desert with creative workshops. Three special departures are offered:
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a French literature workshop,
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a yoga workshop during the semi-desert ride,
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a watercolor painting workshop on the Tusheti village ride.
All workshops are led by three exceptional women, riders, known for their talent, pedagogy, and generosity in sharing their art.
Clara Arnaud – Literature Workshop (French)
Clara Arnaud is a French writer and winner of the Ecology Novel Prize. Her works, both fiction and non-fiction, explore political and ecological themes, questioning how we inhabit the world. An experienced traveler, mostly on foot or horseback, she has also worked in international cooperation in Africa and Latin America.
In April 2026, Clara will lead a fun and practical literature workshop during the desert ride. Her latest novel, Et vous passerez comme des vents fous, has won at least eight literary awards.
Diane Bonnemain – Watercolor Workshop (French & English)
Diane Bonnemain, a researcher and watercolor artist, returns in July 2026 to teach on the Tusheti village ride. She guides participants in capturing landscapes and moments, transforming them into memorable artwork. Even first-time painters can create a personal illustrated book of their horseback expedition.
Alice Vaivode – Yoga Workshop (French & English)
Alice’s approach goes beyond asanas, combining pranayama, meditation, and intention-setting. In the unique Udabno region, surrounded by horses and nearby monasteries, each session becomes a deeply immersive experience, using nature, breath, and connection as tools for inner exploration.
The Tusheti Region on Horseback
Nestled in the Great Caucasus mountains of Georgia, Tusheti is a remote and authentic region where time seems to slow down. The only access is a high mountain pass at nearly 3,000 m, built by the Soviets after WWII, which makes the region reachable by car only from June to October.
Tusheti’s dramatic landscapes—towering peaks, deep valleys, and wild rivers—offer some of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Caucasus. Isolated villages remain largely untouched by modern life, and the Tush people continue to live according to centuries-old traditions, preserving their customs, festivals, and way of life in harmony with the mountains.
Riding through Tusheti is not just a journey, it’s an immersion in a timeless world, where the rugged scenery, the clear air, and the remote trails remind you of the grandeur and solitude of the high Caucasus. The authenticity of the villages, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the untouched nature make every ride an unforgettable adventure.
The Horses of Tusheti
Horses are essential in Tusheti: they gather flocks, carry cheese and materials, and serve as the main means of transport. Beyond practicality, horses symbolize prestige and are central to many traditional rituals.
The Semi-Desert of Udabno on Horseback
Located just an hour from Tbilisi, near the Azerbaijan border, the Udabno semi-desert stretches over 100 km. Its eroded, arid landscapes resemble American Badlands and offer perfect conditions for riding and exploration. The ancient cave monasteries scattered throughout Udabno add a historical and spiritual dimension to the journey. The wintering pastures of our herd provide beautiful riding opportunities at the gateway of this unique ecosystem. more information go to horseriding georgia
Art of Living & Horses
Life in Tusheti and Udabno follows the rhythm of seasons rather than money or schedules. Despite the harsh environment, the simplicity of nomadic life, the grandeur of the landscapes, and the deep-rooted traditions inspire profound respect. I have lived here for 22 years, participating in the transhumance, driving flocks of sheep and horses to summer pastures in May and back to the wintering grounds near the semi-desert in October.
3 workshops
• Literature workshop animated by Clara Arnaud
• Water-painting animated by Diane Bonnemain
• Yoga animale by Alice Vaivode
Places
Tusheti, Great Caucasus Mountains, Georgia
Semi desert Udabno & Vashlovani, South-Eastern part of Georgia
The workshops either take place on the itinerary of the hidden monasteries in the semi desert of Udabno or on the Tush villages in the Tusheti National Park.
There is no change on the itinerary. We ride and take part in one of the workshop. See the departure date according to the workshop. he workshop is an add on, there is no extra fee (only for Diane in the Tush villages).
Glimpse on the semi desert itinerary
A six-day horseback expedition takes you across breathtaking landscapes — from American-style mini badlands to ancient monasteries dating back to the 6th century. You’ll ride through cave cities, once inhabited or hidden, and follow mountain crests that open onto stunning panoramas of the Great Caucasus range and semi-desert canyons. The journey leads you through a surreal Soviet ghost village, past shimmering salt lakes where you can walk, trot, and gallop freely, and deep into red eroded mountains shaped into labyrinths of canyons. Nights are spent camping under star-filled skies, offering a glimpse into the winter life of semi-nomadic shepherds.
Glimpse on the Tush villages itinerary:
This ride offers a discovery of the Tusheti region with some overnight in some Tush villages selected for their location, traditions and history as well as the warm welcome we receive from the Tush people. To link them we ride over some passes at 3000m, cross rivers and valleys, go on ridges at more than 3200m. We have a picnic on high plateau offering amazing panoramas.
This is the most comfortable ride of Caucasus Expeditions which allows you at the same time to discover a part of this very remote and secluded area. You also discover the Tush history, their ancient traditions (today still alive), sacred places, rituals and gastronomy. ATTENTION: Even if we overnight in some houses, it remains a high mountains and secluded area. So don’t expect a 4stars hotels but a simple guesthouse. So if you are looking for luxury, this trip is not for you.
Time: March-October
Riding competencies: Average. Beginner contact us. For the desert ride, Participants must be confident riding at all three gaits. For the Tush villages contact us if you are beginner, i may be possible.
Pratical details:
Min : 4 riders
Max : 10 riders
Self sufficient horseback expedition Packhorses are carrying all the food, material and luggage. Customized group from 5 riders. We cook everyday. Local and fresh food & cuisine. Overnight during the trek: traditional house and tent. (double tent and a big tent) Other overnight: Guesthouse and hotel located in the very center of Tbilisi.
The Tush are born on a horse. Before being able to walk they ride. They are horsemen, breed their horses which play an important role in the Tushs’ way of life as well as in the pagan traditions. It is not only a mean of transportation -as packhorse- when the semi nomad are driving their flock of sheep down to the winter pastures and up to the summer pastures or -like a mop- when galloping from one village to another but also it is part of a very old pagan ritual called Doghi. The Doghi is a horse race to commemorate one year’s death of a Tush. It helps the dead person to gain a social rank in the « second world, the world of the deceased ». The Tush mountain horses are middle size, very well balanced, calm, rustic and very smart. They know how to spare their energy to climb the mountains. The horses you will ride are belonging to Audrey. She breaks and trains them. The foals are following their mother on our itineraries from 2,5 months. They learn how to put their feet and find their balance on the rocks, small pathways and deep rivers. They are all living in herd and free all the year without any fences. During the winter (from November to May) they are resting as they have to resist to the climate and be strong and ready for the summer. During each horseback expedition they have 1 week off.
Entry Formalities:
No visa requested for European country citizens. Passport with a validity over 6 months when leaving the country is normally enough. For more and accurate information, check at the Georgian embassy in your country of residence.
Main City : Tbilisi
Language : Georgian, caucasian language, kartvelian group.
Money : Lari GEL. 1 euro=3,1 GEL
More info : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Géorgie_(pays)
ATTENTION : all products derived from Codeine molecules are strictly forbidden in Georgia. Please consult http://www.rs.ge/en/5982 as well as http://www.incb.org/ documents/Psychotropics/guidelines/travel-regulations/2013-travellers-update/ GEO_26_August_2014_Original_travellers_II_-_LTR_-_table.pdf MY TIPS : Do not even try to bring such drugs into Georgia. (codein/ tremadol)
To consult the guaranteed departures
Schedule of departures / availabilities
To get the detailed program day by day
