Transhumance on Horseback — Following the Herds Across Georgia

A living tradition of the Caucasus

In Tusheti, around 10% of the population still lives to the rhythm of transhumance — the age-old seasonal migration of shepherds and herds. Each year, semi-nomadic families move between the wintering lands of southern Georgia, near the Azerbaijani border, and the high summer pastures of Tusheti, one of the most remote regions of the Greater Caucasus.
Shepherds, their sheep, horses, and dogs travel for weeks through mountains and valleys, following the same ancestral paths. In May, they climb to the highlands; in October, they return to the lowlands. Cattle herds also migrate in June, once the mountain tracks are free of snow.

Spring horseback transhumance — from winter to summer pastures

During winter, the horses stay near Tbilisi, at the gateway to the Udabno semi-desert. In May, it’s time to bring the herd back to the summer pastures. This first stage of the horseback transhumance crosses three distinct ecosystems: from semi-desert landscapes to the wine-growing plains of Kakheti, and over the Gombori mountain range at 2,000 meters.
The route offers breathtaking views over both the Udabno canyons and the snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus. At the foot of the mountains, we wait for the right moment to cross the Abano Pass (nearly 3,000m), one of the highest roads in Europe. Riding along cliffside trails, we often encounter snowfields and help drive the herd alongside shepherds and their flocks.
Entering Tusheti, just awakening from its long hibernation, feels like stepping into another world: torrents rush, flowers burst into color, and wildlife comes alive. On horseback, we discover an authentic Tusheti still isolated from the rest of Georgia — wild, vibrant, and untouched.

Autumn transhumance — from the mountain pastures to the Udabno semi-desert

As winter approaches, we gather the horses scattered across the Tusheti National Park and prepare to guide them down to the lowlands. The mountains are wrapped in warm hues of beech and birch forests, golden and red beneath snow-capped peaks. We ride among herds of sheep and cattle, accompanied by shepherds and their loyal dogs, through landscapes slowly falling asleep for the season.

Once the horses are assembled, we ride for two days down to the plains. Each day brings unexpected moments — encounters, challenges, and raw beauty that no ordinary journey could offer.
After this demanding migration, the horses deserve their rest. We lead them to their winter pastures at the edge of the Udabno desert, surrounded by its multicolored cliffs and ancient rock monasteries dating back to the 6th century— a breathtaking end to a timeless equestrian adventure.

Desert Crossing — Driving the Herd of Horses

The horseback journey begins in Vashlovani National Park, where the herd is gathered and prepared for the expedition. From there, we guide the horses toward the Shashuna reservoir, a vast artificial lake built during the Soviet era, which forms a unique micro-ecosystem in the midst of the arid landscape. Riders actively drive the herd, keeping the horses together and on pace as the terrain gradually shifts from the open plains of the park to the semi-desert environment.

After Shashuna, the convoy continues across the Udabno semi-desert, completing a full semi-desert crossing of southern Georgia. The landscape unfolds in striking contrasts: bare plains, multicolored rock formations, and isolated ancient monasteries. This stage of the journey is a true pastoral expedition, requiring endurance, skill, and close attention to the herd, offering a rare and authentic experience of Georgian transhumance in the heart of the Caucasus.