3 Day Tusheti Omalo, Dartlo & Abano Small Group 4x4 Adventure

Ziua 1 · The road from Tbilisi to Tusheti

1. 1

   Gombori Pass

   30 min

   The Gombory Pass, which connects Tbilisi and Telavi, is famous for its winding roads and stunning views of the Alazani Valley.

   As you climb, the landscape gradually changes from semi-desert to lush green forest. On the way up there are several viewpoints where you can stop to take in the stunning scenery.

   Once at the top, you can visit the Gombori viewing platform, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

   As well as its natural beauty, the Gombori Pass is steeped in history. It was once a strategic point on the Great Silk Road, connecting Georgia to other parts of the world. The pass is also home to several historical landmarks, including the 17th century Gombori Fortress, which is open to visitors.

2. 2

   Alaverdi St. George Cathedral

   50 min

   The Alaverdi Monastery is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in Georgia. Located in the heart of the fertile Alazani Valley in the eastern region of Kakheti, it was founded in the 6th century and is known for its stunning 11th century cathedral, one of the tallest structures in Georgia. The interior of the monastery is decorated with beautiful frescoes and intricate carvings, and it houses a number of priceless religious artefacts, including manuscripts and religious icons.

   In addition to its historical and religious significance, Alaverdi Monastery is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains, as well as taking a stroll through the monastery's beautiful gardens.

3. 3

   Tusheti National Park

   7 ore

   The road to Tusheti is an adventure in itself and is considered one of the most scenic and challenging drives in the Caucasus region. The road is 93 kilometres long and begins in the historic town of Alvani in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia.

   The road to Tusheti and the Abano Pass offers breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains, alpine pastures and charming villages perched high in the mountains. The region is also known for its unique cultural heritage, with traditional stone towers and ancient churches dotting the landscape.

   The Abano Pass, at 2,826 metres above sea level, is one of the highest motorable passes in Georgia. The pass is only open from late May to early October as it is covered in snow during the winter.

   Despite the challenges of the road, the journey to Tusheti and the Abano Pass is an adventure in itself. The stunning views, unique culture and challenging terrain make this drive a once in a lifetime experience.

4. 4

   Omalo

   4 ore

   Omalo is one of the most popular destinations for travellers exploring the Tusheti region as it offers a unique and authentic experience of Georgian hospitality.

   During our tour we offer accommodation in a traditional guest house in Onalo. The guesthouse is simple but comfortable, with clean rooms and private bathrooms. The friendly hosts provide delicious home-cooked meals using local produce and can arrange horse riding, hiking or other outdoor activities.

   The village of Onalo itself is a charming place to explore, with ancient stone houses and winding cobbled streets. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, it is the perfect place to relax and soak up the natural beauty of Tusheti.

   Staying in a guesthouse in Onalo is an opportunity to experience the true spirit of Tusheti and get a taste of the warm hospitality for which Georgia is famous. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on any traveller.

5. 5

   Oprirea 5

   45 min

   The Abano Pass sits at approximately 2,850m — the highest motorable road in Georgia. There are no guardrails on most of it. The drops are real. The clouds are sometimes below you.

   In summer the surrounding peaks still carry snow. Flocks of sheep cross the road led by shepherds who do this every year, completely indifferent to the 4x4 crawling behind them. You will stop. They will not hurry.

   The pass takes about 45 minutes to cross. Most people go quiet somewhere in the middle of it. That's normal.

Guests enjoy dinner with fellow travellers and hosts, learning about Georgian culture, cuisine and hospitality.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse. Private or shared rooms for 2 or 3 people and private bathrooms.

Ziua 2 · Discovering the beauty of Tusheti

1. 1

   Dartlo

   4 ore

   Dartlo is particularly popular with travellers for its traditional stone houses, narrow streets and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

   There are both pagan and Christian religious buildings in Dartlo, including the 19th century Dartlo Church and the late medieval Nachauridzes family tower. The Iakhsari Icon Complex, a shrine on the slope of Dartlo Mountain, is dedicated to a pagan deity and the complex includes a hall, sacristy, flag tower and women's page, among other buildings.

2. 2

   Diklo

   o oră

   You'll find the ruins of the Diklo fortress overlooking the village, as well as summer shelters for shepherds, sheep and a simple guesthouse. While the harsh climate and difficult road conditions mean that the village is depopulated during the winter season, the village offers peace, freedom and fresh mountain beauty.

3. 3

   Shenako

   2 ore

   The village of Shenako is famous for its authentic Tusheti house towers, built in the Middle Ages from black flat stones and wood. The ground floor of these towers was used for livestock, while the upper floor was used for living and protection from intruders.

   In Shenako, visitors can see St George's Church, which was built in the 19th century. This free-cross domed building is made of slate and limestone and has eight narrow and arched windows in the dome. The church is a good example of traditional Tushetian architecture with its whitewashed walls and octagonal, tin-covered dome with a pyramidal roof. The church also has a rectangular doorway with three semi-circular arches on three sides and a square bell tower (of which only the foundations remain). Visitors can also enjoy the stunning Lavgardan slate shelf that surrounds the church, gate and minarets.

   Shenako is a must for travellers interested in Tushetian history and architecture.

Traditional Georgian breakfast at the guesthouse — fresh bread, cheese, eggs, honey, and homemade jam. · Home-cooked by your guesthouse host — the kind of food that makes you forget restaurants exist.

Night in a guesthouse in Omalo. Private or shared rooms for the two people and a private bathroom.

Ziua 3 · Day 3: Lower Omalo. Back to Tbilisi

1. 1

   National Park of Tusheti

   2 ore

   Omalo is known for its unique ethno-cultural heritage and medieval architecture. The historical part of the village includes the Keselo Fortress, which dates back to the Mongol invasion of 1230 and served as a defence against raids by the North Caucasian tribes. The fortress has been partially restored in recent years. The village's houses, built between the 17th and 19th centuries, are examples of the region's distinctive architecture. With only 37 inhabitants, Omalo is an idyllic place to explore the culture and history of Tusheti.

2. 2

   Tbilisi

   6 min

   Late afternoon return to Tbilisi