Transfer to Tusheti from Tbilisi and Kutaisi
Comfortable Way to Reach the Mountains
Tusheti is one of those places in Georgia where the journey is almost as impressive as the destination. Visitors come here to spend a few days surrounded by mountains, explore the old towers of Omalo and Dartlo, walk along mountain trails and experience a part of Georgia that feels far removed from the usual tourist routes.
There is, however, one important thing to know before planning the trip. The road to Tusheti is a mountain route that requires a suitable vehicle and an experienced driver. The main road passes through the Abano Pass and includes gravel sections, narrow mountain roads, steep climbs and many bends.
At PVD Club, we arrange a private transfer to Tusheti from Tbilisi and Kutaisi using vehicles suitable for mountain travel. We pick you up at a convenient location, help with your luggage and take you directly to your destination.
If you are planning to travel around Georgia before or after Tusheti, you can also explore our Georgia transfer services, including private transfers between cities, airports and mountain resorts.
Why You Need the Right Vehicle for Tusheti
A trip to Tusheti is very different from a regular transfer between Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi.
The first part of the journey is relatively straightforward, but as you approach the mountains, the road becomes much more demanding. The Abano Pass route is narrow and includes unpaved sections where road conditions can change depending on the weather.
This is why we use suitable vehicles for mountain transfers. Four-wheel drive is especially important when traveling with several passengers, luggage or outdoor equipment.
A private transfer also makes the journey much easier. There is no need to combine buses, taxis and local transport or spend time trying to find a suitable vehicle in the mountains.
Simply tell us:
- where you would like to be picked up;
- where you are going in Tusheti;
- your travel date;
- the number of passengers;
- how much luggage you have.
We will then choose the most suitable vehicle and arrange the route.
Transfer to Tusheti from Tbilisi
For many travelers, Tbilisi is the most convenient starting point for a trip to Tusheti.
We can pick you up at Tbilisi International Airport, your hotel, apartment or another convenient location in the city. From there, the route continues towards Kakheti and then into the mountain region.
A private transfer gives you more flexibility than public transport. If you need a short break during the journey, we can stop along the way for food, drinks or simply to enjoy the views.
The landscape changes dramatically as you get closer to the mountains. The urban scenery gradually disappears and is replaced by valleys, green slopes and spectacular mountain roads.
The final part of the route is much slower than a normal highway, so it is important to allow enough time for the journey.
You can find more information about our routes and vehicles on the PVD Club Georgia transfer page.
Transfer to Tusheti from Kutaisi
A transfer to Tusheti from Kutaisi is a convenient option for travelers arriving at Kutaisi International Airport.
Instead of first traveling to Tbilisi and then arranging another transfer to Tusheti, you can organize the entire journey as one private trip.
We can meet you at Kutaisi Airport, load your luggage and start the journey towards the mountains.
The route from Kutaisi is longer than the route from Tbilisi, so we recommend planning your arrival in Tusheti carefully. It is also better not to schedule too many activities immediately after arrival.
For travelers who want to see more of Georgia, the journey can become part of a larger itinerary. For example, you can travel from Kutaisi to Tbilisi, spend several days there, continue to Kakheti and then head into Tusheti.
If you are also considering other mountain destinations, take a look at our transfer from Kutaisi to Gudauri for another popular route.
How the Transfer Works
We try to keep the booking process as simple as possible.
If you are arriving by plane, the driver can meet you at the airport. After collecting your luggage, you can start the journey without having to arrange additional transportation.
During a long mountain transfer, stops can be arranged when necessary. You can take a break, buy food or water, or simply stretch your legs.
The same approach is used for our other mountain routes. For example, transfers to Gudauri can include convenient stops along the way for shopping or exchanging money. You can read more about this on our Gudauri transfer service page.
If you are traveling with sports or outdoor equipment, let us know when booking. We can take the equipment into account when choosing the vehicle.
Mitsubishi Delica L400
The Mitsubishi Delica L400 is another four-wheel-drive option designed for more demanding routes.
Its combination of passenger capacity and off-road capability makes it particularly suitable for mountain travel.
We also use suitable vehicles for transfers to ski resorts. For example, our vehicles for Gudauri can be equipped to transport skis and snowboards without taking up valuable passenger space.
What Can You Take With You?
Travelers heading to Tusheti often have more luggage than they would take on a regular city trip.
You may be traveling with suitcases, backpacks, camping equipment, hiking gear, photography equipment or other items needed for several days in the mountains.
This is not a problem, but it is important to tell us about your luggage when booking.
We can then select a vehicle with enough space so that bags do not have to be placed at passengers’ feet.
The same applies to ski and snowboard equipment when traveling to Gudauri or other winter destinations. PVD Club vehicles can be equipped with special systems for transporting such equipment.
Can Tusheti Be Combined With Other Destinations?
Absolutely.
Many travelers prefer to make Tusheti part of a larger Georgian adventure rather than travel there and back directly.
One possible itinerary is:
Tbilisi → Kakheti → Tusheti → Tbilisi
You can spend time in Tbilisi, explore Kakheti and then continue towards the Abano Pass and Omalo.
Another option is:
Kutaisi → Tbilisi → Kakheti → Tusheti
If you have more time, additional destinations can be included in your itinerary.
PVD Club can organize individual routes rather than limiting your trip to one simple point-to-point transfer. Our private transfers in Georgia can be adapted to your travel plans.
Why Travel to Tusheti With a Driver?
Tusheti is not the kind of destination where you necessarily want to test your driving skills for the first time.
Mountain roads require experience, especially when visibility is reduced or the road surface changes after rain.
An experienced local driver knows the route and understands how to handle narrow mountain sections and difficult road conditions.
For passengers, this means less stress and more time to enjoy the journey.
Instead of concentrating on navigation and road conditions, you can simply look out of the window and enjoy the Caucasus landscapes.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tusheti?
Tusheti is a seasonal destination.
The main road through the Abano Pass is closed during the winter because of snow. Opening and closing dates can vary depending on weather and road conditions, so the possibility of traveling should always be checked before the trip.
Summer is the most popular period for visiting the region.
July and August are usually the busiest months, with warmer weather and the full tourist season underway.
June can be a quieter option, but road access should be confirmed closer to your travel date.
September is attractive for travelers who prefer fewer tourists and cooler weather. However, later in the month it becomes especially important to monitor the forecast and road conditions.
We recommend leaving some flexibility in your itinerary. Mountain travel does not always follow a strict timetable.
What to See in Tusheti
Omalo is the main starting point for exploring Tusheti.
Some of the places worth visiting include:
- Keselo Fortress — a historic group of towers overlooking Omalo;
- Dartlo — one of the most recognizable villages in the region;
- Shenako — a small mountain village with traditional architecture;
- Diklo — a picturesque settlement surrounded by mountain landscapes;
- mountain valleys and highland pastures;
- hiking routes connecting different villages.
Tusheti is not only about individual attractions. The villages, mountains, roads and landscapes are all part of the experience.
That is why we recommend spending several days in the region if your schedule allows it.
What Should You Know Before Booking?
Before booking a transfer to Tusheti, please provide a few details.
Travel date. This is particularly important because Tusheti has a limited travel season.
Number of passengers. This determines which vehicle will be most suitable.
Amount of luggage. A small backpack and several large suitcases require very different amounts of space.
Exact destination. Omalo, Dartlo and other villages may require different route planning.
Return transfer. If you already know when you will return, it is better to arrange the return trip in advance.
We also recommend leaving some extra time before an international flight. Mountain roads depend on weather conditions, so a very tight connection can create unnecessary stress.
Transfer to Tusheti: Prices
Our current prices for the main routes are:
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Tusheti | $550 |
| Kutaisi → Tusheti | $700 |
The price is per vehicle, not per passenger.
This can be particularly convenient for groups because the total price is shared between travelers rather than calculated separately for every passenger.
The final booking is confirmed after we receive the travel date, number of passengers, luggage details and destination.
For other routes, you can check our general Georgia transfer prices and services.
