Detailed 7-day Tusheti tour program

Tusheti tours are a journey to one of the most stunning and hard-to-reach corners of Georgia, where time seems to have stood still. High-mountain villages with ancient defensive towers, alpine meadows, raging rivers, and snow-capped Caucasus peaks await you as early as June. Tusheti tours open the season right after the snow melts: the road over the Abano Pass (2,896 m) becomes passable only from late May. In just 5–8 days you’ll visit Omalo, Dartlo, Shenako, trek to the Oreti lakes, spend nights in local guesthouses, and taste authentic Tushetian cheese and honey.

Day 1. Arrival in Omalo — First Taste of Tusheti

Early departure from Tbilisi (usually 6:00–7:00) in 4×4 vehicles. The road over Abano Pass (2,962 m) takes 5–7 hours with photo and coffee stops. Arrival in Omalo, the liveliest settlement in Tusheti. Check-in at a guesthouse, light lunch. Walk to Upper Omalo and Keselo fortress (20–30 min uphill). The 360° view over mountains, gorges, and the Alazani valley is worth every step. Return to the guesthouse. Traditional Tushetian dinner: khashi (soup), mutton khinkali, local cheese, homemade wine, and Tushetian beer. Overnight in Omalo.

Day 2. Shenako — Diklo — Trek to Mount Shavikvisha

Hearty breakfast with mountain herbs and homemade bread. Drive to Shenako (15 min) — one of the greenest and best-kept villages. Visit to the 17th-century Holy Trinity Church. Continue to Diklo. Visit another medieval fortress on the cliff edge and enjoy tea with sweets inside the tower. Forest trek to the foot of Mount Shavikvisha (2,700 m). The trail passes through rhododendron fields and birch groves (7–9 km, ~600 m ascent). Unique view of the Greater Caucasus visible only from this spot. If weather and group energy allow — climb to the summit at 3,200 m (+500 m, 1.5–2 hours). Descent and return to Omalo. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3. Dartlo — Tusheti’s Most Beautiful Village

Drive to Dartlo (40–50 min along one of Georgia’s most scenic roads. Walk the narrow lanes among slate houses and towers — the silhouette of Dartlo is one of the Caucasus’ most iconic. Visit the judges’ stones and the old church. Friendly donkeys, dogs, rabbits, and the famous little goat that lives on the upper terrace (and loves being petted) often greet visitors. Easy trek Dartlo → Kvavlo (2–3 hours, 300 m ascent). Kvavlo has tall residential towers and the only high-altitude café with panoramic views — coffee tastes especially good here. Return to Dartlo. Overnight in a guesthouse surrounded by towers — a night that feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.

Day 4. Return to Omalo — Rest & Recovery Day

Morning drive back to Omalo (1 hour). Full day of rest on the vast alpine meadows around the village. Time to lie on the grass, breathe deeply, and watch the clouds. Optional activities:

• Picnic in nature
• Light games (frisbee, badminton)
• Horseback ride (1–4 hours) along ridges or to a waterfall Free time until evening. Dinner and second night in Omalo.

Day 5. Oreti Lake — Jewel of the National Park

Breakfast and start of the hike. Moderate trek to Oreti Lake (2,650 m). Round trip 10–12 km, 500 m ascent, 5–6 hours. The lake changes color several times a day — from turquoise to almost transparent. Rhododendrons bloom around it in summer. Picnic lunch by the lake. Return to Omalo by evening. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6. Bochorna — Europe’s Highest Permanently Inhabited Village

Morning packing and breakfast. Drive to Bochorna (2,345 m) — officially Europe’s highest year-round settlement. Interesting fact: the local doctor lives here alone all winter to maintain the record. Walk through the village, admire authentic houses and breathtaking views. Return to Omalo for lunch and final packing. Departure for Tbilisi (13:00–14:00). One more crossing of Abano Pass with stops at the best viewpoints. Arrival in Tbilisi 20:00–21:30.

Day 7. Reserve Day

Kept free in case of bad weather, rockfalls, or simply the wish to stay one more day in the mountains.

In one week Tusheti reveals itself completely: from the adrenaline of Abano Pass to the silence of alpine meadows and the sense of touching something ancient and genuine. Many who come once return again — because one visit is never enough.

3-day Tusheti tours

Day 1. Tbilisi → Omalo

• 06:00 departure from Tbilisi
• Abano Pass with photo stops
• 14:00–15:00 arrival in Omalo
• Lunch
• Walk to Keselo fortress and Upper Omalo
• Dinner and overnight in guesthouse

Day 2. Dartlo + short trek

• Breakfast
• Drive to Dartlo (40 min)
• Explore the village, judges’ stones, towers
• Easy trek Dartlo → Kvavlo and back (3–4 hours)
• Picnic lunch or meal at Kvavlo café
• Return to Omalo
• Free evening (optional 1-hour horse ride)
• Dinner and overnight in Omalo

Day 3. Oreti Lake (short version) or Shenako-Diklo → Tbilisi

Option A (active):

• Morning hike to Oreti Lake (5–6 hours)
• Lunch by the lake, return
• 15:00 departure to Tbilisi (arrival ~21:00)

Option B (relaxed):

• Morning visit to Shenako + Diklo
• Lunch in Omalo
• 13:00–14:00 departure to Tbilisi (arrival 19:00–20:00)

Three days are enough to see Tusheti’s main gems and fall in love with the region forever. Seven days let you feel it deeply. Choose your own pace — Tusheti welcomes everyone.