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Some roads are just roads. The road to Tusheti is a test.
Open only three months a year, this mountain pass is not for everyone — and that's exactly the point. You'll cross the Abano Pass at 2,926m in a 4x4 Mitsubishi Delica — hairpin bends, clouds below the road, sheer drops with no guardrails. It's the highest motorable pass in Georgia. It earns your arrival.
Over three days, you'll move through stone villages that feel genuinely untouched — Omalo, Dartlo, Kvavlo, Chesho, Parsma, Girevi — each with its own towers, trails and stories. You'll sleep in a family guesthouse where the host cooks dinner and someone always pours chacha. You'll share meals with five strangers who leave as friends.
This is the Georgia most people never find.
What's Included
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
Please provide us with complete and accurate information, including your contact details such as email or WhatsApp
Itinerary
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1Gombori Pass
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Alaverdi St. George Cathedral
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.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
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.
7 hours • Admission ticket free -
4
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.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
5
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.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
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.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
7
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
9
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 hours • Admission ticket free -
10Tbilisi
Late afternoon return to Tbilisi
6 minutes • Admission ticket free
The road from Tbilisi to Tusheti
Discovering the beauty of Tusheti
Day 3: Lower Omalo. Back to Tbilisi
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The itinerary can be changed due to weather or delay with back to Tbilisi, so it's important to be flexible and open to changes in the schedule.
- The road — Abano Pass is rough, steep and has no guardrails. Motion sickness is common. Bring your own medication if prone. This is part of the experience — not a problem to solve.
- The Tusheti tour is only available during a limited season, typically from June to September. Be sure to check the availability before booking.
- No phone signal — Tusheti has limited coverage. Tell someone at home your itinerary before you leave.
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The itinerary can be changed due to weather or delay with back to Tbilisi, so it's important to be flexible and open to changes in the schedule.
- The road — Abano Pass is rough, steep and has no guardrails. Motion sickness is common. Bring your own medication if prone. This is part of the experience — not a problem to solve.
- The Tusheti tour is only available during a limited season, typically from June to September. Be sure to check the availability before booking.
- No phone signal — Tusheti has limited coverage. Tell someone at home your itinerary before you leave.
- Weather — Changes fast at altitude. Warm layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes. Snow is possible even in July.
- There is limited access to electricity and running water in Tusheti, so be prepared for rustic living conditions.
- Be aware of the cultural sensitivity, Tusheti is a very traditional area and visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- As Tusheti is a protected area, it is important to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash and respect the natural environment.
- The tour includes comfortable accommodations (single or double rooms) and delicious traditional meals, but please note that the level of comfort may be lower than what you are used to.
- The vehicle — Mitsubishi Delica 4x4. Built for this road. Not luxury — reliable, safe and the right tool for the terrain.
- No card payments — Bring cash for personal expenses, tips and anything extra.
- Please note that the price of this tour may vary based on several factors such as the day of the week, the number of participants, the season, and current promotional discounts. The price displayed on the site most often represents the lowest available price, with discounts automatically applied at the expense of the company. We encourage you to check the specific details for your desired date to understand the exact cost for your unique booking.
- The altitude in Tusheti is high (1800-2900 m / 5905-9514 ft), so those with altitude sickness should take appropriate precautions and consult with a doctor before embarking on the tour.
- There are limited medical facilities in Tusheti, and emergency medical evacuation can be difficult. Visitors should have travel insurance and be in good health before booking this tour.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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