Tusheti Private Expedition
Highlights
- Cross the Abano Pass (2,826m), one of the world's most dramatic roads
- Reach Tusheti, where the only road in is closed by snow most of the year
- Stay in the tower-villages of Omalo and Dartlo
- Hike ancient shepherds' trails between stone hamlets
- Fully private, custom-paced, expert local driver-guide
Tusheti is the Georgia few travellers ever reach — a remote corner of the north-east Caucasus with just one road in: a heart-stopping mountain track over the 2,826-metre Abano Pass, open barely four months a year. Beyond it lies a lost world of slate tower-villages, high pastures where shepherds still summer their flocks, and a silence you can hear.
This private five-day expedition is built for the traveller who wants the real thing and wants it on their own terms. With your own expert driver-guide and 4x4, you'll base in Omalo and Dartlo, hike between medieval hamlets, share meals with the few families who live here, and fall asleep under some of the darkest skies in Europe. It is remote, rugged and utterly unforgettable — and because it's private, we shape the pace, the hikes and the comfort level entirely around you.
Day-by-day itinerary
1Tbilisi → Alazani valley → Omalo
Drive to Kakheti, then the legendary 4x4 ascent over the Abano Pass into Tusheti, arriving in Omalo by late afternoon.
2Omalo & Keselo fortress
Acclimatise with walks around Omalo and the restored Keselo towers, with views across the whole region.
3Hike to Dartlo & Kvavlo
A full day hiking the trail to the beautiful stone village of Dartlo and up to the tiny hamlet of Kvavlo for the classic view.
4Explore & return to Omalo
More trails and villages at your pace, returning to Omalo for the last mountain night.
5Omalo → Tbilisi
The descent back over the Abano Pass and the drive to Tbilisi, arriving in the evening.
Price includes
- Private 4x4 with expert driver-guide throughout
- 4 nights in Tusheti guesthouses
- Meals as listed
- All excursions and hikes
Not included
- Travel insurance (required for this trip)
- Meals not listed and personal expenses
Meeting point
Your hotel in Tbilisi (private pickup)
As a private trip, timing is arranged directly with you. The Abano Pass is typically open June–early October only.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is this trip?
Challenging in terms of remoteness and road conditions, but hikes are tailored to your fitness. The Abano Pass drive is dramatic; it's safe with our experienced drivers but not for the very nervous.
Can you customise the itinerary?
Completely — that's the point of a private trip. Add days, adjust the hiking, or combine Tusheti with Kakheti's wine country. Tell us on the request form.
Photos from this tour
The switchbacks of the Abano Pass road into Tusheti
The Keselo towers above Omalo
The slate-stone village of Dartlo
Shepherds and flocks on high Tusheti pastures
Final price depends on group size — 2–6 people.
Request this trip
Cancellation terms are set out in your proposal. Payment only after you confirm it.
Similar tours
Similar tours
Svaneti 4-Day Mountain Tour
4 days · 3 nights · Moderate
Kakheti Wine Country Day Trip
1 day · Easy
Kazbegi Day Trip from Tbilisi
1 day · Easy
Combine with a neighbouring country
More tours from Tbilisi
Other countries we run from the same city.
Guides
Guides for this destination
Georgia
Borjomi, Rabati and Vardzia Day Trip: One Day or Two?
A Borjomi, Rabati and Vardzia day trip from Tbilisi takes 13–14 hours. How the day runs, how hard Vardzia is, what you pay on top, and when to go.
Read the guide →Georgia
Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia: All Six Compared (2026)
All six day trips from Tbilisi compared: hours on the road, which weekday each departs, and official entrance fees. The canyons run Saturdays only.
Read the guide →Georgia
When to Visit Georgia and How Much a Trip Costs
The best time to visit Georgia month by month, plus a full cost breakdown: flights from Greece, hotels, food, transport and a sample 5-day budget.
Read the guide →