Five days by 4x4 from Tbilisi to the stone tower villages of Shatili and Mutso in Khevsureti, then over the Abano Pass to Dartlo and the Pirikiti villages of Tusheti.
| Day 1 | Drive north from Tbilisi through Dusheti and Barisakho, climbing over the Datvisjvari Pass (2,676m) into Khevsureti. Arrive Shatili by late afternoon and walk the fortress village before dinner. |
| Day 2 | Morning in Shatili's tower houses, then a rough side road to Mutso's ruined hilltop fortress above the gorge. Drive back south toward Kakheti in the afternoon, overnight in Telavi. |
| Day 3 | Head north from Telavi over the Abano Pass (2,826m), Georgia's highest drivable crossing, dropping into Tusheti and reaching the village of Omalo by evening. |
| Day 4 | Drive and walk among Dartlo's defensive stone towers, then on to the smaller Pirikiti valley villages where the road allows. Return to Omalo for the second night. |
| Day 5 | Recross the Abano Pass and drive back to Tbilisi, with a stop in Kakheti or Mtskheta if time and road conditions allow. Arrival in Tbilisi in the evening. |
Can we drive ourselves instead of using your driver?
No. The passes and river crossings on this route require local knowledge and a 4x4 we maintain specifically for this terrain, so a driver is included throughout.
What happens if the Abano Pass is closed by weather?
We check conditions before departure and adjust the route where needed, sometimes substituting extra time in Kakheti for the Tusheti leg. This is discussed with you in advance if conditions look uncertain.
Is this trip suitable for children?
The driving days are long and the roads rough, so we generally recommend this tour for adults and children over about 12 who are comfortable on unpaved mountain roads.
How many people travel per vehicle?
Up to four per 4x4. Larger groups are arranged as two or more vehicles, each with its own driver.