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Above the clouds: A four-day equine journey in Georgia

Above the clouds: A four-day equine journey in Georgia

May 8–11, 2026

FULL TRAVEL PROGRAM:

Day 01 | Ascent into Silence

Our journey begins in Borjomi—a place where history and healing waters meet. We shed the city’s frantic rhythm and transition into the mountain pace.

After a final coffee and a brief orientation, you meet your horse. This is a moment of silent negotiation, a first contact with the raw power that will carry you through the clouds. We enter the Kharagauli Reserve, a sanctuary that holds nearly 8% of Georgia’s wild soul. As we ascend, the scent of subalpine herbs and ancient pine takes over.

By evening, we reach a secluded ranger’s lodge at 1,500m. Here, the silence is so profound it becomes a sound of its own. We light a fire, prepare a shared meal, and practice an evening meditation under a sky untouched by city lights.

Overnight: Ranger’s Lodge.

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Day 02 | Lion Mountain: The Iron Cross

This is the most physically demanding and spiritually expansive day of the trek. We climb toward the peak of Lion Mountain (2,200m). As the air thins, the view expands, revealing the jagged spine of the Greater Caucasus.

We reach the legendary Rkinis Jvari (The Iron Cross), where, according to 1st-century tradition, St. Andrew the First-Called marked the path of faith. We pause at the small, stone-hewn Church of St. George to light a candle—a quiet ritual of gratitude for the path and the horse. The descent leads us to a shelter nestled near the ruins of an Old Castle, where history feels tangible in the very stones beneath us.

Overnight: Old Castle Refuge.

Day 03 | Alpine Meadows and The Living Forest

We wake to the rhythm of the mountains. Today is about the shift in textures: from the vast, wind-swept alpine meadows to the dense, humid embrace of the ancient forest.

The highlight is the mountain river—cold, clear, and restorative. We pause here to swim and ground ourselves. It is a sensory reboot, washing away the dust of the trail and leaving only a sense of absolute presence. We spend our final night in a forest cabin at 1,500m, deep within the green lungs of the park.

Overnight: Forest Sanctuary Lodge.

Day 04 | The Descent to Kvabiskhevi

Our final morning is a slow, contemplative descent toward the village of Kvabiskhevi. We move through changing layers of vegetation, watching the high ridges recede into the distance.

This descent is a necessary transition—a way to integrate the stillness of the peaks before returning to the valley. At the village, we say our quiet goodbyes to our horses and take a short transfer back to Borjomi, carrying the mountain’s architecture within us.

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EXPEDITION LOGISTICS & DATES

2026 CALENDAR

  • May 8–11 | Spring Awakening

  • June 25–28 | Summer Solstice

  • July 30 – August 2 | The High Season

  • September 10–13 | Autumn Gold

  • October 1–4 | The Final Ridge

Price: $790

A 50% deposit secures your place. The remaining balance is settled upon arrival.

THE GROUP DYNAMIC

  • The Intimate Circle: To ensure a focused experience and collective safety, our expeditions require a minimum of 6 participants. We keep our groups small to maintain a personal connection with the land and the horses.

  • Shared Discovery: Bringing a partner or a close friend deepens the resonance of the journey. A 5% discount ($40) is applied to each individual when booking as a pair or part of a group of friends.

YOUR INVESTMENT COVERS:

  • The Full Expedition Cycle: A meticulously planned four-day journey through the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, away from standard tourist trails.

  • Dedicated Equine Partnership: A private horse selected for its stamina and temperament, assigned to you for the entire duration of the trek.

  • Mountain Sanctuaries: Three nights in authentic park refuges and ranger lodges—remote locations chosen for their silence and atmosphere.

  • Logistics & Permissions: All National Park entry fees, permits, and conservation taxes are managed and included.

  • Expedition Equipment: Professional-grade gear provided to ensure comfort and safety in varying mountain conditions.

  • Curated Provisions: Full board during the trek. We provide quality, energy-dense provisions for the group, prepared in the heart of the wilderness.

  • Expert Leadership: Guidance by an experienced, local professional (Bacho) with deep knowledge of the terrain, equine behavior, and mountain safety.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Regional Logistics: Transfers to and from Borjomi (we can arrange private transport upon request).

  • Pre & Post Expedition Stay: Accommodation and dining in Borjomi before the start and after the finish of the trek.

  • Personal Security: Mandatory travel and medical insurance.

  • Individual Expenses: Souvenirs, additional snacks, or gratuities.

ADD-ON SERVICES (Available upon request):

  • Visual Legacy: A professional photographer and videographer to document your journey.

  • Extended Immersion: Guided excursions and premium accommodation in Borjomi.

  • Language Support: Dedicated English-speaking interpretation for the full duration of the trip.

Travel authors

Bacho Arutuniani