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"Mounted on Freedom": a horseback journey through Georgia

"Mounted on Freedom": a horseback journey through Georgia

June 10–14, 2026;

FULL TRAVEL PROGRAM:

Day 01 | The Threshold: Entering the Silence

We meet in Borjomi in the morning. After a final gear check, we leave the city rhythm behind and enter the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

The Context: This is one of Europe’s largest protected wildernesses, covering 5,300 sq. km—nearly 8% of Georgia’s total landmass. We move into a zone where roads, cellular signals, and crowds simply do not exist.

We begin our ascent through virgin coniferous forests, home to the rare Caucasian deer and lynx. By evening, we reach a high-altitude ranger’s lodge. We’ll light a fire and spend the evening simply taking in the mountain views as the mind begins to settle into the rhythm of the trail.

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Day 02 | Into the Deep: The Ancient Forest

Today is about immersion. We move deeper into the core of the reserve, through old-growth forests that have remained untouched for centuries. The path is defined by the sound of hooves on moss and the scent of pine.

This stage of the journey is a physical reset. We navigate changing elevations, allowing the body to adapt to the mountain air. By evening, we reach a secluded mountain refuge. In the absence of artificial light, the starlit sky becomes our primary focus.

Day 03 | The Summit: Mt. Lomi and The Iron Cross

The most demanding and visually expansive day. We emerge from the treeline onto the open ridges and ascend toward Mt. Lomi (Lion Mountain) at 2,200m.

History & Perspective: Our destination is Rkinis Jvari (The Iron Cross). Tradition holds that St. Andrew the First-Called erected a cross here to mark the path. From this vantage point, the panorama of the Greater Caucasus unfolds—a place where the sheer scale of the mountains naturally halts all internal noise. We stay at a high-altitude refuge nearby.

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Day 04 | The Flow: Alpine Meadows and Living Water

A day of shifting textures: from vast, wind-swept alpine meadows to deep forested canyons. This region is a botanical treasure, home to over 1,200 species of plants.

We cross a mountain river and pause at a hidden waterfall. This is a sensory reboot—the glacial water bringing you instantly back to the present moment. Our final night in the wild is spent in a forest cabin, surrounded by the scents of high-altitude herbs.

Day 05 | Integration: The Descent to Kvabiskhevi

Our final day is a slow, contemplative descent toward the village of Kvabiskhevi. We transition through various climate zones, watching the high ridges recede into the valley.

This descent is essential for grounding the experience and integrating the stillness of the peaks before returning to civilization. In Kvabiskhevi, we say our quiet goodbyes to the horses—who, by now, have become more than transport, but true partners of the trail. A short transfer takes us back to Borjomi.

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EXPEDITION LOGISTICS & INVESTMENT

2026 CALENDAR

  • June 10–14 | Early Summer Expedition

  • August 22–26 | The High Mountain Season

INVESTMENT

Total Cost: $880

A 50% deposit is required to secure your place in the group. The remaining 50% is payable upon arrival.

The Group Dynamic:

  • The Intimate Circle: To ensure a focused and high-quality experience, the minimum group size is 6 participants.

  • Shared Discovery: Bringing a partner or a close friend deepens the resonance of the journey. A 5% discount ($40) is applied to each individual for couples or friends booking together.

YOUR EXPEDITION INCLUDES:

  • The Full Journey: A five-day immersive expedition through the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

  • Equine Partnership: A private horse for the entire duration of the trek—your dedicated partner on the trail.

  • Mountain Sanctuaries: Four nights in remote mountain refuges and guesthouses within the national park.

  • Logistics & Permissions: All park entry fees, forest permits, and conservation taxes.

  • Equipment: Access to high-quality expedition gear.

  • Provisions: Full board with quality mountain provisions during the trek.

  • Leadership: Professional guidance (Russian-speaking).

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Regional Logistics: Transfer to Borjomi (available upon request).

  • Basecamp Stay: Accommodation in Borjomi before and after the trek.

  • Personal Security: Mandatory travel and medical insurance.

  • Individual Expenses.

Travel authors

Bacho Arutuniani