Jeep tour Caucasus
Jeep tour Georgia, Abano pass.
This guided road trip will take you to the most beautiful regions of Northeastern Georgia by SUV. You can get behind the wheel yourself or swap with your fellow passengers and enjoy the ride and scenery.
The tour will take you to the remote Georgian mountainous landscapes, all reached safely and with good company. Highlights of the tour include:
– The David Gareja Monastery Complex
– The Georgian Military Road from Tbilisi to the Darial Gorge
– Gergeti Trinity Church located on Mount Kazbek
– The picturesque villages Sno and Juta
– The wine region of Kakheti
– The Abano pass, positioned 2,866 meters above sea level, in the beautiful alpine region of Tusheti, with its spectacular landscapes and challenging roadways.
And, of course, we will also explore Georgia’s lively and vibrant capital, Tbilisi. This will be the start and finish of our tour.
Your trip will be completely organized by us, including vehicles, insurance, accommodation and all meals. We’ll make sure you won’t miss any of the sightseeing highlights along the way.
All fuel is included.
For comfort reasons, we advise on no more than 4 persons per vehicle.
Vehicles: Medium-size SUVs of different models. For example, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Mitsubishi Pajero or similar all-wheel drive
Liability insurance and fully comprehensive insurance included.
Terrain: roads and driving slopes, dirt roads. Occasionally we will cross shallow creeks and rivers. Uphill and downhill even in poor visibility conditions such as rain or fog. Due to weather and road conditions, especially in the mountains, caution is required
Weather: The summer period of July through September is subtropical, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18 C to 35 C depending on altitude. The mountains have their own character and therefore you should also be prepared for rain and cold fronts. We can send you clothing recommendations upon request.
Visa: Visa’s are not required for most nationalities – you simply travel with your passport to Georgia
Duration: 10 days
Arrival and departure: To / from Tbilisi.
If desired, you can extend your trip. We can assist you with booking your accommodation and rental car
Great for: People with good driving experience, who like to drive in teams through different landscapes in any weather and on any road conditions, and for those who have no problems with altitudes of 1,500 – 3,000 meters. We will accommodate you in small, local family hotels and guest houses at altitudes of up to 2,100 meters (in Tusheti)
Travel dates
07.06.-16.06.2020
21.06.-30.06.2020
05.07.-14.07.2020
09.08.-18.08.2020
23.08.-01.09.2020
06.09.-15.09.2020
For reservations, please scroll down to the form.
Travel program
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi, sightseeing, welcome evening
(The first night’s stay in the hotel the day before the tour starts is included)
Tbilisi is larger than many visitors think at first, and home to at least 1.5 million of about 4 million Georgians in total. Together, we will explore the historical part of town, take the cable car up to the Narikala fortress and offer you an introduction into the history, country and people. You will see Georgian and Armenian churches, a Jewish synagogue, the remains of a fire temple, a mosque and a Catholic church, all within a kilometer of each other. Tolerance and hospitality are famous throughout the whole of the Caucasus. To let you get a taste of this, there will be a welcome night in a Georgian restaurant, where you’ll become acquainted with the ‘Tamada’ (A Georgian toastmaster). All accompanied by world-renowned Georgian food, great wines and local spirits.
Tbilisi – It’s not called the city of love for nothing!
Day 2: A trip to The David Gareja Monastery Complex
During this leg of the tour, you’ll experience a constant change of scenery. We will encounter the largest car bazaar in the Caucasus’, located on the industrial wastelands of the city of Rustavi, before we arrive at the mountainous monastery complex. During the Middle Ages, the solitude of the wilderness of this area was used as a retreat by Georgian monks. They lived in caves and were an integral part of regional life, as they kept livestock and produced wine. The gravel roads surrounding the David Gareja Monastery Complex are a great challenge and a fun way to use the SUV to its full potential. Overnight stay in Mtskheta, which was Georgia’s capital until the 6th century . Driving distance: 220 km
Day 3: Drive on the Georgian Military Road to Jvari, Ananuri, Jvari Pass, Stepantsminda, Gergeti Trinity Church
From Mtskheta, we’ll be driving north on the Georgian Military Highway. Originally, this was a mule trail connecting the countries north and south of the Greater Caucasus. In the 19th century, Russian military improved it to be able to transport heavy guns and artillery, hence the name “Gruzinskaia voennaia doroga” (Georgian Military Road). We’ll drive through Ananuri and Pasanauri, with spectacular views of the landscapes. The panoramic platform, just before the Jvari Pass, will offer you an insight into the beauty of the country. The winding roads over the Jvari Pass will be a great challenge for every driver. This area is, geographically speaking, in the North Caucasus. From here, it’s not far to Kazbegi (also referred to as ‘Stepantsminda’) That’s where you’ll experience real off-road paradise! You’ll stay overnight in a Stepantsminda hotel. Driving distance: around 200 km
The Georgian Military Road is now getting close to the Russian border!
Day 4 Darial Gorge and Tsdo, Devdaraki Glacier, Sno Valley and Juta
Today, we’ll be driving through an enormous wide gorge, just north of Stepantsminda, where the river Terek flows to the north. The Darial Gorge is named after the Alans horsemen, whose dominion began in the mountains of the North Caucasus and expanded from here up to the north. The Gorge’s narrowest point is now located at the Georgian-Russian border crossing and is still called “Darialani – the Gate of Alans”. The rock faces are formed so close to each other that it created an ideal place to defend themselves against enemies and intruders. From here, we’ll turn back and drive high up into the mountains to the Devdaraki glacier. We’ll see the picturesque village of Tsdo, go through the beautiful Sno Valley to Juta, which, with its elevation of 2,214 meters, is one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the Caucasus. Return to Stepantsminda where you’ll stay for the night. Driving distance: around 120 km
Day 5: Trip to the wine region of Kakheti via Zhinvali-Tianeti-Akhmeta to Ikalto
We’ll be heading south over the Jvari Pass again. We’ll take a left at the Zhinvali dam, cross several lower passes near Akhmeta, and end up in the beautiful Alazani valley, located in the famous wine region of Kakheti. We’ll be driving through roads and valleys adorned with chestnuts, and stop to taste the famous Georgian kebab ‘mstvadi’. In the evening, we will try local kakhetian wines or fine Georgian beers. Overnight stay in Ikalto. Driving distance: 220 km
The road to Tusheti
Day 6: Tusheti, Alaverdi and over the Abano Pass to Omalo
Today, we’ll take the breathtaking road up to the Abano pass in the remote region of Tusheti, which is one of the most beautiful regions in the Caucasus. The road narrows quickly, and with tight turns we’ll pass dark wooded canyons and cascading waterfalls. At about 2,300 meters above sea level, we’ll be driving along the rugged slopes towards the Abano pass. The pass is named after a hot mineral wellspring. The word Abano means ‘bath”, so the 2,866 meter high pass to Tusheti means “Bath Pass”. On the road, we’ll have a panoramic view to the north, with ranges of high mountains; Tusheti. The next one and a half hours to Omalo will be excitingly challenging and demanding, framed by constantly changing landscapes of mountains, canyons, rocks, stones, old avalanches and scattered trees. Finally, we’ll reach the first fortified towers and small villages of the village. We’ve made it to Omalo! Overnight in Omalo. Driving distance: is 120 km
On the road to Omalo
Day 7: Omalo – Dartlo- Girevi- Chesho
Tushetians are Georgians, but no one knows exactly when they migrated into these valleys – probably a very, very long time ago. The many flocks of sheep show us that farming is their main occupation after tourism. Tushetians are known for their wisdom, courage, agility and for their beautiful singing. Aside from the shepherds, you’ll also find many poets and philosophers. Traditionally, they have defended the land to the northeast against the Dido (Chechens) and the Lekebi (Dagestanis). The village of Dartlo will show you a typical Tusheti village with its fortified towers. We’ll drive up to Girevi, where you’ll be met by enchanting scenery and local people.
Overnight in Dartlo. Driving distance: 60 km
Day 8: Chesho – Jvarboseli
Today, we’ll be going over the Mirgvela pass into the remote valley of Alasani, where we may see a few locals and tourists alike. This valley is known to be one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Jvarboseli is far away from anything and a great spot to leave the western-world behind you. Overnight stay in Jvarboseli. Driving distance: 60 km
Evening in Jvarboseli, Tusheti.
Day 9: Jvarboseli – Ikalto (Goodbye Party)
Tusheti will have found a permanent place in your heart by now. We’ll visit a restored fortified tower in Omalo. We’ll go over the Abano pass once again, and experience the valleys and natural wonders of fog, hail, sun and rain all in the space of a short time! The descent to Kakheti requires maximum concentration and skill. Return to Ikalto. Here, we’ll have a hearty farewell party and share our experiences over a fantastic Georgian dinner and beautiful wines. Driving distance: 160 km
Day 10: Ikalto –Telavi- Gombori- Tbilisi
Visit to the picturesque farmers market in Telavi, where we can taste fruit, cheese and local delicacies. The market is full of photo opportunities, and the farmers are just as curious about us as we are about them! We’ll go over the Gombori pass at 1,690 meters, then through the picturesque landscapes of the Caucasian mountain range back to Tbilisi. Vehicle return. Conclusion of the journey in a nice cafe. Driving distance: 140 km
End of the journey or individual extension.
Our Services
Travel arrangements
All transfers to / from Tbilisi
Car rental for 1-4 people including liability insurance and comprehensive insurance without excess.
Support vehicle technicians and spare parts
Jeep Tour reserved as per program with English speaking guide, minor changes especially in severe weather conditions
All accommodation in standard, local, small hotels and guest houses in double room
2 nights accommodation in Tbilisi Hotel 3 *
1 night in Mtskheta, Hotel 3 *
2 nights in Stepantsminda, Hotel 3 *
2 nights in Ikalto, Hotel 3 *
1 night in Omalo, local guest house
1 night in Dartlo, local guest house
1 night in Jvarboseli, local guest house
All meals, breakfast, snack or picnic, dinner included.
Fuel is included
Price per person:
EUR 1180,00 (4 persons in a car)
EUR 1280,00 (3 persons in a car)
EUR 1480,00 (2 persons in a car)
EUR 1780,00 (as Single driver)
Single room supplement (not possible everywhere in Tusheti) EUR 250.00
(For families or groups of friends, discounts are available, just ask!)
Please fill the following application for tour reservation. Click here to fill the application.