wotif
Kotori & Khinkali
Tush
Happy Family
Mrs. Darejan & Mr. Lee
Our Guide and Dr. Irakli

TUSHETI FOOD TOUR - Feast With The Mountain Gods

By Tusheti Travel
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$1,939 per adult
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 4d
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

Feast With The Mountain Gods

​​Our Tusheti tour takes us high above Kakheti’s Alazani Valley to a secluded Shangi-La of snow-tipped peaks, ancient settlements clinging preposterously to the sides of mountains, rolling meadows and rushing mountain rivers. This is Tusheti, land of the Tush, courageous mountaineers famed for their horsemanship and bravery on the battlefield. It is also the wildest and one of the most ecologically unspoiled regions in the Caucasus, linked to the lowlands by a formidable road open only in the summer months.

We explore Tusheti through the people maintaining its standout mountain food culture, a heritage infused with pagan traditions, natural ingredients and old world know-how. We will also have hands-on experiences helping to prepare the foods we put on our tables, visiting imposing villages of stone and meeting venerated locals for a culture fix that includes their tales of mountain life.

Activity location

  • Omalo
    • Omalo, Georgia

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Rose Revolution Square
    • Rose Revolution Square
    • T'bilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia

Check availability


TUSHETI FOOD TOUR - Feast With The Mountain Gods
  • Activity duration is 4 days4d
    4d
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 7:00 am
Price details
NZ$1,939.46 x 1 AdultNZ$1,939.46

Total
Price is NZ$1,939.46

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedTalks with Local Ethnographer - Nugzar Idoidze
  • What's includedWhat's includedCHOBAN KAURMA Masterclass - Main Dish of Our Trip
  • What's includedWhat's includedAuthentic Local food and every day Supra (Feast) with Local Tush Families
  • What's includedWhat's includedKhinkali Masterclass - (Local Dumplings)
  • What's includedWhat's includedAccommodation in modern 43-room - Hotel Samzeo, Georgia’s first totally solar-powered hotel
  • What's includedWhat's includedKotori Masterclass - (Local Khachapuri, Bread filled with cottage cheese))
  • What's includedWhat's includedDriveing with Locals always feels much more safe ;)
  • What's includedWhat's includedAlcohol Drinks every day every night
  • What's includedWhat's includedMasterclasses of Local Tushetian, Very Authentic dishes.
  • What's includedWhat's includedMeeting with Legendary Doctor Irakli Khvedaguridze - Talks on his Veranda.
  • What's includedWhat's includedPrivate Guide Service
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedExtra Fees which is not mentioned in programme

Know before you book

  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Tusheti – Road Trip to Omalo
  • 2 stops
  • Meals: lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Our base camp will be the modern, 43-room Hotel Samzeo, Georgia’s first totally solar-powered hotel.
Tusheti National Park
  • 7h
Your adventure begins with an early 7:00 AM departure from Tbilisi, setting off towards the majestic mountains of Tusheti. The first stop is the lively Telavi Bazaar, where you’ll experience the vibrant heart of the Kakheti region. Stroll through the market filled with fresh produce, local cheeses, herbs, and homemade treats — perfect for gathering provisions for the road ahead. Next, ascend to the stunning Abano Pass, the highest drivable mountain pass in Georgia at 2,950 metres (9,678 feet). Take a well-deserved lunch break surrounded by jaw-dropping views of deep valleys and soaring peaks — a feast for both the eyes and the soul.
Omalo
  • 3h
Arriving in Omalo, you’ll check into Samzo Hotel, a cosy, welcoming retreat nestled in this highland village. After settling in, head to Zemo Omalo for an unforgettable, hands-on cooking experience. Learn the art of making Khinkali (juicy Georgian dumplings) and Kotori (a traditional Tushetian cheese-filled bread). Enjoy the hearty, homemade dinner you helped create — a true taste of the mountains. As the sun sets behind the towers of Omalo, unwind, savour the crisp mountain air, and embrace the spirit of Tusheti. ABOUT OUR HOSTS: Nugzar Idoidze is a Tushetian ethnologist, historian and writer - a living encyclopedia on all things Tusheti. His wife, Tsiala is a magnificent cook.
Day 2: A Tushetian Supra – Feast and Tradition
  • 3 stops
  • Meals: lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Our base camp will be the modern, 43-room Hotel Samzeo, Georgia’s first totally solar-powered hotel.
Dartlo
  • 5h
Start your second day immersed in the heart of Tushetian culture with an unforgettable journey through the region’s picturesque villages and rich culinary traditions. Begin in the village of Que, where you’ll dive into the preparation of Choban Kaurma — a hearty Tushetian shepherd’s stew made from tender lamb, onions, and fragrant herbs, slow-cooked to perfection. This hands-on experience gives you a taste of the region’s rustic, soulful cooking. Next, head to the historic village of Dartlo for a scenic lunch. With its ancient stone towers, slate-roofed houses, and a serene river running through it, Dartlo feels like a living museum. Enjoy your meal while taking in the charm and tranquility of this medieval gem.
Tusheti National Park
  • 1h
The journey continues to Bochorna, one of Europe’s highest permanently inhabited villages. Here, you’ll meet Dr. Irakli Khvedaguridze, a remarkable local figure dedicated to preserving Tusheti’s way of life. Share a meal with him, gaining insight into the resilience and traditions that define life in these mountains. ABOUT OUR HOSTS: Dr. Irakli Khvedaguridze is an 83 year-old doctor who lives in Bochorna, the village’s only year-round resident, making it the highest populated settlement in Georgia (2,345 metres). He stays to provide medical care by horseback for the handful of locals who spend the winter in the isolated region.
Tusheti National Park
  • 3h
The day culminates with an authentic Tushuri Supra — a grand Georgian feast. The star of the table is the Choban Kaurma you helped prepare, now served alongside other Tushetian delights. Raise a glass of local wine, toast to new friendships, and experience the warmth, hospitality, and timeless spirit of a true Tushetian gathering. This is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of life, community, and the wild, beautiful heart of Tusheti.
Day 3: Welcome to Shangri-La – A Journey Through Timeless Tusheti
  • 2 stops
  • Meals: snacks
  • Accommodation: Our base camp will be the modern, 43-room Hotel Samzeo, Georgia’s first totally solar-powered hotel.
Diklo
  • 3h
Step into a world untouched by time, where rugged mountains cradle ancient villages and traditions thrive — welcome to Tusheti’s very own Shangri-La. Begin your day with a visit to Diklo, a peaceful village perched on the edge of the Caucasus. Here, you’ll meet Masho Bebo, a beloved local elder who embodies the heart and soul of Tushetian hospitality. She’ll share her secrets of making Kalti, a traditional sun-dried cottage cheese, rich in flavour and history — a true taste of the mountains. From there, embark on a rewarding hike to Old Diklo, an abandoned fortress village overlooking the dramatic borderlands with Dagestan. The path winds through wildflower meadows and alpine forests, leading to the weathered ruins that whisper stories of ancient battles and resilient highland life. The panoramic views are breathtaking — a reminder of Tusheti’s untamed beauty.
Shenako
  • 4h
Next, journey to Shenako, one of the most picturesque and culturally vibrant villages in the region. Here, you’ll meet Darejan Ichirauli, a warm and welcoming local host, for an unforgettable Tushetian Supra. Gather around the table for a feast of homemade dishes crafted from local ingredients, accompanied by traditional toasts and heartfelt stories. As the sun sets over the rolling hills and the iconic St. George’s Church stands watch over the village, you’ll feel the magic of Shenako — a place where time slows down, and the spirit of Tusheti comes alive in every bite, every toast, and every smile. This is more than a day’s journey — it’s a heartfelt farewell to Tusheti’s hidden paradise, leaving you with memories as rich and enduring as the land itself. ABOUT OUR HOSTS: Darejan Ichirauli is a native of Shenako and noted cook who sometimes dreams of original dishes and then creates them with local wild ingredients. "Love," she says is a key ingredient.
Day 4: Homeward Bound – A Fond Farewell to Tusheti
  • 2 stops
  • Meals: snacks
  • Accommodation: Not included
Omalo
  • 2h
On the final day of your journey, you’ll bid farewell to the rugged beauty of Tusheti with a visit to the iconic Zemo Omalo Towers. These ancient stone fortresses, standing tall against the backdrop of the Caucasus, offer a perfect moment to reflect on the unforgettable landscapes and timeless traditions you’ve experienced. Take in one last panoramic view of the majestic mountains before heading back to the lowlands. ABOUT OUR HOSTS: Kartlos Chabashvili is our trip leader. Owner of Tusheti Travel, Kartlos is an adopted son of nearly every family in the region. There is no better guide for Tusheti in Georgia.
Telavi
  • 3h
As you make your way to Telavi, the heart of Kakheti, prepare for a sumptuous Kakhetian dinner. This traditional feast includes hearty Georgian dishes like tender grilled meats, rich stews, fresh bread, and the region’s famous wines, all served with the warmth and hospitality that Kakheti is known for. After indulging in this delicious culinary experience, it’s time to return to Tbilisi, concluding your adventure through Georgia’s breathtaking landscapes and ancient cultures. As you reflect on the stunning views, rich flavours, and unforgettable experiences, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for the beauty and spirit of this remarkable country.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESOmalo
    • Omalo, Georgia

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLERose Revolution Square
    • Rose Revolution Square
    • T'bilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Omalo your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.