1 Day Horse Riding Adventure in Borjomi Mountains

Georgia on horseback feels wonderfully unhurried. This day trip takes you from Tbilisi into Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, where you ride through forests, valleys, and mountain terrain for roughly four to five hours. I like the small group size, limited to five people, and the chance to see a quieter side of Georgia far from the usual city sights.

I also like that the tour welcomes complete beginners, with a guide and horse handler accompanying the ride. The main consideration is pace: the rough ground limits opportunities for galloping, and one rider found the horses moved very slowly. For most people, this is a scenic walking ride rather than a fast equestrian adventure.

Key points at a glance

• Four to five hours on horseback: This is a proper full-day riding experience, not a short pony ride for photographs.
• Pickup from Tbilisi: Private car transport takes you to Likani and back, making the outing practical if you are staying in the capital.
• Suitable for beginners: You do not need extensive riding experience, and one recent couple included a first-time rider.
• Small group of up to five: A limited group should make instructions and communication easier during the ride.
• Local hosts Gocha and Soso: Gocha has been praised for his punctuality and interest in Georgian culture, while horse handler Soso is known for his care of the animals.
• Quiet mountain scenery: Forests, high ground, valleys, and the park’s sense of space are the main attractions, not speed.

Leaving Tbilisi for Likani

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Tbilisi. The drive to Likani is described as short, and private transportation is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate transfer to the riding area.

That matters because the riding location is outside the capital. You can start the morning at your accommodation, meet the driver, and let the operator handle the road connection. The return to Tbilisi is also included, giving you a straightforward day away from the city without having to rent a car.

The schedule begins in the morning, but the exact starting time depends on availability. You should check the time offered for your date before booking, especially if you have evening plans in Tbilisi.

At Likani, you meet the horses and the local team. The horse handler is Soso, and Gocha has worked as the driver on several outings. Their English may be limited, but their effort to communicate has been warmly appreciated. Russian is also available, which may help some visitors.

Do not expect a polished riding-school presentation or a long formal briefing. This is a local outdoor experience, and much of its character comes from the people who run it and their evident affection for the horses.

Four to five hours through Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

The riding portion lasts about four to five hours, with one published itinerary giving an approximate 4.5-hour duration. That is enough time for the ride to feel like a genuine mountain outing rather than a quick introduction.

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park covers a large area in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The route passes through different types of terrain, including dense forest, open mountain areas, and lush valleys. The scenery changes as you move, which keeps the ride interesting even when the horses are walking steadily.

I would set your expectations around a calm pace. The terrain makes galloping difficult, and the horses are generally likely to walk rather than run. One three-star assessment specifically complained that the horses barely moved, so anyone hoping for a spirited gallop should choose a different kind of riding excursion.

For a first-time rider, though, the slower pace can be a benefit. You have more time to watch your footing, settle into the saddle, and take in the views. A couple with very little riding experience, including one person who had never ridden before, completed the outing without problems.

The route’s real pleasure is the setting. You ride through a large protected area where rare animal and plant species are found. Wildlife sightings are not promised, and you should not book this as a guaranteed animal-spotting trip. The appeal is being in a quiet mountain environment where the possibility of seeing unusual plants or animals adds interest.

Why the quiet pace works for beginners

This tour suits people who want time outdoors but do not want to spend a day managing a difficult horse. The information provided says it is suitable for all skill levels, and the positive accounts from inexperienced riders support that description.

Still, suitable for all skill levels does not mean effortless. Four to five hours in a saddle is a long time for someone who has never ridden. Even at a walk, you should expect some physical tiredness. The terrain also means you are riding through uneven mountain country rather than along a flat arena.

The guide’s role is important here. Soso has been praised for being kind, helpful, and deeply attentive to the horses. That kind of care makes a difference when you are learning how to sit, steer, and respond to the horse in unfamiliar surroundings.

I would recommend telling the guide clearly about your riding background before setting off. The more the team knows about your experience, the easier it is to match the pace and explain what you need.

The ride is also well suited to people who value calm over adrenaline. You can enjoy the sound of the horses, the forest, and the changing views without spending the day trying to keep up with a fast group.

Forests, valleys, and mountain views

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park gives this outing its variety. The park includes mountainous terrain, forested areas, and valleys, so you are not looking at one repeated view for the full four or five hours.

The higher sections provide the broadest views, and one account specifically praised the scenery from the top. The forest sections offer a different mood, with a greater sense of enclosure and quiet. The valleys soften the ride with more open views and a feeling of space.

The park’s size is part of the attraction. You are not moving between a string of crowded tourist stops. Instead, the experience is built around being away from busy streets and organized sightseeing. That sense of seclusion may be the strongest reason to book.

The word adventure here means access to remote-feeling mountain terrain, not extreme riding. You are not promised jumps, rapid trails, or a technical horsemanship lesson. You get a long, guided ride through one of Georgia’s most scenic protected areas.

The changing seasons can affect the mood. The outing has received praise from people riding in spring, summer, and late autumn. A late-season ride in November was described as beautiful, while another rider found the experience excellent even near the end of the season. You should expect the look and feel of the park to vary with the date.

Local guides, horses, and Georgian hospitality

The people leading this outing are a major part of its appeal. Gocha, the driver, has been praised for punctuality, kindness, and his interest in sharing Georgian culture and history. Soso, the horse handler, has been described as caring and passionate about the animals.

Communication may require patience. English is offered, and Russian is also available, but two participants noted that the driver and guide did not speak much English. Their willingness to communicate still made a strong impression, but you should not expect a long, detailed explanation in fluent English at every point.

That limitation is worth knowing before you book. If you need constant narration about botany, wildlife, or park history, this may feel light on interpretation. If you are happy with simple instructions, friendly local contact, and scenery that does most of the talking, it should work well.

I particularly like the human scale of the operation. A group of no more than five allows the guide to keep an eye on inexperienced riders and horses. It also avoids the feel of a large commercial procession moving through the forest.

The strong rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 15 ratings reflects the main pattern: people praise the staff, the peaceful setting, and the sense of having done something memorable in Georgia. The less positive experience points to the slow pace, so your expectations matter.

Is $155 good value for a full day?

The price is $155 per person. That is not a cheap add-on activity, but it includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Tbilisi, private car transportation, and a four to five-hour horse ride.

The value improves if you are traveling without a car. Getting to Likani independently would take extra planning, while this arrangement combines the road transfer and riding into one day. You are also paying for a small group, local staff, horses, and a long period in the national park.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring or buy provisions before the ride, since the outing is a full-day activity and there is no meal listed in the package. This is one of the few practical extras you need to plan for.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those policies are useful if your Georgia schedule is still changing, but they do not alter the basic value question: the price makes the most sense for people who want a long, private-feeling mountain ride with transport included.

If you only want to sit on a horse for an hour, this is too much time and money. If you want a full day in the Borjomi mountains and do not have your own transport, the package is more convincing.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear practical outdoor clothing that allows you to sit comfortably for several hours. You should also prepare for changing conditions in the mountains, particularly if you ride in spring or late autumn.

Bring food and drinks because they are not included. You may also want a phone or camera for the views, though you should keep your hands free and follow the guide’s instructions around the horses.

A few preparation tips will make the day easier:

• Tell the operator your riding experience in advance.
• Expect a walking pace, with little chance to gallop.
• Allow the full day for pickup, transport, riding, and the return to Tbilisi.
• Bring enough food and water for a four to five-hour ride.
• Be ready for limited English conversation, even though English and Russian are the listed languages.

You should also approach wildlife sightings with modest expectations. The park is home to rare plants and animals, but this is a riding tour rather than a dedicated wildlife expedition.

Who should book this Borjomi horse ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, couples, small groups, and anyone who wants a quiet day in the Georgian mountains. It is especially appealing if you are staying in Tbilisi and want an outdoor experience with transport already arranged.

It is also a good fit if you care about local contact. Gocha and Soso appear to bring warmth and pride to the day, and their connection with the horses is part of what makes the activity feel personal.

You may want to skip it if you are seeking fast riding, athletic challenges, or a detailed English-language nature lecture. The slow pace is not a flaw for the right person, but it will disappoint anyone who expects to gallop across open ground.

The strongest reason to go is the combination of time, scenery, and calm. You get several hours in a major national park, with the chance to enjoy Georgia’s mountains at horse speed, which is much slower than a car and much more memorable.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a peaceful, full-day outdoor experience and are comfortable with a steady walking ride. The included Tbilisi transport, small group, beginner-friendly approach, and caring local horse team make the $155 price reasonable for many visitors.

Before booking, make sure you accept the two tradeoffs: meals are your responsibility, and galloping is limited by the terrain. If those points suit you, this is a strong choice for seeing the Borjomi mountains in a quiet and personal way.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour take place?

The ride takes place in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, with the horse meeting point in Likani.

How long do I spend on horseback?

You spend approximately four to five hours on horseback. The itinerary gives an estimated riding time of 4.5 hours.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all riding levels, including people with little or no previous experience.

Can I gallop during the ride?

Galloping is limited because of the mountain terrain. You should expect a mostly calm ride rather than a fast one.

Is transportation from Tbilisi included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi, along with private car transportation, are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to arrange your own food and drinks for the day.

What languages are available?

The listed languages are English and Russian. The guide and driver may have limited English, but they make an effort to communicate with riders.