1 Day Horse Riding Adventure in Borjomi Mountains

Borjomi’s best scenery arrives at a slower pace. On this four to five-hour horseback ride, you move through forest, mountain terrain, and open views in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, far from the noise of Tbilisi. The horses set the rhythm, and the park’s great size gives the day a peaceful, secluded feel.

I like two things right away: beginners are welcome, and the group is limited to five people. Driver Gocha and horse handler Soso have earned warm praise for their kindness and care for the horses. The main consideration is that this is a mountain trail ride, not a fast riding lesson. Galloping is limited, and one brief comment described the horses as moving very slowly.

The $155 price includes hotel pickup, private car transport, and the riding tour. That makes sense for a full day out of Tbilisi, especially if you value a personal outing over a large coach trip. Bring your own food and drinks, and allow for a long day with roughly five hours in the saddle.

Key points before you saddle up

• Four to five hours on horseback: This is a substantial riding day, not a short photo stop.
• Good for first-time riders: The tour accepts all skill levels, and one guest had never ridden before.
• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: Expect dense forests, valleys, mountain terrain, and changing scenery.
• Small group of up to five: A compact group suits a quiet trail ride and gives the guide more room to help.
• Gocha and Soso lead the day: Gocha handles the driving, while Soso works with the horses and riders.
• Limited galloping: The rough and varied terrain favors walking and controlled riding over speed.

From Tbilisi to Likani in the morning

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Tbilisi. The included private car is an important part of the package because Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is not a quick city outing. You avoid arranging separate transport and can focus on the ride once you leave Tbilisi.

The first destination is Likani, a resort area near Borjomi and the meeting point with the horses. Driver Gocha has been praised for punctuality and for sharing Georgian culture and history during the drive. English and Russian are offered, though communication may be limited at times. That is worth knowing if you want detailed riding instruction in fluent English.

Still, the human side of the outing seems strong. Gocha and Soso are described as kind, patient, and keen to share their affection for Georgia and horses. You may find that smiles, demonstrations, and simple instructions do as much work as a long explanation.

The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the schedule when booking. Since this is a full-day trip from Tbilisi, I would keep your evening free rather than plan a tight appointment afterward.

Meeting the horses and getting ready

At Likani, you meet the horses and horse handler Soso before setting off. The tour is designed for riders of all skill levels, which makes it a reasonable choice if you have only ridden a few times or have never been on a horse.

That does not mean the ride is effortless. Four to five hours in the saddle can be tiring, especially if this is your first long ride. You should be comfortable with a day spent outdoors and ready for uneven mountain trails. The available information does not specify riding helmets, saddles, or clothing, so ask the provider about equipment if those details matter to you.

Soso’s role is especially important for first-timers. One guest who had ridden only a couple of times, alongside a partner who had never ridden, found that the day went smoothly. Another described the guide as helpful, kind, and attentive. Those details suggest a calm introduction rather than a rushed handoff to a horse.

The horses may also set a gentle pace. One less enthusiastic account said the horses barely moved, while the rest of the feedback praised the outing. That contrast gives you a useful expectation: choose this for scenery, quiet, and time with the animals, not for a high-speed ride.

Four to five hours through Borjomi-Kharagauli

The main ride lasts about 4.5 hours in the stated itinerary, with the broader description giving a four to five-hour range. That is enough time to move well beyond the starting point and see several types of terrain.

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park covers a large section of Georgia’s Lesser Caucasus. The route takes you through dense forest, mountain slopes, lush valleys, and other changing parts of the park. The scenery should feel varied rather than repetitive, with the trees and terrain opening and closing around the trail.

You will spend much of the time at a controlled pace. The terrain limits galloping, so this is best understood as a trail ride with walking and perhaps some faster sections where conditions allow. That pace has benefits. You have more time to look around, notice plants, and enjoy the quiet. You also avoid turning a rugged mountain route into a stressful race.

The park is known for rare animal and plant species, but a sighting is never guaranteed. Treat wildlife as a possibility, not the main product. The reliable reward is the setting itself: forest, mountain air, open views, and long stretches without city noise.

I like the sense of space here. A small group of no more than five people fits the setting better than a long line of riders. You can focus on the horse beneath you and the terrain ahead rather than keeping track of a large crowd.

Mountain views, forest shade, and quiet stretches

The strongest reason to book this outing is the change of pace. Tbilisi can be lively and busy, while the park offers wide open areas and a feeling of seclusion. The ride gives you a full day in nature without asking you to plan a complicated independent route.

The views become especially rewarding when the trail reaches higher ground or opens away from the trees. A late-season ride in November still produced beautiful views, and an April visit was described as peaceful and highly enjoyable. Conditions will change with the season, but the park’s mix of forest and mountain terrain gives the day visual variety throughout the year.

The woods also provide a different experience from a standard viewpoint stop. You are not simply stepping out of a car, taking a picture, and moving on. You spend hours moving through the setting at horse pace. That makes the quiet more noticeable and gives the scenery time to settle in.

The park’s plants and wildlife add interest, but you should not expect a guided naturalist program based on the information available. The emphasis is horseback travel, not a formal lesson in botany or animal tracking. If you enjoy nature but prefer an active way to see it, this balance should suit you.

How the guides shape the experience

The guides appear to be one of the best parts of the day. Gocha is the driver, and Soso is the horse handler and riding guide. Their English may be limited, but the available details point to genuine effort and a strong connection to the horses and to Georgia.

That matters on a ride like this. You are trusting the guide to help match you with a horse, explain what to do, and keep the outing calm on uneven ground. Soso is described as caring deeply for the horses, which should reassure anyone who wants an animal-focused experience handled with respect.

Communication may still require patience. If you need lengthy explanations or detailed conversation throughout the day, the language limitation could be frustrating. On the other hand, the basic structure is clear, and practical riding guidance can often be shown as well as spoken.

The small group helps here. With a maximum of five participants, the guide has a better chance to notice if a beginner needs help or if a rider is uncomfortable. It also keeps the day personal rather than industrial.

What the $155 price really covers

At $155 per person, this is not a budget half-day activity. It is a full-day outing from Tbilisi with private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and approximately 4.5 hours of riding. Food and drinks are not included.

I see the value mainly in the transport and the length of the ride. You are paying for a complete day away from the capital, not only for time on a horse. Private car service also removes the need to arrange your own connection to Likani, which can be worthwhile if you have limited time in Georgia.

The price is easier to justify for a small party that wants a private-feeling outing. The group limit is five, and the experience combines transport, a local guide, and access to a large national park. If your priority is simply to sit on a horse for an hour, this will be more than you need. If you want a full mountain day, the package is more convincing.

Pack lunch and water because they are not supplied. The tour information does not specify a restaurant stop, so do not assume one. A simple meal and drinks will also help after several hours in the saddle.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this for first-time riders who want a gentle introduction in a dramatic setting. It also suits people with some riding experience who prefer scenery and quiet trails to a fast, technical ride.

The outing may be a good fit if you want:

• A nature day outside Tbilisi
• A small group rather than a coach excursion
• A long horseback ride through changing terrain
• A chance to meet local horse handlers
• A calm activity with limited speed
• A way to see Borjomi’s mountains without hiking the entire route

You should think twice if you want extended galloping, advanced riding instruction, or a tightly scheduled sightseeing day with several stops. The terrain limits speed, and the main attraction is the ride itself.

It is also wise to consider your comfort in the saddle. Four to five hours is a long time for a beginner. The tour welcomes all skill levels, but that does not remove the physical demands of a full day outdoors.

Seasons, timing, and practical planning

The available feedback covers spring, summer, autumn, and late-season conditions. An April outing was peaceful, while November rides still offered attractive mountain views and a satisfying experience. That suggests the tour can work outside the peak summer months, though the appearance of the park will change with the season.

You should dress for outdoor mountain conditions and choose practical clothing for sitting on a horse for hours. The supplied details do not give a specific clothing list, so confirm equipment and recommended dress with the provider before departure.

Keep your schedule open after the ride. Pickup begins in the morning, the drive takes you to Likani, and the riding portion alone lasts most of the day. The return to Tbilisi comes after the ride, so this is not a quick morning activity.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful if your Georgian itinerary is still shifting. Check the available starting time before committing, since departure times are not fixed in the details provided.

My call: book it for the setting, not the speed

I would book this tour if I wanted a quiet, full-day escape from Tbilisi and liked the idea of seeing Borjomi’s mountains from horseback. The strongest points are the long riding time, the small group, the private transport, and the apparent care shown by Gocha and Soso.

I would not book it for galloping or polished, nonstop English commentary. The horses may move slowly, communication can be limited, and the ride is shaped by rough mountain terrain. Those are not flaws if you want a peaceful trail outing, but they matter if you are seeking speed or advanced riding.

For a first horseback experience, this offers a supportive setting and memorable scenery. For experienced riders, it is best approached as a scenic mountain day rather than a serious equestrian workout. Bring food and drinks, allow the whole day, and choose it for the calm rhythm of the park. On those terms, the $155 cost is fair.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding portion?

You will spend about four to five hours on horseback. The itinerary gives the riding time as approximately 4.5 hours.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for riders of all skill levels, including people with little or no previous riding experience.

Can I gallop during the ride?

Galloping opportunities are limited because of the terrain. The experience is mainly a controlled trail ride through mountain and forest areas.

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The morning pickup is in Tbilisi, and the private car takes you to Likani, where you meet the horses and begin the ride through Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

Who are the guides?

Gocha is the driver, and Soso is the horse handler and riding guide. English and Russian are the listed tour languages.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own provisions for the full-day outing.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour is a small-group experience limited to five participants.