1 Day Horse Riding Adventure in Borjomi Mountains

Georgia looks different from horseback. This one-day outing takes you from Tbilisi to Likani and into Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, where forest paths, mountain views, and open valleys replace city streets. I like the long riding time, around four to five hours, and the small group limit of five people. Those details give the day a personal, unhurried feel.

I also like the human side of the experience. Guides Gocha and Soso have earned praise for their kindness, care for the horses, and effort to share Georgian culture even when English is limited. The main drawback is clear: galloping is limited by the terrain, and one rider found the horses moved very slowly. This is a scenic mountain ride, not a fast-paced horseback adventure.

Key Points Before You Book

• Four to five hours in the saddle: The riding portion takes up most of the day and gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the horse.
• A maximum of five participants: The small group size should feel more personal than a large commercial ride.
• Pick-up in Tbilisi: Private car transport takes you to Likani and back, saving you the trouble of arranging your own route.
• Suitable for all riding levels: The outing is designed for beginners as well as people with more experience.
• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: Expect forests, mountain terrain, valleys, rare plants, and the possibility of seeing wildlife.
• Bring your own food and drinks: They are not included, so plan ahead for a full day away from Tbilisi.

Why This Ride Is Different From a Short Horse Trek

Many horse-riding outings last an hour or two. This one gives you a full 4 to 5 hours on horseback, which changes the feel of the day. You have time to get comfortable in the saddle, understand the horse’s pace, and pay attention to the changing scenery instead of rushing through a short loop.

The route passes through Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia. The park covers a broad area of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, with dense forest, steep mountain sections, and green valleys. That variety matters because you are not looking at the same view for the entire ride.

I like the sense of quiet here. The size of the park allows the ride to feel removed from the normal sightseeing circuit. You are not moving from one famous building to another. The appeal is the time spent outdoors, the sound of the horse beneath you, and the wide Georgian countryside around you.

The scenery also has a natural-history angle. The park is home to rare animal and plant species, although no wildlife sighting is promised. You should come for the setting rather than expect a formal wildlife tour.

Leaving Tbilisi for Likani

Your day begins with a morning hotel pick-up in Tbilisi. From there, a private car takes you to Likani, the starting point for the ride. Private transport is included in the $155 price, which makes the outing easier than arranging a separate driver, public transport, and horse operator yourself.

The drive is described as short, but the exact departure time depends on availability. Check the start time carefully before booking, especially if you are trying to fit another activity into the same day. The return is also to Tbilisi, so you should expect the horse ride and road journey to fill most of your day.

The transport has another advantage: flexibility for a small party. With space for no more than five participants, the trip avoids the feel of a large coach excursion. That can make the start and end of the day calmer, although the small group limit also means you should reserve ahead when your dates are fixed.

Gocha has received especially warm praise as a punctual and friendly driver. His efforts to share Georgian culture and history added value for people who wanted more than a simple transfer. English and Russian are available, but communication may be limited at times. A little patience and a willingness to use gestures will help.

Meeting the Horses in Likani

At Likani, you meet the horses and the horse handler before setting off. The riding is suitable for all skill levels, including people with very little experience. One couple included a rider who had only ridden a few times and another who had never ridden before. Their day went smoothly, which is encouraging for beginners.

Still, suitable for all levels does not mean effortless. Four to five hours on a horse is a long sitting period if you are new to riding. You should be comfortable with the idea of spending much of the day in the saddle and moving through uneven mountain terrain.

Soso, the horse handler praised in the feedback, is described as caring deeply for the horses. That is important on a ride like this. A good handler does more than point you toward a saddle. The handler helps you understand the animals and keeps the group moving at a manageable pace.

The horses may not always move quickly. One three-star account, written in Hebrew, said the horses barely moved, while the stronger praise consistently focused on the peaceful setting rather than speed. You should read that as a useful warning: the pace can be slow, and the terrain limits faster riding.

Four to Five Hours Inside Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Once you leave Likani, the ride heads into the park. The route takes you through forest and mountain terrain, with views changing as you gain or lose height. You can expect a mixture of wooded stretches, valleys, and open viewpoints rather than one continuous type of scenery.

The forest sections should appeal to you if you like quiet nature more than engineered attractions. Dense trees can make the route feel sheltered and private. Then the terrain opens up, giving you broader views from higher ground. Several people singled out the mountain scenery as the strongest part of the day.

The park’s large size is a real benefit. It creates a sense of seclusion that is hard to find on short rides near a city. You are still connected to Tbilisi by the included car, but once on horseback, the day centers on the mountains.

The tradeoff is that the terrain controls the experience. Steep or uneven paths are not suited to sustained galloping. The tour description makes this clear, and it is best to think of the outing as a walking and trotting ride through nature, with speed taking a back seat.

For a beginner, that slower pace can be reassuring. You have more time to find your balance and enjoy the view. For an experienced rider hoping to gallop across open ground, it may feel restrained.

What the Scenery Feels Like From the Saddle

Borjomi’s forests are the main visual attraction, but the scenery is not limited to trees. The park includes mountain terrain and lush valleys, so the ride has a changing rhythm. You might spend one section under cover, then reach a higher point with views across the surrounding mountains.

The horses also change how you notice the setting. In a car, you pass through the countryside quickly. On horseback, you move slowly enough to watch the path, hear the forest, and notice shifts in vegetation. The experience is less about collecting viewpoints and more about staying with one place for several hours.

The park’s plants and animals add interest, but you should keep expectations sensible. Rare species are present in the area, yet this is not presented as a guided wildlife-spotting tour. If you see an unusual plant or animal, consider it a bonus.

The strongest reason to book is the quiet. The tour promises peace and seclusion, and that is the experience it is best built around. If your ideal Georgian day includes fresh mountain air, long stretches without city noise, and a gentle route through nature, this outing fits well.

The Guides and the Georgian Welcome

The guides seem to be one of the best parts of the day. Gocha, the driver, is noted for being punctual, kind, and eager to share Georgian culture and history. Soso is praised for his care of the horses and for helping the ride run smoothly.

English and Russian are offered, but several accounts point out that the staff may not speak much English. That could make detailed conversation difficult. It does not appear to prevent basic communication, and the guides make an effort to connect with you through gestures, warmth, and shared enthusiasm.

I would treat the language issue as part of the practical character of the experience. This is not a polished, scripted show with a long commentary in perfect English. It feels more like a local outing led by people who care about the horses and the place.

That personal element also explains why the experience has made such a strong impression on many people. The highest praise is not only for the views. It is for the staff, their punctuality, their kindness, and the feeling that they genuinely want you to enjoy Georgia.

Is $155 a Fair Price?

At $155 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in the Borjomi area. The value depends on how you measure the experience.

The price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Tbilisi, private car transport, and the horse ride. You receive around 4 to 5 hours on horseback, rather than a brief riding session. For someone who would otherwise need to pay separately for a driver, transport to Likani, and a horse tour, the package is reasonably convenient.

The small group limit of five also adds value. You are not paying for a mass outing with dozens of riders. The ride should have a more personal pace, with the guide able to keep the group together and assist beginners.

Food and drinks are not included. That is an easy extra cost to overlook, so bring a packed meal and water unless you have a clear plan for buying supplies. Since you are away from Tbilisi for most of the day, do not count on a quick city lunch.

I would call the price fair for a full private-transport day with a long ride, especially if you are traveling with a small party. It is less compelling if you mainly want a quick introduction to horseback riding or a fast, athletic ride.

Who Will Enjoy This Best?

This tour suits you if you want:

• A full day in the Georgian mountains
• Four to five hours of outdoor riding
• A gentle experience for beginners
• Quiet forests and mountain views
• Small-group treatment
• Door-to-door transport from Tbilisi
• A local experience with friendly, informal guides

It is also a good choice for couples and small groups. The maximum of five participants keeps the outing intimate, and the private car makes the day simple to organize.

You may want another activity if you are an advanced rider looking for long stretches of galloping. The route does not offer much of that. You should also think twice if several hours in the saddle sounds uncomfortable or if you prefer a tightly scheduled sightseeing day with many stops.

The tour is best for people who enjoy a slow pace. You are paying for time in the mountains, not for a checklist of attractions.

Practical Advice for a Comfortable Day

Wear clothes that allow easy movement and shoes suitable for riding. The provided information does not specify equipment or clothing, so ask the operator what is supplied before departure.

Bring water and food because meals and drinks are excluded. A full riding day can feel longer than expected, especially when combined with the drive from Tbilisi and back.

Check the weather and seasonal conditions before you go. The experience has received praise even late in the season, including an outing in November, but mountain conditions can affect comfort and views. Spring, summer, and autumn may each give the park a different look.

If you are a first-time rider, tell the guide clearly. The activity welcomes all skill levels, and the slow terrain may help you, but honest communication at the start is still useful.

Finally, allow the day to unfold at its own pace. The horses may move slowly, and the guide may pause to manage the group or terrain. That is part of the character of this ride, not necessarily a problem.

Should You Book the Borjomi Horse Ride?

I would book this tour if you want a quiet, nature-focused day and like the idea of seeing Borjomi from horseback. The long riding time, private transport, small group, and kind local staff make the $155 price easier to justify.

I would not book it for speed. Galloping is limited, and at least one account found the horses unusually slow. Choose it for forests, mountain views, peace, and the chance to spend real time outdoors with guides who care about the horses.

For a first horseback experience in Georgia, it offers a gentle way into the mountains. For an experienced rider, it works best when you value scenery and local contact more than athletic riding.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour take place?

The ride takes place in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park near Likani, in Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

How long do I spend on horseback?

You spend approximately 4 to 5 hours on horseback. The riding portion is listed as about 4.5 hours.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for riders of all skill levels, including people with very limited experience.

Can I gallop during the ride?

Galloping opportunities are limited because of the mountain terrain. You should expect a generally controlled pace rather than a fast ride.

Is transportation from Tbilisi included?

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

How large is the group?

The activity is limited to five participants, making it a small-group experience.

Which languages are available?

The listed languages are English and Russian. Communication may be limited at times, but the guides make an effort to assist and connect with participants.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring or arrange your own refreshments.