1 Day Horse Riding Adventure in Borjomi Mountains

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park gives you something a city tour cannot: four to five quiet hours on horseback beneath the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. From Likani, you ride into thick forest, open mountain views, and peaceful valleys with very little around you except horses, trees, and wide skies. It is a fine way to see a less polished, more natural side of Georgia.

I like the small group limit of five, which keeps the outing personal, and I like that the day works for beginners as well as experienced riders. Driver Gocha and horse handler Soso are named in the trip details, and their care for the horses comes through clearly in the experience. The main drawback is speed: galloping is limited by the rough terrain, and one account found the horses moved very slowly.

Key points to know before you ride

• Likani is your riding base: After pickup in Tbilisi, you travel by private car to Likani, where the horses are waiting.
• Plan on 4 to 5 hours in the saddle: This is a full riding day, not a brief photo stop with a ten-minute pony ride.
• Beginners can join: The tour is suitable for all riding levels, with an English or Russian-speaking instructor.
• The route favors scenery over speed: Mountain paths limit galloping, so expect a steady ride through forests and valleys.
• The group stays small: A maximum of five participants makes it easier to get individual help.
• Bring your own food and drinks: Transport, the horse ride, and hotel pickup and return are included, but meals are not.

Riding from Likani into Borjomi’s mountain country

Your morning starts with pickup at your hotel in Tbilisi. A private car takes you to Likani, the starting point for the horse ride. That arrangement matters because you do not need to arrange separate transport to the park or work out where to meet the horses.

At Likani, you meet the horses and the local handler before setting off. Soso is identified as the horse handler, while Gocha handles the driving. Communication may be limited if you do not speak Georgian or Russian, but English and Russian are listed guide languages, and the guides make an effort to explain what you need to know.

The handover is likely to feel more personal than a large commercial riding operation. With only five places, you are not being moved through a crowd of riders. You have room to ask for help, settle into the saddle, and watch how the horses are handled before the route begins.

The horses then carry you into Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The park covers a huge area of the Lesser Caucasus, with dense forests, mountain slopes, open valleys, and varied plant life. That mix keeps the ride from feeling repetitive. One section may place you under a wooded canopy, while another opens toward higher views.

What four to five hours on horseback really means

Four to five hours is a serious amount of saddle time, even if you are comfortable walking or generally fit. This is not a quick introduction to riding. You will spend most of the day moving at a measured pace over mountain terrain, so the length of the ride should be part of your decision.

If you have never ridden before, the slower pace helps. The tour is designed for all skill levels, and the horse handler can assist you as you learn the basics. A first-time rider described the experience as manageable, while another rider with only a couple of previous rides found that everything went smoothly.

That said, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. You should expect a long period seated on a horse, with the body adjusting to the movement. The route may feel adventurous if riding is new to you, especially as the horses travel through uneven mountain terrain.

Experienced riders should set expectations carefully. This is not advertised as a fast trail ride. Galloping possibilities are limited by the ground, and one rating specifically described the horses as moving very slowly. If your main goal is speed, jumps, or extended cantering, this is probably the wrong outing.

If you prefer a calm pace and time to look around, the same limitation becomes a strength. A slower horse gives you more time to take in the forest, watch the path, and enjoy the quiet. You are here for access to the mountains, not for a competition.

Forests, valleys, and high views in Borjomi-Kharagauli

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is the reason to choose this ride. Its scenery changes across the route, with forest, mountain terrain, valleys, and secluded stretches that feel far removed from Tbilisi.

The park is also known for rare animal and plant species. That does not mean you are guaranteed a wildlife sighting. Treat the wildlife element as a possibility rather than the central promise of the day. The real reward is the setting itself, with the chance to notice the plants, wooded slopes, and broad mountain views at a horse’s pace.

The ride offers a different kind of access than a road trip. From a car window, you pass through scenery quickly. On horseback, the movement is slower, and the forest becomes more noticeable. You hear the horses’ steps, see the route at ground level, and have time to stop mentally rushing from one attraction to the next.

The sense of seclusion is one of the strongest reasons to book. The park’s scale gives the outing a peaceful, remote feel. You are not promised a wilderness expedition, but the large protected area creates a welcome break from Georgia’s busier urban and sightseeing stops.

Some of the best views come from higher ground. One rider described the scenery from the top as especially beautiful. Since the exact route can vary with terrain and conditions, you should expect viewpoints rather than a fixed list of named overlooks.

The people behind the horses

The human side of this activity matters. Gocha is the driver, and Soso is the horse handler named in the trip details. Several accounts give special credit to the staff’s kindness, punctuality, and care for the horses.

Do not expect a long, polished presentation in perfect English. Communication can be limited, but the guides’ effort to share their love of Georgia, the horses, and local culture adds warmth to the day. You may rely on gestures, simple explanations, and practical demonstrations as much as on conversation.

That is not necessarily a problem. Horse care is often easier to understand by watching than by listening to a speech. You can see how the handler prepares the horses and manages the ride. The personal connection is part of what makes this feel like a local outing rather than a packaged amusement.

The small group also helps. A maximum of five participants gives the handler fewer horses and riders to manage. If you are nervous, new to riding, or unsure about mounting and steering, a small group should make it easier to ask for help without holding up a large party.

Why the private transport adds value

The $155 price includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Tbilisi, private transportation by car, and the horse ride. Food and drinks are not included.

That price is easier to assess when you look at the entire day. You are paying for transport out of Tbilisi, a private vehicle, a small-group riding experience, several hours in the park, and the support of a horse handler. If you had to arrange transport separately, the convenience would be worth more than the riding fee alone.

The value depends on what you want from a day trip. For a short horse ride, $155 would be expensive. For a full-day outing with roughly five hours on horseback and private return transport, it is more reasonable, especially if you are traveling with a companion and value a simple door-to-door plan.

You should pack food and drinks because they are excluded. The provided details do not specify a meal stop or refreshment service, so do not count on lunch being supplied. A full morning and afternoon in the mountains makes this a practical matter, not a minor extra.

Choosing the right season and pace

The activity runs in different seasons, and late-season rides are possible. A late October outing was described as excellent despite being near the end of the season. A November ride also received praise for its mountain views and smooth handling.

Autumn can bring a particularly attractive setting, though the available information does not promise specific colors or weather. You should check the forecast and dress for a full day outdoors. The park is in mountain country, and conditions can feel different from those in Tbilisi.

The route is not built around speed, so seasonal timing may matter more for comfort and scenery than for riding performance. In cooler weather, the steady pace may be pleasant. In warmer conditions, the forests and open mountain air offer relief from the city.

The exact starting time depends on availability. Pickup is in the morning, but you should confirm the departure time when booking. Since the day includes a road journey in both directions, the overall outing will take most of your day even though the listed riding time is 4 to 5 hours.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would choose this tour if you want nature, quiet, and a genuine change of pace from city sightseeing. It suits a first-time rider who is curious about horses but does not need an advanced riding challenge.

It is also a good fit for someone who values local contact. The outing is not built around a large visitor center, a scripted performance, or a quick stop. It places you with a horse handler and driver who take pride in the horses and enjoy sharing something of Georgia.

The experience may suit couples and small groups especially well. The five-person limit means you are unlikely to be swallowed by a crowd, and the private car keeps the day more flexible than a large coach excursion.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking a fast ride. The terrain limits galloping, and the horses may move at a very relaxed pace. If you want technical riding, long stretches of speed, or a highly structured equestrian lesson, look for a specialist riding program instead.

You should also think honestly about the four to five hours in the saddle. Beginners can take part, but the duration remains substantial. If you are excited by the idea of a long mountain ride, that is the point. If you only want to try horseback riding briefly, this outing may feel too long.

Booking, payment, and cancellation details

The tour has a small-group limit of five participants and is offered with English and Russian language support. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Georgia plans are still shifting.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Check the available starting times before you commit, since the pickup schedule is not fixed in the basic description.

The activity carries a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 15 ratings. The strongest pattern is clear: people praise the scenery, the staff’s kindness, the care shown toward the horses, and the sense that the day feels special rather than routine.

The one useful warning is just as clear: riding speed varies, and the route is not a galloping course. Keep that in mind and you are less likely to arrive with the wrong idea.

Should you book the Borjomi horse ride?

Book it if you want a peaceful mountain day with real time in the saddle, not a quick photo opportunity. The five-hour ride, small group, private transport, and access to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park make the $155 cost reasonable for someone who values convenience and scenery.

I would especially recommend it to first-time riders with a sense of adventure, couples seeking a quiet day outside Tbilisi, and experienced riders who enjoy a relaxed trail rather than speed. The named staff, Gocha and Soso, add a personal touch, and the care shown toward the horses is part of the appeal.

Skip it if you mainly want to gallop, if you dislike long periods on horseback, or if you need a meal included. For everyone else, this is one of the more memorable ways to spend a day in the Borjomi mountains: slow, scenic, and pleasantly far from the city.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

The tour begins with pickup at your location in Tbilisi, followed by private transport to Likani. The horse ride takes place in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

How long do I spend riding?

You spend about 4 to 5 hours on horseback. The full activity lasts one day because it also includes transport between Tbilisi and Likani.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

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

Can I gallop during the ride?

Galloping is limited because of the mountain terrain. You should expect a steady ride rather than a fast trail session.

How many people can join the group?

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

Which languages are available?

The listed guide languages are English and Russian.

Who provides the driving and horse handling?

Gocha is identified as the driver, and Soso is identified as the horse handler.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan for your own refreshments.

What is included in the $155 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation by car, and the horse riding tour.