Tusheti road and season: how to get to Omalo by 4x4
Tusheti is reached by one road: 70 km of dirt track from Pshaveli in Kakheti over the Abano pass at 2,826 m to Omalo — 5–6 hours on the track itself and about 8 hours from Tbilisi. Travellers' guides give the season as roughly mid-June to the end of September; snow closes it the rest of the year. As of 27 October 2026 the road season is over: we take bookings for summer 2027 and confirm only after the road officially opens. A private 4x4 with an experienced mountain driver from Tbilisi to Omalo is $600 per car; shared 4x4s from Kvemo Alvani cost about 100 GEL per person. Checked 27 October 2026. Checked by the RideGE team on .
- Status 27.10.2026season over, road not for travel
- Season≈mid-June → end of September
- Abano pass2,826 m
- Private 4x4 Tbilisi → Omalo$600
Is the Tusheti road open now?
No. As of 27 October 2026 the season is over. The road usually opens in mid-June once snow on the Abano pass is cleared, and closes after the first heavy snow in autumn.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| mid-June (typical) | Road opens after snow clearing |
| end of September (typical) | Season ends; first snow on the pass |
| 2026-10-27 | Re-checked by RideGE: season over; 2027 bookings on request |
Why only a 4x4?
The Pshaveli–Omalo track is unpaved, narrow and exposed, with river crossings. We send 4x4s with drivers who know this road; sedans and minivans are not offered.
How else can I get to Omalo?
| Way | Price | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shared 4x4 from Kvemo Alvani | ≈100 GEL per person | leaves when full, mornings |
| Private 4x4 from Tbilisi (us) | $600 per car | door to door, about 8 h |
| Helicopter / small plane from Telavi | varies — check locally | weather-dependent, limited seats |
How long should I stay in Tusheti?
At least two nights: the drive takes a full day each way. Guesthouses in Omalo, Dartlo and Shenako open with the road.
What do I need for the protected area?
Tusheti is a protected area; register at the visitor centre for longer hikes and check the rules of the Agency of Protected Areas.
Can I combine Tusheti with Kakheti wine country?
Yes — Pshaveli is in Kakheti, so a night in Telavi before or after the drive makes the trip easier.
How much does a private car cost?
4x4 only. We confirm Tusheti trips only once the road is officially open; if it closes on your date — new date or full refund.
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | SUV 4x4 | Sprinter | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Omalo (Tusheti) by 4x4 | — | — | $600 | — | — |
| Tbilisi airport → Telavi / Tsinandali | $115 | $155 | $170 | $230 | $275 |
| Private Kakheti wine tour by car: Tsinandali, Gremi, Khareba | $180 | $240 | $270 | $360 | $435 |
Pay 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver — or 100% online. Trips under $100 are paid in full online. Full refund if cancelled 24 h+ before pickup (multi-day: 7+ days).
Questions
Is the Tusheti road open in October?
No — as of 27 October 2026 the season is over.
When does the Tusheti road open?
Typically in mid-June; the exact date depends on snow clearing.
How much is a 4x4 from Tbilisi to Omalo?
$600 per car, one way.
How long is the drive?
About 8 hours from Tbilisi; 5–6 hours on the dirt track.
Can I drive a rental car to Tusheti?
Only with mountain dirt-road experience and a suitable 4x4; many rental contracts exclude this road.
What if the road closes on my date?
You choose a new date or a full refund.
Sources and checks
- Travellers' reports (independent travel guide) · published 2026-01-31 · checked
- Travellers' reports (independent travel guide) · checked
- Roads Department of Georgia — road status announcements · checked
- Agency of Protected Areas — Tusheti Protected Areas · checked
Status and rules change. Before you travel, check the official source; we re-check these pages before each update.
You may also need
- Kakheti wine country by car: Sighnaghi, Telavi, Kvareli
- Tbilisi airport (TBS) at night: how to get to the city
Book a car
Bookings are operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).