Vagabond Moto presents the Caucasus Traverse – Georgia.

A high-mountain ADV expedition into one of the most rugged and least-ridden regions on earth.

Based in Georgia and venturing deep into the Greater Northern Caucasus, this ride links ancient stone villages, glacial valleys, remote borderlands, and high-altitude passes rarely experienced from the saddle of a motorcycle. Expect long, rewarding days, true adventure terrain, and landscapes that feel untouched by time! See snow-covered peaks, medieval towers, and roads climbing well beyond 3,000 metres.

This is not a tour built around highways or comfort stops. It is a purpose-built journey for riders seeking history and commitment, delivered through a fully guided experience with professional local support, premium bikes and seamless management from the moment the ride begins.

Fly into Tbilisi. Settle into Georgia. Then point the bikes north, into the mountains!!

For this ride, we run a proven fleet of lightweight, big-single enduro machines built specifically for long days in demanding terrain.

The GasGas 700, Husqvarna 701 and KTM 690 are widely regarded as the benchmark for high-performance adventure riding in the single cylinder range. Powerful, agile, and remarkably capable in the mountains, these bikes strike the balance between off-road control and on-road stability. Exactly what the Caucasus demands!

With strong low-end torque, long-travel suspension, and manageable weight, they are perfectly suited to steep passes, rocky climbs, high-altitude tracks, and flowing mountain roads. Whether threading through remote villages, climbing above 3,000 metres, or covering distance between regions, these machines remain confidence-inspiring and fatigue-resistant day after day.

All hire bikes are highly prepared and maintained for the journey, allowing you to focus on the ride itself! With big terrain, big views, and the freedom to ride deep into the mountains, these are the perfect bikes for this!

We will be collected in Tbilisi and transferred west to our private base in the town of Kareli, near Gori. The drive provides a gradual transition from the city into open countryside and sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Upon arrival at the base, you’ll meet our local team, get familiar with your bike, and complete setup and checks. The evening includes a full ride briefing followed by a relaxed Georgian welcome dinner, giving everyone a chance to connect and prepare before the journey north into the Caucasus begins.

Welcome dinner at Kareli Basecamp

After breakfast at the base, we pack up and begin our journey north toward the Caucasus Mountains. This first riding day is designed to ease everyone into the terrain and rhythm of the trip while still delivering a genuine taste of what lies ahead.

The route combines roughly equal parts sealed and unsealed roads, flowing through open valleys, forested sections, and rising foothills as we leave central Georgia behind. It’s a varied and engaging day in the saddle, offering space to settle into the bike, build confidence, and start reading the landscape.

Riders are led from the front by the lead guide, with a dedicated sweep rider and mechanic bringing up the rear, carrying tools and providing support throughout the day. Luggage is transported separately by vehicle to the final destination, allowing you to ride unencumbered.

We finish the day in the mountain town of Oni, where we check into our accommodation, enjoy a well-earned dinner, and rest up for the higher-altitude riding to come.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is a full loop ride from Oni and one of the most immersive mountain days of the journey. Leaving town, we climb steadily into the higher reaches of the Greater Caucasus, riding deeper into remote and sparsely populated terrain.

The route pushes toward the Russian border, with permits arranged in advance, and climbs to elevations of around 2,800 metres above sea level. Expect a more off-road–focused day, with rougher surfaces, alpine tracks, and sections that reward good line choice and steady momentum.

Along the way, we pass isolated villages, ancient settlements, and glacial landscapes that feel far removed from the modern world. Snow-capped peaks, wide valleys, and dramatic ridgelines dominate the horizon for much of the day.

By late afternoon, we descend back to Oni and return to the same accommodation. The evening is relaxed, giving you time to recover, share stories from the day, and prepare for the journey west through vineyard country tomorrow.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day three brings a change in pace and landscape as we leave the high alpine environment of Oni and begin working west toward Tsageri. The terrain gradually opens up, with winding mountain roads giving way to greener valleys, rolling hills, and cultivated farmland.

This is a more flowing day on the bike, mixing scenic sealed roads with select unsealed sections that link small towns and rural backroads. The riding remains engaging but relaxed, offering time to take in the surroundings and appreciate the diversity of Georgia’s landscapes.

We stop along the way at a local winery for a tasting, a chance to experience the region’s deep winemaking heritage and break up the ride with something distinctly Georgian.

By afternoon, we arrive in Tsageri, where we settle into our accommodation and enjoy dinner together. It’s a reflective evening—transitioning from the raw mountain terrain toward the even bigger scenery that awaits in the days ahead.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This is one of the defining days of the journey and a true highlight of the Caucasus Traverse. Leaving Tsageri, we begin climbing back into serious mountain country as the terrain grows steeper, wilder, and more dramatic with every kilometre.

The route takes us over major mountain passes, threading between vast valleys and towering peaks that rise to over 5,000 metres. We ride above 3,000 metres for extended sections, reaching elevations of around 3,200 metres as the landscape becomes increasingly alpine. Glaciers, exposed ridgelines, and ancient routes carved into the mountainside surround us throughout the day.

The riding is immersive and demanding in the best way—rewarding commitment with some of the most spectacular scenery in Georgia. This is the Caucasus at its most raw and awe-inspiring.

We descend into Mestia in the afternoon, arriving in the heart of the Svaneti region. After checking in, the evening is spent resting and reflecting on a truly exceptional day in the mountains, preparing for another unforgettable ride tomorrow.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leaving Mestia, we spend the day riding beneath the highest mountains in Georgia, moving deeper into the heart of the Svaneti region. The route follows high mountain valleys and tracks carved by glaciers, with towering peaks dominating the landscape from start to finish.

Throughout the day, we pass through remote 12th-century villages where medieval stone towers still stand, offering a rare glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries. The terrain is raw and immersive, with wide open alpine spaces, river crossings, and the constant presence of snow-capped summits above.

Wild horses roam freely across the high pastures, adding to the sense of isolation and scale that defines this region. We arrive in Ushguli in the afternoon, one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe. where the day ends surrounded by ancient stone architecture and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Caucasus.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The final day begins with an early departure from Ushguli, leaving the high alpine environment behind as we start the journey back toward Kutaisi. After days spent deep in the mountains, this is a more road-focused stage designed to cover distance while still delivering exceptional scenery.

We cross one last mountain pass before descending through long valleys and winding roads, with the landscape gradually softening as elevation drops. The riding is smooth and flowing, offering time to reflect on the journey while enjoying some of the best sealed mountain roads in the region.

By afternoon, we roll back into Kutaisi, where the ride officially concludes. The journey finishes as it should, with a large farewell dinner, good food, and shared stories marking the end of a demanding and memorable traverse through the Caucasus!

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Georgia’s main international gateway is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), located just outside the city. Tbilisi is well connected via Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, making it accessible from most parts of the world with one or two stops.

Most itineraries require a single connection through a major hub, and flights into Tbilisi operate daily from several key gateway cities.

• From Australia:
  The most efficient routes typically connect via Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Abu Dhabi (AUH), or Istanbul (IST). Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines offer smooth onward connections into Tbilisi.
  Total travel time averages 24–30 hours, depending on departure city and layovers.

• From Europe:
  Europe offers some of the easiest access to Tbilisi, with direct flights available from hubs including Istanbul (IST), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE), Paris (CDG), and Athens (ATH).
  Flight times are typically 3–5 hours, making Europe one of the most convenient gateways.

• From USA & Canada:
  Most routes operate via Europe or the Middle East. West Coast travellers (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver) often connect via Istanbul or the Gulf, while East Coast departures (New York, Toronto) can route through Europe or Doha/Dubai.
  Expect approximately 16–22 hours total travel time, depending on routing.

• From Africa:
  Common connections route through Istanbul (IST), Dubai (DXB), or Doha (DOH) with major international carriers providing onward flights to Tbilisi.
  Total travel times typically range between 15–25 hours.

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