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FolkKakhetiAugust

Tushetoba (Omalo)

Tusheti's organised summer festival in Omalo: horse racing, folk dance, shepherds' contests and Tushetian cheese.

WhenUsually a weekend in early August, in Omalo
2026Date to be announced
2027August 2027, exact day to be announced · expected
WhereKakheti
Public holidayNo
OmaloOmaloPhoto: Abramia Giorgi, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tushetoba, sometimes called Shepherds' Day, is a newer, secular event built around the old highland customs. Riders race bareback across the meadows below Keselo fortress, shepherds compete in sheep-shearing and wrestling, and folk ensembles sing and dance on an outdoor stage. Stalls sell guda cheese, wool socks and khinkali.

It falls in the best weeks of the Tusheti season, when the Abano Pass road is open and guesthouses are full, so book transport and beds early.

Tips from your host
  • Book a guesthouse in Omalo or a nearby village weeks ahead.
  • Allow at least 5 to 6 hours for the 4x4 drive from Tbilisi via Alvani.
  • Carry cash; there is no ATM in Tusheti.

Where to see it

OmaloPhoto: Abramia Giorgi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Cities & TownsOmalo

Tusheti's main village at about 1,880 m, with guesthouses, Keselo's stone towers above, and trails to the region's tower villages.

Keselo FortressPhoto: Alex Maisuradze, CC BY-SA 3.0
Fortresses & CastlesKeselo Fortress

Restored 13th-century stone defence towers on the ridge above Upper Omalo, with wide views over Tusheti.

Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.

Tours around Tushetoba (Omalo)

TelaviTelaviPhoto: Jelger Groeneveld, CC BY 2.0
5 days
AdventureMountains & Nature

Tusheti 4x4 Adventure

By 4x4 over the high Abano Pass into Tusheti, Georgia's best-known mountain drive, then on foot to the Keselo towers, Shenako, Diklo and Dartlo.

Moderate · AD-05from $1,130 pp
Abano PassAbano PassPhoto: Chaoseli, CC BY-SA 4.0
6 days
AdventureHiking & Trekking

Tusheti on Horseback

Four days of riding Tush horses through the high valleys of north-east Georgia, from Omalo to Dartlo, up the Pirikiti Alazani to Parsma and Girevi, with nights in family guesthouses and a 4x4 crossing of the Abano Pass.

Moderate · AD-06from $1,370 pp

More in August and after

Full calendar →
12 Aug 2027 (expected)Didgoroba (Battle of Didgori Day)

A commemoration of King David the Builder's 1121 victory at Didgori, held at the battlefield memorial of giant swords.

2027 date expectedFolkKvemo Kartli
28 Aug 2027Mariamoba (Dormition of the Virgin)

The feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a public holiday with pilgrimages to churches dedicated to her.

Public holiday2027 date confirmedReligiousNationwide
Aug 2027 (day to be announced)Shatiloba (Shatili, Khevsureti)

A summer festival in the tower village of Shatili, with horse racing, Khevsur music and folk wrestling.

2027 date expectedFolkMtskheta-Mtianeti