Who is the 3–4 hour tour for, and how is it different from the 45-minute ride?
It is the first 'real' route: not a loop near the base but a ride across open sections of the Kazbegi region with changing scenery and stops at viewpoints. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends and photographers who find 45 minutes too short but do not need a full day in the saddle yet.
What does the route look like and what will we see in 3–4 hours?
You start at Kobi (summer) or Arsha (winter), then ride calmly onto open mountain sections with broad views, climb to elevated viewpoints and make natural photo stops. Elsewhere on the site this format is referred to as the Truso Valley direction, but the final layout, the order of stops and the turnaround point are set on the day according to weather, trail conditions and the group's level.
How long will I actually be in the saddle, and are there breaks?
Plan on 3–4 hours on the route plus 30 minutes before the start to meet your horse and go through the briefing. There are stops at viewpoints along the way to catch your breath, stretch your legs and take photos; how many and where is up to the guide and the day's conditions.
I have never been on a horse — can I manage 3–4 hours?
Extensive experience is not required: the horse is matched to your level, the pace is a walk and everything is shown before the start. But 3–4 hours does load your back, hips and knees, so you should be comfortable sitting in the saddle for a long stretch. If you are unsure or nervous around animals, start with the 45-minute ride and save this route for your next visit.
How should I prepare physically, and will I be sore the next day?
No special training is needed, but a few days of hip and lower-back stretches, squats and walking help; on the day, a good night's sleep and a light breakfast. After 3–4 hours beginners usually feel their inner thighs and lower back; it passes in a day or two. Long trousers without thick seams, a warm-up before and stretching after, dismounting at stops and the correct seat the guide shows you all soften it. Avoid scheduling the tour right before a long journey.
Where do we meet and how do I get there?
Transfer from your hotel to Arsha/Kobi and back — on request, per car for 1–2 / 3–4 / 5–6 people: from Gudauri and from Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) 179 / 199 / 249 GEL. The car picks you up at the hotel, brings you to the location, waits for the whole ride and returns you to the same point (or elsewhere by arrangement). If pick-up and drop-off points differ, the price is confirmed at booking. From Tbilisi — 299 / 349 / 399 GEL per car, there and back; waiting — 80 GEL per hour. Transfer deposit — 60 GEL / 20 EUR.
What is the best start time, and how much of the day should I set aside?
Operating hours are 08:00–20:00 from 1 May to 30 October (last ride at 19:00) and 10:00–18:00 from 1 November to 30 April (last ride at 17:00). For the 3–4 hour tour a morning or early-afternoon start works best: softer light, more stable weather and a margin before dark. With the drive to the stable, arriving 30 minutes early and the ride itself, allow roughly half a day.
Does the tour run in winter, and how is the winter route different?
The format is available year-round on request. In the cold season the base is Arsha, daylight is shorter and the route and pace are adapted to snow and trail conditions, so the layout may be more compact than in summer. Warm boots, gloves and a hat are a must in winter; the final go/no-go decision is made by the provider on the day.
What happens if the weather turns during the ride?
The guide may shorten the route, change the order of stops or head back earlier — standard practice in the mountains, and there is no compensation for a route shortened by weather. If conditions are unsafe before the start, the tour is rescheduled free of charge or the deposit is refunded minus bank fees within 5–10 working days.
What are the age and weight limits for the 3–4 hour tour?
From 4 to 75 — on their own horse (minors with parental permission); children aged 2–3 — in a carrier backpack with the rider, 199 GEL, under the responsibility of the rider. Weight limit — up to 110 kg; it is a safety requirement, so message us in advance if you are close to it. Parents or guardians are responsible for children; if a child behaves unsafely for themselves or the group, the instructor may remove them from the activity with the full payment retained.
Should I bring a child on the 3–4 hour tour?
From 4 to 75 — on their own horse (minors with parental permission); children aged 2–3 — in a carrier backpack with the rider, 199 GEL, under the responsibility of the rider. Parents or guardians are responsible for children; if a child behaves unsafely for themselves or the group, the instructor may remove them from the activity with the full payment retained.
What should I wear for 3–4 hours in the mountains?
Long trousers without thick seams (not thin leggings), closed shoes with a small heel or sturdy trainers, and layers: a base top, fleece and windbreaker. In summer add a hat and sunglasses; in winter a warm jacket, gloves, a hat and high boots. Warm clothing and footwear can be arranged in advance via the ski school and rental page.
What should I bring on the route?
A 0.5–1 litre bottle — there is spring water along the route (included in the programme), so you can refill; a light snack (food is not included), sunscreen, your phone in a zipped pocket and a small backpack that sits snugly. Large bags, trekking poles and loose dangling items get in the way in the saddle — leave them in the car.
Are helmets and rider gear provided?
A helmet is mandatory and included — we provide it on site before the briefing.
How much does the tour cost and how does the 150 GEL / 50 EUR deposit work?
Current prices by format are in the "Formats & prices" block above. Deposit: 150 GEL / 50 EUR per horse. It secures the booking and is part of the price; the balance is paid on site. In bad weather or a safety cancellation — a free reschedule, or a refund minus bank fees and services already provided (5–10 business days). No-show or guest-initiated cancellation — the deposit is not refunded.
What does 349 GEL include, and what is paid separately?
Included: SkyAtlantida booking coordination, confirmation of the meeting point and time, a prepared horse, a short briefing, accompaniment by the local provider, spring water along the route and the 3–4 hour route itself. Separately: transfer to Arsha/Kobi (per car: from Gudauri and from Stepantsminda 179/199/249 GEL, from Tbilisi 299/349/399 GEL there and back; waiting — 80 GEL per hour), food, personal insurance, professional photo/video (+149 GEL per horse on request) and personal expenses.
How do I book and what should the request include?
Message WhatsApp +995 597 035 421 or Telegram @SkyAtlantida_AI_Manager_bot with the date and preferred time, number of riders, names, each rider's weight and experience, children's ages, your preferred start point (Arsha/Kobi) and whether you need a transfer. We check availability, send a deposit invoice of 150 GEL / 50 EUR per horse and, once paid, a confirmation with the point, time and tips. We reply daily 09:00–21:00 (GMT+4).
Can I move the date or cancel?
Rescheduling due to weather or unsafe conditions is free, or the deposit is refunded minus bank fees and any services already rendered within 5–10 working days. Cancellation on your side follows the terms and refund policy — the earlier you tell us, the easier it is to find another date. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may cost you the slot.
Can I take photos from the saddle or book a photographer?
At stops — yes, and the 3–4 hour format has enough of them for good shots. While moving keep your phone in a zipped pocket and never let go of the reins for a photo. Professional photo/video is available on request at +149 GEL per horse — arrange it at booking.
Will we trot or canter on the longer route?
The base pace is a walk: the route is about views and terrain, not speed, and the group moves in one rhythm behind the guide. Speeding up on your own, pulling ahead or dropping back is not allowed and can end the ride. If you are experienced and want a different format, tell us in advance — the decision is always the provider's on the spot.
Which conditions make 3–4 hours a poor choice?
If you are pregnant, have back, knee or hip problems, a heart condition or a recent injury, consult a doctor first and tell us in advance. Riding under the influence is excluded. If you are over 70, we recommend checking with your doctor; the final admission decision is made by the provider on the day.
What kind of insurance works for a horseback tour?
Insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Choose a travel policy that explicitly lists horseback riding in its coverage and includes Georgia in its territory; check the 'active leisure' exclusions. Riding without cover is your own responsibility.
What language are the briefing and guiding in?
Bookings on WhatsApp are handled in English and Russian. The local guide's language on the route is confirmed at booking: the commands are simple and demonstrated on the spot, and SkyAtlantida stays reachable during the day.
3–4 hours or 5–6 hours — how do I choose?
3–4 hours is the balanced format: a real route with panoramas, but without a full-day load and with time left for other plans. 5–6 hours is for guests ready for a long mountain day who want more viewpoints and wide valleys and have nothing else planned. If this is your first long ride, take 3–4 hours.
Is there a transfer to the start point and how much is it?
Transfer from your hotel to Arsha/Kobi and back — on request, per car for 1–2 / 3–4 / 5–6 people: from Gudauri and from Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) 179 / 199 / 249 GEL. The car picks you up at the hotel, brings you to the location, waits for the whole ride and returns you to the same point (or elsewhere by arrangement). If pick-up and drop-off points differ, the price is confirmed at booking. From Tbilisi — 299 / 349 / 399 GEL per car, there and back; waiting — 80 GEL per hour. Transfer deposit — 60 GEL / 20 EUR.
