Border Permit
Why do I need border permit?
Under Georgian law, both Georgian nationals and foreign citizens are required to obtain a special border permit to access the border zone (5 km from the state border) or the border line (500 m from the state border). As a significant portion of our tours takes place near the Azerbaijani border, this permit is mandatory for our trips.
How do I obtain a border permit?
If you’re traveling with us – congratulations – it’s easy! We take care of the permit process entirely. You just need to provide a copy of your passport, phone number, and address, and we’ll process it for you.
How far in advance do I need to send the documents?
We recommend sending them at least a few days before your trip. In urgent cases, we can arrange the permit on the morning of the tour, but this typically causes a delay of 1–2 hours. Better to spent that precious time exploring the wilderness, so we strongly suggest arranging it beforehand.
Do I need to carry my passport while visiting the park?
Yes. Visitors are required to carry a passport or official ID while in the border zone. Permits are only valid when presented together with valid identification.
Will we be crossing the border?
No. The entire tour takes place inside Georgia.
Pick-up & Transfer
Where are the pick-up locations for your tours?
Pickup locations vary depending on the tour package:
Vashlovani Tours: These tours depart from Dedoplistskaro. Our preferred meeting point is the Savanna Guest House, where you can safely park your car and enjoy a coffee before the journey. However, if you are staying overnight in Dedoplistskaro, we are happy to pick you up directly from your local guesthouse.
Tusheti & Multi-day Tours: For these longer expeditions, we offer flexible pickup options from Tbilisi or any location in Eastern Georgia.
If you have a specific location in mind or special travel requirements, please contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do you organize transfers?
We do not operate transfers ourselves. However, we are happy to connect you with trusted local drivers who can assist with your transportation needs.
Is there public transport from Tbilisi to Dedoplistskaro?
Yes, there are two main options:
Shared Taxi: These depart from near the Isani Metro Station and cost 15 GEL per person. This is generally faster and more comfortable.
Minibus (Marshrutka): These depart from Samgori and cost 10 GEL per person.
Please note that prices and schedules may vary.
Payment & Cancellation
What are the payment terms?
We accept cash, credit cards, and bank transfers. While cash is appreciated, please feel free to use the method that is most convenient for you.
Please note, we do not accept credit cards on location, we may need to stop at our POS terminal’s location (Savanna Guest House).
Are there ATMs available?
There are ATMs in Dedoplistskaro (for Vashlovani tours). However, please note that there are no ATMs in Omalo or anywhere in Tusheti. We strongly recommend withdrawing sufficient cash before leaving for the mountains.
What are the cancellation terms?
Specific terms may vary by package, so please check the details on each tour page. However, in general, cancellations made at least one week in advance are free of charge.
Please note that we may need to cancel a tour due to extreme weather or inaccessible road conditions. In such cases, we will contact you to cancel or to arrange a new date by mutual agreement.
Stay & Meals
Where will we stay?
In Dedoplistskaro: We usually host guests at our family-owned Savanna Guest House. If we are fully booked, we will arrange a stay at another high-quality local guesthouse for you.
Inside Vashlovani National Park: We stay in the official park cabins (bungalows).
In Tusheti: We work with trusted local partners who offer comfort and a warm, traditional atmosphere.
If booking independently, we highly recommend choosing family-run guesthouses in Dedoplistskaro for the best experience.
Can we order lunch-boxes for the tour?
For Vashlovani tours, we offer lunch boxes as an optional add-on. While the exact contents depend on the season and market availability, we promise a generous selection of diverse, homemade food.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, absolutely. However, keep in mind that Dedoplistskaro is the last place to buy supplies. Once we leave the town, there are no shops, supermarkets, or restaurants available, so please ensure you buy everything you need beforehand.
Do you offer vegetarian options?
Absolutely. If you let us know in advance, we are happy to prepare vegetarian meals. We can also accommodate food allergies and other specific dietary requirements—just please mention them when booking.
Safety
Are there snakes in Vashlovani?
Vashlovani has a rich biodiversity, which includes many snake species. While most species are harmless, there are venomous ones present, though they generally avoid human contact. For your safety, please stay on the path and strictly follow the instructions provided by your guide.
Is the driving safe?
Driving in these regions requires skill. In Vashlovani: Rain can turn the soil into deep mud, making roads difficult to navigate. In Tusheti: The mountain roads are challenging and require a powerful 4×4 and an expert driver.
We rely on over 20 years of off-road experience and strictly maintain our vehicles to ensure a safe journey, even on notorious routes like the road to Tusheti.
Is there mobile reception or Wi-Fi?
It varies significantly by region:
Vashlovani: Mobile coverage is very limited, and there is no Wi-Fi. Please be prepared to be offline for most of the tour.
Tusheti: Most guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, and there is mobile reception in the main villages. However, remote areas (such as the Gometsari Gorge) have no connection.
Note: Signal availability may depend on your specific mobile operator.
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