ANNUAL SPRING SHEEP TRANSHUMANCE TO TUSHETI

After lambs are born, the sheep are released to the region´s mountain pastures, large boundless alpine areas that aren’t fenced at all. Depending on the area, the round up can take up to a week and is hard work on foot. There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with beautiful semi-desert winter pasture landscapes to the views from the Greater Caucasus.

This tour provides the unique experience of participating in the Tushetian sheep drive. This is a hardworking adventure that allows the participant to experience the two totally different National Parks’ nature and the sheepherder soul – both guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. It is for sure a unique sight to witness thousands of sheep on their way back home after spending the winter down in the lowland followed by over 10 shepherds with pack horses and donkeys! You can feel the joy and the excitement as this is their last day and everyone is on their way back home.

Being amongst the farming community and lending a helping hand in this age-old tradition of the spring sheep drive is as close as you can get to the heart and soul of this nation.

As participants, you are joining an annual tradition and not a customized tour. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work as a team are essential. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, be prepared to pull your weight each day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those participating.

When you participate in the Round ups you are experiencing the Real Thing! You will be one of the group to herd and sort the animals. Of course, that means long hours outside in sometimes cold weather.

The number of traveling days can be variable due to the travelers’ interests and available time, e.g the travelers can participate only to the lowland transhumance from Winter pasture to Alvani valley, which usually takes at least one week. Also the Abano crossing part, which lasts for about 5 days but it is not possible to accompany the same sheep herd, as they take at least a week break after arriving to Alvani to vaccinate and prepare sheep for the mountain season. So, If travelers want to participate in both parts, we'll have to organize at least two different sheep farms.