Georgia bikepacking v1

3 different coloured lakes - makes a nice detour, even if you don't cross the Chaukhi pass to Kasbegi.

Great spot to ride out to (trail) and camp for the night

Abano Pass, said to be the division between Europe and Asia. Gateway to the rugged Tusheti.

Approximate route - follow faint two track across ridge.

Please record accurate track if you can!

Cryptes full of human skull + bones. A gravestone depicting a man in medieval chainmail armour.

Dartlo - nice spot to take a break - good food at the restaurant by the river too.

Detour to Diklo is recommended. Great views of Dagestan.

Eerie crypt full of human skulls and bones.

Girevi - military checkpoint - get your Atsunta Pass papers here if heading west. Guesthouses.

Gruelling hike-a-bike across Atsunta Pass on the border with Chechnya. Be sure to have your permit.

I was chased by 12 sheep dogs here. Harrowing.

Juta - consider starting in Stepansminda if short on time and honing in on Tusheti. You'll have an extra hike a bike though acro

Main area for riding singletrack close to Tblisi. Bikes shops nearby too.

Military Checkpoint - get your Atsunta Pass papers here.

Multiple run-ins with Tushetian sheep dogs guarding traffic jams of sheep.

No water along ridgetop so stock up.

Omalo - medieval watchtowers. There's even a B&B in one!

Roshka Guesthouse - excellent, plentiful food.

Singletrack descent option

If riding east to west, it's possible to follow this singletrack descent to the river, and cross at a nearby bridge. However, the ridge ride is spectacular and not to be missed!

Tbilisi; capital of Georgia.

Expect rickety wooden houses and shiny Mercedes.

The fortified citadel of Shatili

Full services though market store is limited.

Verkhovani - accommodation/camping/food

Very nice church and a few nice looking accommodation options.

Well market singletrack/hike-a-bike. River.

Wine country!

Celebrate the end of the ride with a bottle or three of wine... Minibuses ply the road back to Tbilisi. Shepherds and their dogs retire here for the winter. Note that riding Tusheti in the opposite direction will make for an easier hike-a-bike over Atsunta Pass.