Borjomi: Private Horseback Riding Tour to Kakhisi Lake

A ride to Kakhisi Lake feels like a shortcut to quiet. I like the private setup, because it keeps the pace comfortable and lets you focus on the scenery and the horses. I also like the route idea, switching from valley riding to a calm lake break. One consideration: this is real horseback time, and the return ride can feel tougher if you eat a heavy meal beforehand.

You start with hotel pickup in Borjomi, then head out toward Chobiskhevi before you saddle up. The best part is how quickly first-time riders can settle in, plus the guide support is built for confidence on the horses. Plan on no big restaurant stop included in the tour price, though there is food available at the lake.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Private, small-group feel so you can go at your speed and ask questions in English, Russian, or Georgian
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Borjomi, so you avoid the headache of arranging transport
• Chobiskhevi start point, which makes the trip feel like a local countryside escape rather than a show route
• Kakhisi Lake break with peaceful time by the water and simple food options there
• A BBQ by the fire at a small hut near the top area, plus the chance to pause for photos
• Return on a different path, which keeps the ride from feeling like a copy of the way out

Why this Borjomi to Kakhisi Lake ride works as a 4-hour escape

Borjomi is known for spa water and strolling plans, but this tour gives you something different fast. Within a half-day, you switch from town routines to moving through countryside with only the sound of tack and wind.

What makes it appealing is the rhythm. You ride through green valleys and mountain views, then you reach Kakhisi Lake for a calmer moment. That contrast is a big part of the value, because you get both action and quiet without needing a full day of logistics.

Hotel pickup to Chobiskhevi: the start that sets the tone

The tour begins right where you are staying, with pickup in Borjomi. This matters more than it sounds. When the meeting point is your hotel, you lose less time tracking transport and more time thinking about what you want from the ride.

From Borjomi, you travel toward the village of Chobiskhevi, which acts like a gentle transition from everyday Georgia to countryside roads. It’s also a smart way to structure the morning or afternoon. You’re not thrown onto a horse the second you arrive, so your mind catches up to the day.

If you like photo planning, this is also where you can get your bearings. Even before the saddle time, the area around the route tends to offer quick scenic wins. And since the tour is private, you can ask your guide to point out the best stops for pictures without feeling rushed.

Saddled up in the valleys: what the riding portion feels like

Once you’re mounted, the tour leans into the “get comfortable and enjoy” style. One thing I really value here is that the ride is described as easy to learn quickly for people with no horse experience. You’re not expected to be a pro, and the goal is confidence, not performance.

The valleys and mountain views are the main show during this stretch. You’ll be moving through countryside where you can actually look around, not just hold on and hope for the best. That makes the ride more scenic and less stressful.

A practical note: ask your guide how they want you to handle your pace. In private tours, you usually get more control over speed and rest moments. If you want a slow, sightseeing ride, you can say so and try to match the route to your comfort level.

The Kakhisi Lake stop: calm water, a hut by the fire, and simple food

Kakhisi Lake is where the tour shifts gears. Instead of constant motion, you get time to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere. This break is one of the biggest reasons the tour feels worth doing as a short outing.

There’s also a food element that keeps the stop from being purely scenic. You may find a BBQ by the fire at a small hut near the lake area, and there is also described as a buffet at the lake. It’s not positioned as a formal, all-inclusive meal in the tour price. Think of it as part of the experience, not a guaranteed restaurant-style lunch.

Here’s some real-world advice based on what people report from similar days: bring enough cash if you plan to buy food there, and don’t overeat before the return ride. A heavier stomach can make the back section feel harder, especially if you’re not used to time in the saddle.

If you’re traveling with a camera, this is also the time to take advantage. Lake light can look surprisingly good, and because the tour is private, you can hang back for an extra minute without feeling like you’re holding up a larger group.

The ride back on a different route: keeping it fun, not tiring

After the lake and hut stop, you ride back down via a different route. That detail is more than an itinerary tweak. A changed return path keeps you from repeating the same views in reverse and makes the full 4 hours feel more like a complete circuit.

This is also where energy management matters. The tour is only about four hours total, so the physical effort is concentrated. If you ate a big meal at the lake, you may feel it on the return stretch. So if you want comfort, keep food light and pace yourself.

The good news is that the tour style still supports you. The guide knows the horses and the route, and that confidence tends to show in how smoothly the ride flows. Even if you’re new, it helps to trust the process and focus on staying relaxed in the saddle.

Private tour value: what you get for about $110 per person

At $110 per person for a 4-hour experience, the value is mostly in three areas: privacy, pickup logistics, and the time package. You’re paying for a door-to-door start in Borjomi, plus dedicated guide attention instead of sharing the ride with strangers.

Also, the structure fits many travel styles. If you want an active outing but you do not want a full-day excursion, this lands in the sweet spot. Four hours is long enough to feel like you escaped, but short enough that you can still plan dinner afterward in Borjomi.

One thing to keep realistic: meals are not included. The tour includes hotel pickup and the horse riding tour itself. Food at the lake exists, but you should treat it as your optional add-on rather than a covered meal plan. Budget for that if you want lunch with the scenic stop.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want an outdoor Georgian day with a personal pace. It’s especially good for:

• couples or friends who want a calm, private setting
• people who are new to horseback riding and want a quick confidence boost
• anyone who likes mountain views but prefers shorter travel time

It’s also not for everyone. The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and it’s not suitable for people over 70 years. If that describes you or your group member, you should look for a different activity in Borjomi.

If you’re traveling with very young kids in general, note that baby strollers and baby carriages are not allowed. It’s worth planning accordingly if you rely on them for mobility around town.

What to know before you go (so you feel comfortable on the day)

Languages are covered. Your live guide can speak Georgian, Russian, and English, which makes the experience easier if you want instructions, safety tips, or route context.

Weather can change how the ride feels, especially in shoulder seasons. One November experience went well because earlier days stayed dry. That points to a smart mindset: if conditions are good, you’ll likely enjoy the ride more. If the weather is wet or muddy, expect the countryside to be less forgiving.

Also, your tour is private and designed exclusively for you. That means you can ask questions without worrying about timing for others. If you want more photo stops, you can usually request them. If you get tired, you can ask for a slower pace.

Finally, keep the tour rules in mind. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. It’s a nature-focused ride with a calm, responsible vibe, and that matters for comfort and safety.

Should you book this horseback ride to Kakhisi Lake?

If you want a quick, scenic adventure that feels personal, I’d book it. The private setup, hotel pickup, and the clean “ride, rest by the lake, ride back” rhythm make it a strong value for a half-day in Borjomi. The BBQ by the fire and the option of a buffet at the lake add flavor without turning it into a complicated food plan.

I would skip or switch plans if you’re looking for an experience with fully included meals, or if anyone in your group falls into the not-suitable age ranges. And if you dislike any physical effort at all, the return ride on horseback may not be your best match.

If you’re comfortable with that trade-off, this is one of those tours where the scenery does the work for you, and the private pacing helps it feel like your day, not a schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Borjomi horseback ride to Kakhisi Lake?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private group, designed exclusively for you.

Where do you get picked up and dropped off?

Pickup starts from your hotel in Borjomi, and the tour returns you back to Borjomi.

What languages does the live tour guide speak?

The guide speaks Georgian, Russian, and English.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Meals are not included. There is food available at the lake area, but you should plan on paying for it separately.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and it is not suitable for people over 70 years.