Vashlovani National Park MTB Tour — 2 to 3 Day Mountain Bike Adventure Georgia
The Vashlovani National Park MTB tour is one of the most unique and extraordinary mountain bike experiences available anywhere in Georgia. Unlike the alpine regions of Kazbegi, Svaneti or Tusheti, Vashlovani is a completely different world — a dramatic semi-arid landscape of canyons, cliffs, wild steppes and ancient forests that feels more like Central Asia than the Caucasus. Everyone who visits Vashlovani leaves with the same feeling: they have never seen anything like it before.
Why Choose the Vashlovani National Park MTB Tour?
The Vashlovani National Park MTB tour stands apart from every other guided ride in Georgia because of the sheer uniqueness of the terrain. This is not alpine riding — this is desert canyon riding in the heart of the South Caucasus. The dramatic rock formations, endless semi-arid steppes and breathtaking canyon views create a riding experience that feels unlike anything else available in the country. If you want to combine this with alpine riding, check out our Svaneti MTB tour for a completely different mountain experience.
Vashlovani borders Azerbaijan, making it one of the most remote and geographically fascinating destinations in Georgia. The combination of wild nature, extreme terrain and total remoteness makes the Vashlovani National Park MTB tour a genuine bucket-list adventure for any serious rider.
Important — Permit Required
Before joining the Vashlovani National Park MTB tour, all participants must obtain an official entry permit. Since the park borders Azerbaijan, access is strictly controlled and a valid permit is mandatory before entering the protected area. ShredGeorgia handles all permit arrangements as part of the tour — simply let us know your details when booking and we will take care of everything.
Tour Details — Vashlovani National Park MTB Tour
The Vashlovani National Park MTB tour is available year-round, but the best seasons are spring and autumn. Summer riding is possible but requires a very early start due to extreme heat.
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Physical difficulty: 3 out of 5
- Technical difficulty: 3 out of 5
- Suitable for: Intermediate to advanced riders
- Best season: April to June and September to November
- Permit: Required — arranged by ShredGeorgia
When to Ride — Seasonal Guide
Spring (April — June)
Spring is the most beautiful time for the Vashlovani National Park MTB tour. The steppe turns green, wildflowers appear across the landscape and temperatures are perfect for all-day riding. Important note — in spring and autumn, local farmers bring their livestock through the park and travel with large herds of dogs. Riders must be extremely careful and cautious when encountering these working dogs on the trail. Slow down, stay calm and let the herd pass.
Summer (July — August)
Summer riding in Vashlovani is possible but the heat is extreme — temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in the canyon areas. If you want to ride in summer, we start at 4:00 AM to complete the exposed sections before the midday heat arrives. This means a 3:00 AM wake-up call and a pre-dawn departure. It is tough — but the experience of riding through Vashlovani in the early morning light with the canyon walls glowing orange around you is absolutely unforgettable.
Autumn (September — November)
Autumn brings perfect temperatures and beautiful golden light across the steppe. This is our most popular season for the Vashlovani National Park MTB tour. The same caution applies regarding farm dogs as in spring.
2 to 3 Day Itinerary — Vashlovani National Park MTB Tour
Day 1 — Arrival and First Canyon Trails
We transfer from Tbilisi to Vashlovani — approximately 4 hours by car. After settling in and a trail briefing, we begin with an evening ride through the first canyon sections to get a feel for the extraordinary terrain. The dramatic rock formations and steppe landscape are immediately unlike anything you have ridden before. Dinner and overnight in local accommodation near the park.
Day 2 — Deep Canyon Riding
The main riding day of the Vashlovani National Park MTB tour. We explore the most spectacular canyon trails and semi-arid steppe routes in the heart of the park. Technical rocky sections, open ridge riding and dramatic viewpoints make this one of the most memorable days of riding available anywhere in Georgia. Dinner and overnight in local accommodation.
Day 3 — Final Trails and Return to Tbilisi (optional)
For the 3-day option, we ride a final morning loop through the park before transferring back to Tbilisi. The 2-day option skips this stage and returns after Day 2.
Choose Your Bike — Vashlovani National Park MTB Tour
The terrain in Vashlovani is rocky, technical and very different from alpine trails. We recommend full suspension for maximum comfort and control on the canyon sections.
- Hardtail — light and efficient, suitable for fit and experienced riders
- Full Suspension — recommended for maximum comfort on rocky canyon terrain
- Electro Hardtail — e-MTB hardtail for riders who want extra assistance
- Electro Full Suspension — the ultimate e-MTB experience for all terrain
Not sure which bike to choose? Write to us on WhatsApp or Telegram and we’ll recommend the best option for your riding style.
Accommodation — Vashlovani National Park MTB Tour
During the tour you’ll stay in local guesthouses near the park. Accommodation is included in the base price.
What’s Included in the Vashlovani National Park MTB Tour?
Included in the Price
- Professional local MTB guide throughout all days
- Official entry permit to Vashlovani National Park — arranged by ShredGeorgia
- Support vehicle for transfers and gear
- Accommodation in local guesthouses — included in the base price
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner included every day
- Bike and helmet included
- Trail briefing before each day’s ride
- WhatsApp support before and during your tour
Price depends on group size — contact us for full details.
Required Equipment
- Backpack with plenty of water — hydration is critical in Vashlovani
- Sun protection: sunscreen, cap, sunglasses — essential especially in summer
- Light layers for early morning starts
- Personal sports insurance is strongly recommended
Important Safety Notes
- Farm dogs: In spring and autumn, working dogs accompany livestock herds through the park. Always slow down, stay calm, do not make sudden movements and let the herd pass before continuing.
- Summer heat: Temperatures can exceed 40°C. Always carry at least 3 litres of water per person. We start at 4:00 AM in summer to avoid the worst heat.
- Border zone: The park borders Azerbaijan. Always stay on approved trails and never approach the border area. All riders must carry their entry permit at all times.
Why Vashlovani is Georgia’s Most Unique MTB Destination
Vashlovani National Park is unlike anywhere else in Georgia. While the rest of the country offers alpine and forested mountain terrain, Vashlovani delivers a completely different landscape — semi-arid canyons, dramatic cliffs, wild steppe and ancient Alazani river floodplains that border Azerbaijan. The park is home to rare wildlife including wolves, jackals and the endangered goitered gazelle. You can find more about Vashlovani on the official Georgian protected areas website.
ShredGeorgia guides have explored every trail in Vashlovani and know exactly how to make the most of this extraordinary destination safely and responsibly. Our small groups mean a personal, safe and completely authentic experience.
Book Your Vashlovani National Park MTB Tour Today
Ready to explore the most unique and unexpected mountain bike destination in Georgia? Contact ShredGeorgia via WhatsApp or Telegram to book your Vashlovani National Park MTB tour. Price depends on group size and bike type — write to us and we’ll provide full details within 24 hours.
