Koruldi Lakes

Koruldi Lakes are a group of small mountain lakes at approximately 2,750 m elevation, 10 km from Mestia. They sit at the foot of Mount Ushba (4,710 m) on the Koruldi ridge. In calm weather, the snow-covered peaks reflect in the water.

From central Mestia to the lakes is 9–12 km on foot (depending on the route), with an elevation gain of about 1,300–1,400 m. The ascent takes 4–5 hours, the descent 2–3 hours. You can shorten the route by taking a jeep to the Mestia Cross (an intermediate viewpoint at 2,150 m) for 80–100 GEL (~$29–36).

Free entry. The route demands good physical fitness. For fit hikers, it's a one-day trek; others should plan to camp overnight or return by jeep.

Location

On the Map

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About

What's Here

The ascent starts from Seti Square in central Mestia. The first section passes through residential streets alongside Svan towers, then a dirt road climbs through pastures. After 2–2.5 hours of steady ascent, the trail reaches the Mestia Cross on Tshakazagari Mountain (2,150 m) – the first panoramic point. From here, all of Mestia spreads out below, backed by the Greater Caucasus chain.

From the cross to the lakes is another 2–2.5 hours along the ridge. The road is technically drivable by 4WD, but traffic is sparse. The landscape shifts: alpine meadows with wildflowers (June–July), rocky plateaus, occasional streams. The air grows noticeably colder and thinner.

The lakes themselves are several small ponds among boulder fields. They are modest in size, but the setting is the draw – a 360-degree panorama: twin-peaked Ushba to the north, the ice wall of Tetnuldi (4,858 m) to the east, the Mestia valley and Laila to the south. Many hikers continue higher onto the Koruldi ridge (3,000+ m), where the views expand even further.

Why Visit

The Highlights

Altitude – lakes sit at 2,750 m; the Koruldi ridge rises above 3,000 m

Panorama – 360° views of Ushba (4,710 m), Tetnuldi (4,858 m), Laila, and the Mestia valley

Elevation gain – 1,300–1,400 m from Mestia, one of the steepest day hikes in Svaneti

Halfway point – the Mestia Cross at 2,150 m with views over the town and peaks

Alternatives – jeep to the cross (80–100 GEL) or horseback ride (for experienced riders)

History

Past & Present

The alpine Koruldi Lakes were formed by glacial activity – meltwater filled depressions left by retreating glaciers. The ridge was historically used by Svans as summer pasture – livestock was driven to the high meadows each summer. The tradition continues: cattle and horses graze alongside the trail.

The hiking route became popular in the 2010s as trekking tourism grew in Svaneti. By 2024, the dirt road to the cross and beyond was widened, making it accessible to 4WDs. CloudBase Hut appeared near the trail – a cabin for ski tourers and trekkers. In winter, the ridge is used for ski touring – some of the best in Georgia.

For Visitors

Visitor Information

Tickets & Prices

Free entry. No admission fee.

Jeep to the cross:

80–100 GEL (~$29–36) per car one way (negotiate in Mestia)

Return trip – 150 GEL (~$54)

Horse riding:

To the lakes – from 150 GEL/person via local agencies

Organised tour:

Guided hike – from $50–80/person

Jeep tour to the lakes – from 100–150 GEL per car

Rules & Restrictions

The route demands good fitness – a 1,300 m climb is not for beginners. Weather changes rapidly at altitude: bring a rain jacket and warm layer even in summer. Photography is unrestricted. Pack out all rubbish – the route has no waste collection. Do not stay on the ridge during thunderstorms – lightning is a real danger. Shepherd dogs on the trail can be aggressive – do not provoke them.

On-Site Facilities

No infrastructure on the route. No toilets or cafés. A spring exists roughly halfway to the cross – refill bottles there. Bring at least 2 litres of water and food.

Connectivity: 4G works up to the cross; above that, signal is unreliable.

Overnight: Camping at the lakes is possible (flat spots available). CloudBase Hut on the ridge – for ski tourers (check availability).

Accessibility: Not suitable for those with limited mobility. Steep ascent, rocky trail, no infrastructure.

Getting There

Transport & Directions

From central Mestia (on foot):

– From Seti Square – 9–12 km, 1,300–1,400 m elevation gain

– To the Mestia Cross – 2–2.5 hours (steep climb)

– From the cross to the lakes – another 2–2.5 hours along the ridge

– Descent back to Mestia – 2–3 hours

By jeep (to the cross):

– 80–100 GEL per car, 30–40 min on a dirt road

– Cuts the route by 2 hours and removes the steepest section

– Arrange through your guesthouse or drivers on the square

On horseback:

– About 5 hours to the lakes, for experienced riders

– Arranged through agencies in Mestia

When to go

Best time to visit

Season: Late June – mid-October. Before June, snow covers the trail. From November, the route is closed.

Time of day: Start early (6:00–7:00 AM) to reach the lakes before noon – clouds often obscure the peaks after midday. Sunrise and sunset at the lakes offer the best light but require camping overnight.

Duration: 7–10 hours for the full round trip on foot. With a jeep to the cross: 5–6 hours.

Avoid: Rainy days – the trail becomes slippery and muddy, visibility drops to zero. Thunderstorms – lightning on the exposed ridge is a genuine hazard.