The Koruldi Lakes form a cluster of small high-altitude water bodies situated north of Mestia, in the mountainous region of Svaneti, in northwest Georgia. Perched around 2,700 metres, they comprise one of the most accessible day hikes from the town, with direct views of the peaks of Ushba and Tetnuldi.

Why hike to Koruldi Lakes

The site's appeal rests on three concrete advantages. First, the hike starts directly from central Mestia: no transfers or special logistics required. Second, the panorama at the top encompasses two of the emblematic peaks of the Georgian Caucasus, Ushba (4,710 m) and Tetnuldi (4,858 m). Finally, the site lends itself to multiple modes of access — hiking, jeep, mountain bike, horseback — allowing you to tailor the outing to your fitness level and available time.

What you'll see on site

Koruldi is not a single lake but a series of small water bodies scattered across a high-altitude plateau. The basins are shallow, fed by snowmelt, and reflect the surrounding ridges on calm days. The plateau itself is open, covered in short grass, with a few rocky patches.

To the north, Ushba rises with its characteristic double summit. To the east, Tetnuldi closes the horizon. Below, you can see the roofs of Mestia and the Svan towers that define the region's landscape character.

Practical information

• Starting point: central Mestia, following the marked trail towards the Cross.
• Elevation gain: approximately 800 metres to the panoramic shelter above Mestia, then a gentler climb to the lakes.
• Duration: approximately 1.5 hours of brisk walking to the shelter, and 5 to 6 hours round trip to reach the lakes and return.
• Difficulty: moderate. The first section is steep, the rest follows the jeep track.
• Water: a spring midway allows you to refill water bottles.
• Equipment: hiking boots with ankle support, windbreaker, sun protection, snacks and at least 1.5 litres of water per person.
• Camping: wild camping is tolerated near the lakes. Bring a tent, sleeping bag suited to cool high-altitude nights, and full supplies.

When to go

The accessible window runs from June to September. Snow can linger on the final section early in the season. July and August offer the most stable conditions, but are also the busiest months on the trail. September is often a good compromise: still pleasant temperatures, lower crowds, crisp light.

How to get there from Mestia

Several options are available, depending on your profile:

• On foot: the classic route. From the centre, you reach the Cross above the village, then the trail heads towards the lakes. Plan 5 to 6 hours round trip.
• By 4x4: local drivers ascend the jeep track close to the lakes. A practical solution if time is short or legs are tired.
• By mountain bike: the jeep track is rideable for trained cyclists. The descent back to Mestia is one of the main appeals of this option.
• By horseback: guesthouses in Mestia organise horseback outings to the lakes on request, with local guides.

For the descent, many hikers opt for the jeep track, which is longer but easier on the knees than the ascent trail.

What to see nearby

Mestia concentrates the other curiosities of the area: the Svan towers in the centre, the history and ethnography museum, and Hatsvali ski station, whose cable cars depart near the museum and serve a few runs open in winter. To extend your stay in Georgia, other sites are worth visiting, such as Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave or Bodbe Monastery.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Koruldi Lakes fit naturally into a 2 to 4-day Svaneti itinerary based in Mestia. To build a complete programme and combine high-altitude hiking with other regions of the country, explore our Georgia travel ideas.