Koruldi Lakes Hike: The Complete Guide From Mestia

There are hikes that deliver exactly what they promise, and then there’s the Koruldi Lakes. From the moment you set off from Mestia to the moment you pull yourself up to the ridge and look down at those small, still pools reflecting the peaks of the Greater Caucasus back at you, this trail earns every superlative it gets. It’s harder than most guides let on, longer than it looks on a map, and one of the most beautiful things we did in all of Georgia.

I spent six weeks living in Mestia, and this was one of the best training hikes we did before tackling the Mestia to Ushguli trek. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Already planning your wider trip? My full Mestia travel guide covers getting there, where to stay, where to eat, and other hikes in the area you can do without a car.

Where to Stay in Mestia

We stayed at this cottage on the Svanland campsite for our full six weeks: a short walk from the heart of Mestia, owned by a lovely local family with rescue dogs and cats wandering the garden, views of Mount Laila and the medieval towers. Self-catering options are also rare in Mestia, so having a kitchen was wonderful.

Why Hike to Koruldi Lakes?

The Koruldi Lakes sit at 2,750 metres above sea level directly north of Mestia. There are actually several small alpine lakes up there rather than one big body of water. They sit in a natural bowl on the Koruldi ridge, surrounded by the jagged white peaks of the Caucasus, with Mount Ushba’s iconic double summit rising directly behind them. When the wind drops, the mountains mirror themselves in the water.

Alternative Ways to Reach the Lakes

The full hike on foot isn’t the only option. The lakes are accessible by 4×4 jeep all the way if you’re really not a hiker, and you can ask at your guesthouse for the current rate and to arrange it in advance.

The Trail: Stage by Stage

From Mestia Town to the Cross (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours)

The stretch from town to the Cross is the hardest part of the day, and has the fewest views. You gain around 750 metres through forested switchbacks with almost no payoff until you emerge at the top. Having done this section on foot, my honest recommendation is to arrange a 4×4 taxi up to the Cross first. It costs around 100-150 GEL per car (negotiable) and takes 20-30 minutes.

On our way up we passed a couple sat on the side of the trail looking worse for wear. He looked up at me and said, “we weren’t prepared for this.” That alone probably tells you everything you need to know.

If you want the full experience and are a confident hiker, starting from town is absolutely doable. Look for the yellow directional signs near Seti Square pointing towards Koruldi Lakes, then follow the cobblestone road uphill through the village of Lanchvali. The trail is marked with red and white blazes throughout.

Before leaving town, it’s worth swinging by the Georgian Bread Bakery (right next to Coffee Kor, easily found on Google Maps) to pick up fresh bread, and tracking down the local honey seller along the main road. It was continously our favourite hiking snack throughout our whole stay in Georgia!

You can download the GPX track via Caucasus Trekking before you go.

The Mestia Cross (approximately 2,150 metres)

At the top of the forested section sits the Mestia Cross, set on the Tskahazagari mountain. The views from here are stunning and show you the medieval Svan towers of Mestia rising from the valley floor far below, and the mountains spread out in every direction.

Just below the cross, there’s a small local cafe where you can get a coffee with one of the better views you’ll ever drink one in front of. If you took a taxi up, this will be your starting point.

From the Cross to Koruldi Lakes (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours)

Above the Cross, the character of the trail changes entirely. The forested climb gives way to a rougher jeep track across open alpine terrain. You gain another 600 metres or so, but the gradient is gentler and the scenery gets bigger with every switchback. The peaks of Ushba, Tetnuldi, and Laila come into sharper focus as you climb.

One thing to know about this section: there are horses grazing near the Cross and along the lower parts of the upper trail. Most of them are lovely and entirely indifferent to passing hikers. One of them came for me with some purpose so worth being aware of, and not getting too close!

The lakes are small and shallow, and swimming isn’t advised, but the area around them is open and peaceful. Spend some time up here before making your way back.

The Descent (approximately 2 to 3 hours)

Going back the way you came is the easiest option, and the views on the way down are just as good if not better.

There’s also a loop option connecting the Koruldi ridge with the Chalaadi Glacier valley, but this route involves off-trail terrain, loose shale, and significant technical difficulty. It’s not something to attempt without experience and local knowledge.

Ready to Hike Koruldi Lakes?

The Caucasus are wild and vast in a way that will surprise you, and standing at the lakes with Ushba reflected in still water in front of you, with the valley thousands of metres below, is truly magical.

Give it the full day it deserves. Start early, take the taxi to the Cross if you have any doubt, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s a casual afternoon out. It isn’t, and that’s precisely why it’s worth doing!

Planning your full Mestia trip? My Mestia travel guide covers getting there, where to stay, where to eat, and every other hike worth doing while you’re in Svaneti.

FAQs