Svaneti · Georgia
Koruldi Lakes Hike
A steep, rewarding full day above Mestia to the Koruldi Lakes on the high ridge, with a 360° panorama of Ushba, Tetnuldi and the Caucasus wall. A 4×4 shortcut can cut the climb.
On this page
Overview
Part of Koruldi — the place, how to get there and everything else on offer around it.
The place
Overview
Climb the ridge for the Ushba panorama.
The route climbs past the Cross viewpoint above Mestia to the small alpine lakes at around 2,700 m. It is the ascent, not the lakes, that people remember — the ridge opens onto Ushba, Tetnuldi and the range in every direction.
It is a demanding day on foot; a 4×4 can drive part of the rough track to shorten it. Good boots and hiking fitness are needed. The guide sets pace and turnaround based on weather at altitude.
How the day runs
08:30
Start above Mestia
Begin the climb past the Cross viewpoint, or 4×4 up the rough track to shorten the ascent.
11:00
Ridge & lakes
Gain the ridge to the Koruldi Lakes with the full Ushba–Tetnuldi panorama.
13:00
Summit lunch
Lunch on the ridge, time for photos, then begin the descent.
16:30
Back to Mestia
Descend to town (or meet the 4×4) by late afternoon.
The route
- High point
- ~2,700 m
- Duration
- 6–8 hours
- Ascent
- ~1,000 m (or 4×4 assist)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Highlight
- Ushba panorama
- Season
- June – October
Gallery
Included & requirements
Included
- +
- Certified local hiking guide
- +
- Route & pace management
- +
- Optional 4×4 shortcut arrangement
- +
- First-aid trained guide
You need
- ·
- Hiking boots & poles
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- Good hiking fitness
- ·
- Layers & sun protection
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- Water & lunch (or arranged)
Guided day hike
Full-day guided hike from Mestia to the Koruldi Lakes.
Related hikes
The Koruldi Lakes hike above Mestia
The Koruldi Lakes are Mestia's signature day hike — a steep, rewarding climb to a string of small alpine lakes on a high ridge, with one of the best panoramas in Svaneti. From the top, the twin summits of Mount Ushba fill the sky, and the whole sweep of the Greater Caucasus opens around you. On calm days the lakes mirror the peaks perfectly.
The classic route climbs from Mestia past the Cross viewpoint to the lakes at around 2,700 m. It is a solid uphill day; those short on time or energy can shorten it with a 4x4 transfer partway. We guide it at your pace and read the weather so you catch the views.
Good to know
Expect a full day with significant ascent and exposed high terrain — bring layers, sun protection and water. The same ridge is a winter catski zone. Combine with the easier Chalaadi Glacier for a varied hiking trip.
Related tours & guides
FAQ
Good to know
01How hard is the Koruldi Lakes hike?+
It is a strenuous day hike with a big, sustained climb to about 2,700 m. Reasonable fitness is needed, though a 4x4 can cut the ascent for those who want an easier day.
02What will I see from the Koruldi Lakes?+
A head-on view of Mount Ushba's twin peaks and a wide panorama of the Greater Caucasus, with small alpine lakes in the foreground — one of Svaneti's most photographed viewpoints.