Koruldi Lakes Hike from Mestia
The classic big day hike from Mestia: about 19 km and 1,350 m of climbing return to a cluster of small tarns at roughly 2,740 m facing the double summit of Ushba. Cut it to a half day by taking a 4x4 to the Mestia Cross.
MestiaPhoto: Q-lieb-in, CC BY-SA 4.0The Koruldi Lakes lie on a high grassy shelf north-east of Mestia, directly opposite Ushba (4,710 m) and the ice of the main Caucasus ridge. They are small and shallow, but on a calm morning the larger pools hold a perfect reflection of Ushba's twin horns, and the plateau around them looks straight down the Mestiachala valley to the Chalaadi Glacier.
On foot from town it is a long, steady climb: first a steep path to the Mestia Cross at about 2,200 m, the viewpoint that hangs above the town, then a gentler rising traverse on and beside a 4x4 track to the lakes. Allow 7 to 9 hours for the round trip. We grade the full walk 3 on our scale; with a jeep to the cross it becomes a moderate 2 of about 12 km and 600 m of ascent.
Because it climbs to almost 2,750 m with no technical ground, Koruldi is the standard acclimatisation hike before the Mestia to Ushguli trek or the Guli Pass crossing.
Highlights
- Ushba's double summit reflected in the lakes
- The view over Mestia's towers from the Mestia Cross
- Looking up the Mestiachala valley toward the Chalaadi Glacier
- A good acclimatisation day before longer Svaneti treks
Trail facts
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
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Stage by stage
| Day | From → to | Distance | Up | Down | Hours | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seti Square, Mestia → Mestia Cross viewpoint | 3.5 km | +750 m | −0 m | 2-2.5 h | 2,200 m |
| 1 | Mestia Cross → Koruldi Lakes | 6 km | +600 m | −0 m | 2-2.5 h | 2,740 m |
| 1 | Koruldi Lakes → Mestia | 9.5 km | +0 m | −1,350 m | 3-3.5 h | 2,740 m |
01Mestia to the Mestia CrossSeti Square, Mestia → Mestia Cross viewpoint · 3.5 km · 2-2.5 h
Head north from the square through the upper streets of Lekhtagi toward the forest edge. A footpath cuts straight up the hillside, crossing the jeep track's hairpins several times; it is steep, dusty and fully exposed to morning sun, so start by 08:00 in July and August. The big metal cross marks the top of the climb, with the whole of Mestia and the Enguri valley below. If you only want a half day, this is a good place to turn round.
01Mestia Cross to the Koruldi LakesMestia Cross → Koruldi Lakes · 6 km · 2-2.5 h
Beyond the cross the gradient eases. The route follows the jeep track and shortcuts across pasture, curving north-east onto the plateau with Ushba growing on your left. Several summer huts and a few herders' shelters sit along the way. The track ends near the lower lakes; the higher pools are a short scramble further up and give the best angle on Ushba. Clouds usually build from late morning, so aim to be at the water before 12:00.
01Back down to MestiaKoruldi Lakes → Mestia · 9.5 km · 3-3.5 h
Return the same way. The drop from the cross to town is the hardest part on the knees, and the dry, loose surface is slippery; poles help a lot. In rain, stay on the jeep track rather than the steep footpath.
Practical information
Getting there
The route starts in central Mestia, so no transport is needed if you walk all of it. To skip the first and steepest 750 m, hire a 4x4 from the drivers around Seti Square to the Mestia Cross: about 80 to 100 GEL (around $30 to $37) per car one way in 2026. A jeep all the way up to the lakes with a couple of hours' wait and the ride back usually runs 200 to 250 GEL (about $75 to $93) per car, shared by up to six people.
Getting back
Walk down the same way, or arrange in the morning for your driver to collect you at the cross or the lakes at an agreed time. Phones usually work up there, but agree the pick-up point and time before you set off rather than relying on a call.
Water
Effectively none on the way up. Leave Mestia with 2 to 3 litres per person; on hot days the south-facing climb to the cross drains bottles fast. The lakes themselves are shallow and grazed around by cattle, so do not drink from them even with a filter unless you have no choice.
Phone signal
Good for most of the route. The whole climb faces Mestia, and both Magti and Silknet usually work at the cross and on much of the plateau. Coverage can drop in the hollows right by the lakes.
Nearest help
Dial 112. Mestia's hospital is at most 3 hours' walk down, or about 40 minutes by 4x4 from the lakes when the track is dry. The jeep drivers on the track in summer are often the quickest help.
Permits
No permit or fee. The lakes sit on open summer pasture above town, outside any national park.
Gear and safety
What to bring
- Light hiking boots or trail shoes with a good grip
- Trekking poles for the 1,350 m descent
- 2 to 3 litres of water per person and salty snacks
- Sun hat and sunscreen: there is almost no shade
- Windproof and warm layer for the plateau, where it can feel 15 degrees colder than Mestia
- Cash for the jeep if you plan to ride part of the way
Stay safe
- Turn back if thunderclouds build early: the plateau is open and the highest point around for kilometres.
- Fog can close in quickly on the plateau. Keep the jeep track or your offline map in sight when visibility drops.
- Shepherd dogs guard herds near the summer huts; give flocks a wide berth.
- Watch for 4x4s on the track, especially on blind bends below the cross.
- Half day: walk only to the Mestia Cross and back, about 7 km and 750 m of ascent, 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Jeep up, walk down: ride to the lakes and walk all the way back to Mestia, about 9.5 km of descent.
- Continue across the plateau over the Guli Pass and down to Mazeri, a full 9 to 11-hour crossing (see the Guli Pass page).
- Bad-weather option: the Chalaadi Glacier walk stays low in the forest and is fine when cloud covers the plateau.
Emergency number in Georgia: 112. Tell your guesthouse your plan before you set off.
Places on and near the route
Tours that include this trail
Koruldi Lakes Hike from Mestia: FAQ
How long does the Koruldi Lakes hike take?
Walking from central Mestia, most people need 7 to 9 hours there and back, covering roughly 19 km with 1,350 m of ascent. With a 4x4 to the Mestia Cross it drops to 4 to 5 hours.
How high are the Koruldi Lakes?
The main lakes lie at roughly 2,740 m, with some higher pools reaching toward 2,800 m and above. Mestia is about 1,300 m lower.
How much is a jeep to the Koruldi Lakes?
In 2026 expect about 80 to 100 GEL per car one way to the Mestia Cross, and roughly 200 to 250 GEL for a return trip to the lakes with waiting time. Agree the price before you get in.
Can I swim in the Koruldi Lakes?
They are small, very cold and shallow, and livestock graze around them. A paddle is possible on a hot day, but they are not swimming lakes.
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
