Located near Mestia, the Koruldi Lakes Trek is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in the Svaneti region. Although it's not a multi-day trek, it does require a full day, with a steady climb that tests your physique but rewards you with unforgettable scenery. Along the way, and as you gain altitude, the views of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains and the medieval towers surrounding Mestia become increasingly impressive.
The Koruldi Lakes, located at over 2,700 meters above sea level, usually remain frozen or partially frozen for much of the year, but what is truly spectacular is the environment in which they are located. The contrast between the small bodies of water and the surrounding mountains makes this trek an unforgettable experience, especially if the weather is good and allows you to see the magnitude of the landscape up close. It's a hike that requires effort, but it's definitely worth it for those visiting Mestia looking for a day of nature and adventure.
Table of Contents
🗺️ Technical sheet for the Koruldi Lakes Trek
| Start |
| Mestia |
| Final |
| Mestia |
| Duration |
| 1 day |
| Distance |
| 14 km |
| Estimated time in hours |
| 7/8 hs |
| Max. Altitude |
| 2700m |
| Difficulty |
| Moderate |
| Signaling |
| Marked and well-signposted trail |
| Water/food |
| There are some cafes that can sell drinks and snacks |
Do you want to follow my routes precisely?
Download the KML/KMZ files for the Mestia-Ushguli and Mestia-Koruldi Lakes treks in the Svaneti region of Georgia and open them in apps like Maps.me or Gaia GPS to view the complete route offline. Ideal if you want to navigate the valley with confidence, even without a signal.
Get the files from Gumroad for a small contribution.
How long does the trek last and how to get to the Koruldi lakes?
The entire round trip takes a full day, or about 8 hours, so it's recommended to wear good trekking shoes, clothing suitable for sudden changes in weather, and, if possible, walking sticks to help you on the steeper sections.
For those who don't want to do everything on foot, there's always the option of hiring a 4x4 to go up to the area near the lakes, reducing the hike to a shorter, easier section.
- If you go by 4x4, the road follows a fairly steep mountain route with sharp curves, which the locals know well and often offer as transport.
- If you do it on foot, the start is a demanding trail that starts directly from Mestia.
What is the trekking to Koruldi lakes like?
The trek to the Koruldi Lakes begins in Mestia, taking a detour to the left from the main road. The first part of the trail is quite challenging, with a steep incline through an alpine forest until it connects with the road that is also used by cars to ascend.
Cross of Mestia
You can then continue partway along this road until you reach the Mestia Cross, a viewpoint with incredible panoramic views of the city and the Caucasus Mountains. It's often a good place to rest and enjoy the surreal scenery surrounding us.
From the cross, the trail continues upward, but with more inclines. The path is quite visible and marked. It's a good idea to bring water and snacks, as after passing the Cruz de Mestia there are usually some cabins where you can rest and have a drink. However, during the off-season, they are often closed, so don't be too confident.
As you gain altitude, the views of the Caucasus Mountains begin to open up, with snow-capped peaks always at your side.
The entire hike to the lakes usually takes between 4 and 5 hours of uphill walking, so it's important to leave early to have time to enjoy the scenery without rushing.
In the last kilometers, the terrain can vary greatly depending on the time of year: in summer it's usually dry and dusty, while in spring or autumn it's common to encounter snow or mud, making the journey more difficult and requiring more care.
Koruldi Lakes in autumn, snowy and frozen
When I did it, in late October, I found much of the trail covered in snow. This made it slower because in several sections it was slippery or I had to dig my feet in the snow, but it also gave the landscapes an epic feel, as if taken from a fairy tale.
The last section before the lakes is often the most difficult, as snow can accumulate. Many hikers don't reach the end in these conditions, because not only is the trail unclear, but straying could be dangerous.
However, if you're brave enough to continue, and do so carefully, the rewards are completely worth it. After a long effort, you reach the Koruldi Lakes, located more than 2,700 meters above sea level, and to my surprise, they were completely frozen!
Although the lakes themselves are small and sometimes, as I found them, frozen, the mountainous surroundings are what makes them a special place. From there, on clear days, you have some of the most impressive views in the entire Svaneti region.
The return journey is usually made along the same trail, descending to Mestia in about 3 to 4 hours. My recommendation is to do it before dark, and I speak from experience: crossing the forest at night can be tricky. And if you return following the road, as I had to do, you end up adding several extra kilometers to your journey.
How to get to Mestia
There are several ways to get to Mestia from major cities in Georgia:
- From Tbilisi: The fastest way is a domestic flight from Natakhtari Airport (about 30 km from the capital), which takes about 1 hour. You can also take a direct marshrutka from Didube Station (about 9-10 hours). Another option is to take the train to Zugdidi and, upon arrival, take a marshrutka to Mestia: they are usually waiting at the station exit to take passengers directly to the village.
- From Kutaisi: If you arrive on a low-cost flight, you can take a direct marshrutka to Mestia (6-7 hours). If that's not available, you can take the train or marshrutka to Zugdidi and from there connect with another van to Mestia, which usually departs as soon as the train arrives.
- Desde Batumi: The most common route is to take a train or marshrutka to Zugdidi (about 3 hours) and from there continue to Mestia (another 3-4 hours). During high season, direct marshrutkas from Batumi to Mestia sometimes operate, but not every day.
In all cases, the combination of train + marshrutka via Zugdidi is usually very practical, since the schedules are designed so that passengers can continue their journey without long waits.
What to bring on the Koruldi trek
Since this is a one-day hike, you don't need to carry too much weight, but it's essential to bring just enough to be comfortable and prepared. The ideal is to have a small backpack, one that allows you to walk lightly without straining your back.
As for the basics, you can't miss enough water and some light food or snacks to replenish energy during the climb. It's also a good idea to pack layered clothing, as the weather in Mestia can change quickly: it's often cool in the morning, hot at midday, and near the lakes, it's common for it to be windy or even quite cold, even in summer. A windbreaker or waterproof jacket always helps.
The terrain can be challenging, especially in the first part up to the Mestia Cross, so it is advisable to wear trekking shoes in good condition. Finally, don't forget sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen), and if you're going during the snowy or muddy season, gaiters can make all the difference so you don't end up with wet feet.
Best time to trek to Koruldi Lakes
The ideal season for trekking to the Koruldi Lakes is between June and September, when the trails are snow-free and the weather is more stable. During these months, the meadows and mountains should be at their most lush, the days are longer, and the hike can be enjoyed in comfort.
While it is possible to do the trek outside of this season, as I did in late October, you should be prepared to encounter snow in several sections, which can make the trek slower and more slippery. However, the downside is spectacular: the white-covered landscapes give it an epic, fairytale-like feel and make the experience unique.
My thoughts on trekking to Koruldi Lakes
I loved this trek, despite being considerably shorter than the Ushguli trek. The hike is enjoyable from the very beginning, with views opening up with every step and lasting throughout the entire trek. It's one of those treks where you don't have to wait to reach your destination to be amazed, because the journey itself is part of the reward.
In my case, the snow gave it a special charm. Walking along white trails, with the sun reflecting off the mountains and the peaks of the Caucasus looming on the horizon, was like entering a dreamscape. This combination of effort and nature made the experience one of the most beautiful memories of my time in Mestia.