See It First
Koruldi Lakes at the sunset
Open ridge, three small alpine pools, Great Caucasus directly ahead
Koruldi Lakes sit at around 2700 meters in the mountains above Mestia - three small glacial pools on an open ridge, with Mount Ushba (4710m) directly in front of you. On a clear morning, the reflection of Ushba in the water and the open Caucasus panorama is one of those views that actually matches the photos.
Fair warning about the lakes: they are small alpine pools - not dramatic alpine lakes. Some visitors find them underwhelming up close. The real reason to go is the ridge, the open sky, and the Caucasus panorama. If you come for the views, you will not be disappointed.
The road to Koruldi is fully off-road from start to finish. The route passes through forest, climbs an open ridgeline, and stops at the Cross over Mestia before continuing to the lakes. On the way back, we stop at the Narzan spring (Mzhave Tsqali) - naturally carbonated cold mountain water straight from the rock.
We offer two ways to do this tour. Option 1 is a pure 4x4 trip - drive all the way to the lakes and back, around 2 hours total. Option 2 is 4x4 to the Cross over Mestia, then you hike up to the lakes and back - about 4 hours of hiking round trip, 6 hours total.
Open ridge, three small alpine pools, Great Caucasus directly ahead
Same destination, same stops - different way of getting there.
Drive all the way to the lakes by 4x4 and back. No hiking required. Good for families, mixed groups, or anyone who wants the views without the climb. Full route details in the itinerary below.
Drive to the Cross over Mestia, then hike the open ridge up to the lakes and back. A dedicated 4x4 waits for you at the Cross. Full route details in the itinerary below.
We offer morning departures (around 9:30 AM) and afternoon/evening departures (around 16:30). We confirm the exact time at booking. Morning departures give you clear views before afternoon clouds build up on the ridge.
We pick you up at the agreed point. The off-road route begins almost immediately outside of town.
Brief stop at the cross on the ridge above Mestia. Panoramic views of the town, the Enguri valley, and surrounding peaks. On sunny days paragliders often launch from near here.
The 4x4 drives up to the lakes. Time to walk around, take photos, and sit with the Mt. Ushba view. Wild horses often graze the ridge nearby - they may walk right up to you.
Cold, naturally carbonated mountain water on the way back. Bring a bottle to fill - it is worth it.
Total tour: approximately 3.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.
Pack for a half-day hike - water, layers, proper footwear. We depart in the morning so you reach the ridge while views are clear.
Vehicle takes you up to the Cross over Mestia viewpoint. This is the start of the hike. Driver and guide wait here until you return.
From the Cross, the trail climbs open terrain to the lakes at ~2700m. No technical sections, but expect consistent elevation gain. Views open up the whole way.
Three small alpine pools with Mt. Ushba directly in view. Walk between the lakes, take photos, sit and eat. Wild horses often graze the ridge nearby.
Return on the same trail. Descent is easier and faster - about 2 hours back to the vehicle.
A good reward after a hike. Cold, carbonated, straight from the mountain.
Total tour: approximately 6 hours including all driving, hiking, and stops.
Two tour options, each with shared and private. Guide and transfer from Mestia included. Direct booking - no platform fee.
Direct booking - better price, no platform fee. We usually reply within the hour.
Option 1 (4x4 only, 3.5 hrs) pairs well with Chalaadi Glacier in the same day - Koruldi in the morning, Chalaadi after lunch. Write to us on WhatsApp and we will sort the timing.
Option 1 is a pure 4x4 trip - the vehicle drives all the way to the lakes and back, total about 2 hours. Option 2 drives you to the Cross over Mestia viewpoint and from there you hike to the lakes and back - 4 hours of hiking, 6 hours total. Same stops, same views - different way of experiencing the mountain.
The morning slot (around 9:00 AM) is better for views - at this altitude, afternoon clouds are common and can completely block the Ushba panorama. If clear views are your priority, go in the morning. The afternoon/evening slot (around 17:00) still works well and often has beautiful light - it just depends more on the day's weather. Option 2 (hiking, 6 hrs) is morning only for practical reasons.
Moderate. The trail from the Cross climbs open terrain to about 2700m - no technical sections, no scrambling. But it's a sustained uphill for roughly 2 hours with real elevation gain on uneven mountain terrain. Wear proper hiking footwear. Reasonably fit people handle it well. If you have knee issues or haven't done mountain hiking before, Option 1 (4x4 only) is the smarter choice.
Honest answer: the lakes themselves are small alpine pools. If you're expecting dramatic alpine lakes, you'll be underwhelmed. But the ridge view is genuinely spectacular - open Caucasus panorama, Mount Ushba directly in front, wild horses grazing nearby. Most people come for the views, not the water, and leave satisfied. Just set the right expectations beforehand.
Mountain weather changes fast at this altitude. If it's clearly a bad weather day - heavy rain, no visibility, fog on the ridge - we'll let you know and offer to reschedule. We won't send you up into a cloud and charge you for it. Some cloud cover is normal and the landscape is still worth seeing. We'll be honest about conditions when you book.
The standard Option 2 price includes a driver/guide who waits at the Cross while you hike. The trail to Koruldi Lakes is clear and well-marked - most people hike it independently. If you want a guide to walk with you all the way to the lakes and back, add a hiking guide for +150 GEL. Just mention it when you book.
Yes - camping at the lakes is possible and several hikers do it, especially in July and August. We don't organise camping as part of our standard tours, but if you want to hike up and spend the night independently, Option 2 can drop you at the Cross and you continue on your own. Write to us and we'll talk through the logistics.
On the way back from Koruldi we stop at the Narzan spring - called Mzhave Tsqali in Georgian, which means sour water. It's a natural cold spring with naturally carbonated water. It tastes like sparkling mineral water straight from the rock. Bring a bottle to fill up.
Shared: you join a small group in a shared 4x4, fixed departure time. Private: the vehicle is yours - your group only, flexible timing, your pace. For Option 1 that's 80 GEL/person (shared) or 350 GEL/vehicle (private). For Option 2 it's 60 GEL/person (shared) or 250 GEL/vehicle (private). For groups of 4 or more, private usually works out cheaper per person.
Via WhatsApp or Instagram - we usually reply within a few minutes. Let us know which option, how many people, preferred date, and morning or afternoon departure. Direct booking is cheaper than booking platforms.
Local guide · Small groups · Private options available
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