Koruldi Lakes

კორულდის ტბები

A cluster of small alpine lakes on a high ridge above Mestia, reached by a demanding day hike or 4x4 track. They offer panoramic reflections of the surrounding glaciated peaks, including Mount Ushba.

Things to do

• Hike from Mestia to the lakes — Trek the demanding uphill trail from Mestia via the Cross viewpoint, gaining over 1,000 meters to reach the alpine lakes at around 2,700 meters.
• Photograph Ushba reflections — Capture the twin-peaked Mount Ushba mirrored in the still waters of the small lakes, best in the calm early morning or golden evening light.
• Take the 4x4 track up — Hire a Delica 4x4 in Mestia for the rough drive up the ridge if you want to skip the strenuous ascent and save your energy for exploring.
• Visit the Cross (Kvish) viewpoint — Stop at the metal cross on the ridge partway up for a sweeping panorama over Mestia and the surrounding Caucasus peaks.
• Camp overnight on the ridge — Pitch a tent near the lakes to witness sunset and sunrise over the glaciated peaks and a brilliant star-filled sky.
• Spot glaciated peaks — Identify the surrounding summits including Ushba, Chatyn, and the Tetnuldi massif from the high open ridge.
• Walk the ridge between lakes — Wander among the cluster of several small tarns scattered across the grassy alpine plateau for varied reflection angles.

Food to try

• Kubdari — The signature Svan meat pie filled with spiced chopped beef or pork, best eaten warm as fuel before or after the hike.
• Svan salt (svanuri marili) — A fragrant blend of salt, garlic, and Caucasian herbs used to season nearly every local dish and sold as a souvenir in Mestia.
• Tashmijabi — A rich Svan comfort dish of mashed potatoes blended with melted sulguni cheese.
• Chvishtari — Cornbread griddled with young sulguni cheese, a hearty highland staple served at Mestia guesthouses.
• Sulguni cheese — Fresh local brined cheese from Svan pastures, ideal to pack for a picnic by the lakes.
• Guesthouse supra dinner — Share a home-cooked feast with local wine or chacha at a Mestia family guesthouse before your ascent.

Local customs & good to know

• Start early and check the weather — The exposed high ridge offers no shelter and afternoon storms are common, so begin the hike at dawn and carry rain gear and layers.
• Carry cash and water — There are no shops, cafes, or reliable water sources on the trail, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and cash for 4x4 drivers in Mestia.
• Respect Svan hospitality — Svans are proud of their ancient culture and warm hospitality, so accept offered food or drink graciously and toast when hosted at a supra.
• Season matters — The route is only reliably accessible from roughly June to October, as snow blocks the ridge and lakes for much of the year.

Nearby

• Mestia — 4 km
• Mount Ushba — 4 km
• Chalaadi Glacier — 5 km
• Hatsvali Ski Resort — 7 km