Hiking Koruldi Lakes, Georgia

This is a hard 7-8 hour loop hike from the village of Mestia, to/from Koruldi lakes, in the Republic of Georgia. The lakes are also an ideal place to camp to make it a 2-day more leisurely trek (bring your own gear) .

The hike (or 2-day trek) requires fitness and perseverance since it is all up-hill (a gain of 1332m that starts at 1500m). So if that sounds daunting consider a 4×4 excursion or renting a horse. All options are available.

I opted for a one-day hike in a clockwise direction because of the availability of water from a small stream on the return leg. Note that here are some limited facilities at the top of the first ridge line above the tree-line and a single building 1 km from the lakes that sells “cofe” and perhaps water.

It is best to bring your own water and snacks/food. There are no facilities at the these alpine lakes. The lakes are small, shallow and stagnant, but lovely.

cost range

Total Cost Range of this Activity is: Free

Free, free and free (or for those that wish to take a 4×4 min-van excursion the fee is 50 ₾ per person or 15 € or $20).

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Koruldi Lakes – Start the Hike

The trail up/down through the forest, above town, is ideal for hiking and has some options from different starting/ending points in town. But once above the tree-line (at the cross) the terrain becomes Alpine and the trail is dominated by a dirt track that is very busy with 4×4 mini-vans. But there is a hiking trail parallel to the drivable track. Pay attention because often the two tracks merge and then separate. I preferred to stay on the hiking trail to avoid the vehicles and the majority of the hikers (who preferred the dust and more obvious drivable track.) The distance from the tree line to the lake is short (as the crow flies) but very steep and compounded by the altitude.

Koruldi Lakes Altitude

The hike is a continuous 1332 meters of uphill that is ultimately worth the effort. The small lakes are quite lovely and for those with additional energy (arrived by vehicle) you can continue up the trail to gain an additional view but it is ultimately not necessary. From the lakes you have white mountain tops in all directions.

I stayed for an hour to eat my prepared lunch and take a short nap before starting the descent, which was still a challenge since it was all steep downhill, which ultimately challenges the knees and thighs.

Koruldi Lakes – Back in the Trees

I met quite a few hikers late in the day, on my return, that were ascending and still in the tree line. When I told them that they were at least 3-4 hours from the lake they scoffed and one even said, it is only 2.5 km away per Google maps. My reply was, “good luck then.”

My descent took half the ascent time (2 hours vs 4 hours) and I was glad that I had done the circuit clockwise because I could refill my water bottle multiple times in the forest from the small stream.

Once back in the village and sitting at my Guest house I was happy to indulge in a rewarding pile of junk food and unhealthy drinks.

It was a hard and a rewarding hike that was quite a beautiful.

Note, that it is also worth taking a 4×4 excursion if hiking is not your thing. The views were spectacular.