ProSvaneti
Koruldi Lakes Tour from Mestia
High alpine lakes above Mestia with a front-row panorama of Mount Ushba — reachable by 4x4 to the ridge, then a short walk, or as a full-day hike.
The Koruldi Lakes sit on the ridge directly above Mestia, and on a clear morning they give you the classic Svaneti view: the double summit of Mount Ushba filling the horizon. It's one of the easiest ways to stand in genuinely high alpine terrain without a full expedition.
You can reach the ridge by 4x4 minivan (about 1.5 hours each way — a regular car can't make it), or make it a full-day hike (about 7 km, 1,400 m of climbing). We'll match the option to your fitness, the group and — crucially here — the weather; the road becomes dangerous after rain or the night after heavy rain.
Highlights
- ✓ Direct views of the twin-peaked Mount Ushba
- ✓ Small alpine lakes reflecting the ridge
- ✓ The Cross of Mestia viewpoint on the way
Itinerary
- 10:00Pickup in Mestia
We pick you up at your hotel; on the shared transfer, at your hotel or on a central street agreed with the manager. Then the 4x4 climbs a hard off-road track.
- ~11:00Cross of Mestia viewpointAltitude: 2,300 mStop: 15–20 min
About an hour's climb; on the way we can stop at a natural mineral-water spring if you'd like. From the Cross — a panorama of Mestia, the valley and the Svaneti range, and Ushba when it's out of the clouds.
- ~11:30Koruldi LakesAltitude: 2,700 mStop: 1–3 h
Another 30 minutes up. How long we stay depends on the weather and the group — a walk around the lakes, photos, a picnic.
- ~14:00–16:00Back to Mestia
About an hour down with no stops; everyone is dropped off where they were picked up.
What's included
- ✓ Local 4x4 minivan (Mitsubishi Delica) driver to the upper ridge
- ✓ Round trip from Mestia
- ✓ Time at the lakes and Cross viewpoint
Not included
- ✗ Food and water
- ✗ Optional hiking guide
What to bring
- Trekking shoes
- Warm layers and a windproof
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen
FAQ
Can we hike instead of driving?+
Yes. It's a full-day hike — about 7 km from Mestia with roughly 1,400 m of elevation gain. We can arrange a guide for the hike.
Is it suitable for kids or older travelers?+
The 4x4-to-ridge option works for most people with a short walk at the top. The full hike is moderate and needs reasonable fitness.
How shared tours, payment and cancellation work →
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Chalaadi Glacier Hike
The easiest glacier you'll reach in Svaneti — a gentle forest walk from near Mestia to a wall of ice, doable by most fitness levels.
Ready for Koruldi Lakes Tour from Mestia?
Send your dates — we confirm availability with the driver and reply with a realistic plan, including current road and weather conditions.