Koruldi Lakes

Koruldi Lakes are a group of alpine lakes situated at 2,740 meters elevation in the high Georgian mountains. Snow-capped peaks including Mount Ushba and Tetnuldi surround them, their images mirrored in the clear water.

For centuries these lakes served as landmarks for Svan communities navigating the high mountain passes of the Greater Caucasus range. They mark the path of ancient routes that still connect different valleys across the highlands.

The lakes are places where local herds graze, keeping alive age-old pastoral practices of the Svan people. You may encounter shepherds tending sheep and goats on the surrounding slopes, a sight unchanged for centuries.

The lakes can be reached by a 16-kilometer round-trip hike from Mestia, which typically takes four to six hours depending on fitness and pace. A more comfortable option is arranging a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which cuts down travel time and physical effort.

The lakes reflect four major Caucasus peaks, including Shkhara and Laila, each towering above 4,000 meters. These reflections shift and change throughout the day with the light and weather, creating different mirror images during each visit.