Koruldi Lakes

The Koruldi lakes are a cluster of small, sometimes almost seasonal alpine pools on the ridge above Mestia, at around 2,740 metres. The lakes themselves are modest: they are fullest in June and can shrink dramatically by late August. The point of coming here is the view. To the north the twin towers of Ushba rise to 4,710 metres, Tetnuldi closes the eastern skyline, and the whole Mestia valley with its tower houses sits in the frame below.

The ascent begins past the Cross viewpoint above town: first a steep dirt track, then a stony path across high summer pastures. On foot it takes four to five hours each way, which is why most visitors hire a local 4x4 and make it a ninety-minute drive instead.

What to expect:

• This is not a general-purpose road — it is a deeply rutted, rocky mountain track
• The season is short — snow lingers into mid-June and returns from late September
• The view depends entirely on weather — on a cloudy day Ushba simply is not there

If the sky is not clear, the trip loses most of its purpose and is worth postponing a day. On a clean morning, though, this is the most striking panorama in Svaneti, and it requires no technical skill to reach.