Field note 01 · Khevsureti

Abudelauri Lakes

Three lakes, three colours, one valley above Roshka.

Hikers on the rocky shore and trail around the turquoise Blue Lake at Abudelauri, a boulder island in the middle reflecting the sky

Level: Easy
Drive from Tbilisi: 2.5-3 h
Hike: 1-1.5 h
Distance: About 3.5 km
Ascent: About 300 m
Highest point: 2,800 m

The walk

What it’s like.

Roshka is the last village on its road, a few stone houses under a wall of rock. The trail leaves from the top of it and follows the stream up through meadows that are full of flowers in July.

The Green Lake comes first, its colour taken from the moss and grass around its edges. Another climb brings the Blue Lake, deeper and clearer. The White Lake sits highest, a milky glacial pool under the Chaukhi walls - the same spires Juta looks at from the other side.

Most people turn around there and are back in Roshka by late afternoon. The path is clear and not technical, but the last climb is steep and the weather up there changes quickly, so bring layers even on a hot day.

Getting there

The drive, and a bed at the end of it.

From Tbilisi

2.5-3 h

About 130 km

Paved as far as Barisakho via Zhinvali. The last stretch up to Roshka is a rough dirt road - fine for a high-clearance car in summer, better in a 4x4 after rain.

Where to stay

Roshka
A handful of family guesthouses at the trailhead, with dinner on the table. Most open only for the summer season.
Barisakho
The bigger village down the valley, on the paved road. More choice, and half an hour from the start.
Tent by the Green Lake
Plenty of people camp on the flat ground by the first lake. Bring everything up and everything back down.

When to go