Abudelauri Lakes
Three glacial lakes, green, blue and white, at around 2,600 to 2,800 m below the Chaukhi massif, a day hike from Roshka in Khevsureti.
Abudelauri LakesPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0The Abudelauri Lakes are three small glacial lakes on the Khevsureti side of the Chaukhi massif, fed by the Abudelauri Glacier. The Green Lake and the Blue Lake lie close together at around 2,600 m, only 235 m apart. The White Lake sits higher, about 1.4 km further on, at the foot of the glacier and the rock walls of Chaukhi. Each lake has its own colour from minerals and glacial silt in the water. The trail starts in the small village of Roshka.
From Roshka the path climbs about 600 m over 6 to 7 km through meadows with views of the Chaukhi peaks; the round trip takes about 5 hours plus time at the lakes. Strong hikers continue from the lakes over the Chaukhi Pass, at about 3,340 m, to Juta in Kazbegi. The lakes are usually frozen from November to May, and the White Lake can shrink or nearly dry out by late summer.
What to see and do
- Green and Blue lakes side by side
- White Lake under the Abudelauri Glacier
- Views of the east face of the Chaukhi massif
- Camping by the lakes in summer
- Link to the Chaukhi Pass trek to Juta
How to visit
Getting there
The trailhead is Roshka, about 3 hours by 4x4 from Tbilisi via Zhinvali and Barisakho. There is no public transport to Roshka, so most hikers hire a driver.
When to go
July–September. Plan 5–6 hours return from roshka here.
- Stay a night in a Roshka guesthouse so you can start early.
- Rain often arrives in the afternoon; aim to be back by late afternoon.
- Bring all food and a way to treat water; there are no shops beyond Roshka.
- Camp at the Green Lake if you plan to cross the Chaukhi Pass.
Abudelauri Lakes: FAQ
How long is the Abudelauri Lakes hike?
From Roshka it is about 6 to 7 km one way with about 600 m of ascent. The return trip takes around 5 hours, plus time at the lakes.
Can you hike from Juta to the Abudelauri Lakes?
Yes. The trail from Juta crosses the Chaukhi Pass at about 3,340 m and descends to the lakes and Roshka. It is usually passable from July to September and is best done with a GPS track or a guide.
Tours that include Abudelauri Lakes
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Abudelauri Lakes.
