Georgia

Lake Kelitsadi and Sherkhota Volcano

July 3-6 | September 18-20

3-4 days

duration

hard

difficulty

~30 km

distance

↑2729 ↓2760 m

ascent / descent

Lake Kelitsadi sits on the Keli volcanic plateau in the crater of an extinct volcano at 3081m. It is one of the highest lakes in Georgia, and the only way to get there is on foot. No horses or vehicles can make it here.

There are several good spots for tents by the lake. In summer and early fall, it is the only water source around; the rest of the year, almost everything is buried under snow.

HIKE TRACK

Itinerary

Day 1:

The way to the lake

Tbilisi → Ketrisi Village → Esi High Pass → Lake Kelitsadi

Distance / elevation gain / loss: ~11.5 km / ↑1681 m / ↓753 m

We head out from Ketrisi and start a long climb through the Esikomi Valley. The river water has a slight sulfur taste—filtering or boiling is a must. Gradually, the trail leads us up into the boulder fields. We push through the last few hundred meters to the saddle of the Esi Pass, where views of the colorful Keli Plateau and the Kazbegi massif open up. After the pass, we descend through the scree to the shores of Kelitsadi and set up camp by the water.

Day 2:

volcano summit and lakeside chill

Relaxing at the lakeside camp → Sherkhota volcano ascent

Distance / gain / loss: ~4 km / ↑↓620 m

A day to do whatever you feel like. Relax on the shore to recharge, wander around the area, or hike up to the summit of Sherkhota volcano.

Day 3:

to the plateau via the pass

Kelitsadi Lake → Khorisar Pass → Keli Plateau

Distance / gain / loss: ~8 km / ↑752 ↓1061 m

From the lake, we traverse below Sherkhota volcano, then start climbing through boulder fields toward the pass. Expect steep scree and the red slopes of volcanic cones (Big and Small Khorisar) before reaching the saddle. Truso Valley opens up from the top. The descent is long and rocky with a sharp drop in elevation. We'll reach the upper Keli Plateau and set up camp in a shallow hollow. Reliable water sources are scarce here, so we'll fill up in advance.

Day 4:

heading home

Keli Plateau → Kvemo Okrokana → Tbilisi

Distance / gain / loss: ~8.5 km / ↑281 ↓1028 m

In the morning, we pack up camp and start our descent from the plateau toward the valley. First, we'll hit gentle grassy slopes with rocky ridges, then turn onto a steep switchback trail. From there, we hit the road along the Truso riverbed and head down to Kvemo Okrokana, where our trek ends.

Water is scarce. Reliable sources on the trail – Lake Kelitsadi and the Esikomi River. We recommend carrying 4–5 liters from the start until you reach the lake; snowfields along the way are for emergencies only and require a filter.

Border zone. The route runs close to the South Ossetia boundary line. The descent from the lake toward Ketrisi stays right on the edge. Stick to the correct pass and direction so you don't wander off-course.