Suatisi Lake
*scouting trip

2 days

duration

hard

difficulty

~28 km

distance

↑↓2500 m

ascent / descent

Scouting means we haven't hiked this specific route yet — we've only studied it through maps and reports from those who have.

The lake is very close to the border, so you must have your passport with you. We might need to get a permit from the border guards (their post is usually right in the gorge).

The route kicks off in Truso valley. To skip the long walk through the crowds, we’ll drive straight to Zakagori fortress. It sits right at the turn into Suatisi valley. The border guards will likely ask to see our permits there, and then the real journey begins. We’ll trek about 11 kilometers along the river with a steady, gradual climb. The final stretch to the lake is a steeper push up the mountainside. Once we conquer that, we’re at our destination: the stunning Suatisi glacial lake. It’s tucked away at about 3100–3200 meters above sea level. Like most glacial lakes, Suatisi has an incredible bright turquoise color. Depending on the weather, it shifts from milky tones to a piercing blue. This is where we’ll pitch our tents, grab some dinner, and crash for the night.

*If you check the map, you’ll see a massive glacier flowing down to the lake. It starts up on Mount Suatisi. We can hike closer to the glacier if you're up for it.

We'll wake up early to enjoy breakfast and soak in the lake views. Then, we head for the South Iriston Pass (1A) at 3385 m. This is the steepest and toughest part of the trek. From the pass, we'll descend into the Mna Valley. We'll find a spot in the valley to rest and grab lunch. After that, it's a chill, pleasant hike along the river down to Kvemo Okrokana, where our transfer back to Tbilisi will be waiting.