Kardyvach lakes: upper Mzymta valley and the Pslukh approach: hiking in Georgia
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Kardyvach lakes: upper Mzymta valley and the Pslukh approach

Distance
21.7 km
Estimated moving time
6 h 22 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

The Mzymta valley links the Kardyvach lakes, leading from the Pslukh approach through Engelman Meadows to the main lake and the mountain basin of Upper Kardyvach. Woodland still reaches the lower lake, while higher ground becomes rocky and open. Small Middle Kardyvach adds another waterside pause along the way. Give each shore time: study the surroundings of the main lake before continuing towards the more austere upper basin. Agree the visit and overnight sites with the reserve in advance; an authorised summer direction still requires permits.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

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Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

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Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
This journey reveals the changes in one mountain valley between distinct lakes. Main Kardyvach feels like the quiet centre of the outing, while Upper Kardyvach opens a rocky world above the woodland. It suits visitors who want to stay at an authorised mountain camp and explore the Caucasus gradually, with a separate upper-lake excursion and a planned return.
Length
21.7 km
Elevation gain
—
Surface
Нет данных
Kardyvach lakes: upper Mzymta valley and the Pslukh approach: route photo 4 in Georgia

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - With caution With a dog - No By bike - No With a stroller - No Mobile signal - Patchy The resort can be reached without a car, but the mountain approach or an agreed transfer requires separate organisation. Children need experience of sustained walking and suitable overnight equipment. Pets are prohibited in the reserve. Bikes and strollers are unsuitable for the streams and upper mountain path. The passport confirms only partial mobile coverage.

Nearby

Blue-Eyed Lake is a separate authorised excursion from the Kardyvach area. The lake itself is outside this line and needs another day and explicit inclusion on the permit. The reserve describes Emerald Waterfall below the Mzymta source; verify its viewing approach separately rather than treating proximity on a map as an included visit.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Take a Lastochka train to Rosa Khutor station, followed by the resort’s published shuttle to Rosa Dolina. A regular bus directly to the Pslukh approach, Engelman Meadows or the lakes is unconfirmed. Arrange the subsequent permitted walk or organised transfer in advance, and check train and local transfer times before departure.
By car
Drive to Rosa Dolina. The reserve’s hiking itinerary passport describes a further walking approach or an arranged off-road transfer to Engelman Meadows; this does not establish unrestricted private car access. Confirm the Pslukh section, national park permit and meeting point with the reserve and transfer provider beforehand.
Parking
Use the confirmed P 1, P 3 and P 6 car parks in Rosa Dolina before the mountain section, after checking current conditions. A public visitor car park at the Pslukh starting point or lakes is unconfirmed. Authorised reserve tent sites are not vehicle parking facilities.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Kardyvach Lake The valley’s main lake in a mountain cirque, with the Mzymta flowing from its southwestern side.
Middle Kardyvach Lake A small lake along the upper valley between main and Upper Kardyvach.
Upper Kardyvach Lake A lake in the upper Mzymta’s glacial basin, surrounded by rocky and scree slopes; ice may remain in summer.
Mzymta River The river begins at Kardyvach and accompanies the right-bank trail towards Engelman Meadows.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainДанные по набору высоты уточняются.
SurfaceТип покрытия пока не определён.
Риски Streams and small bridges need care after rain. The continuation to Upper Kardyvach passes rocky slopes and may retain snow. Return along the authorised trail through Engelman Meadows rather than making direct shortcuts between distant places. Camp only at sites listed on the permit, at least seventy metres from the main lake’s shoreline. Swimming is prohibited. The reserve recommends a qualified guide or an independent group of at least three; register the outing and arrange communication.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 6 h 22 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Plan 3–4 days, including the approach, Upper Kardyvach and the required return. Day 1: the agreed Pslukh approach and walk to an authorised camp at main Kardyvach; the passport gives roughly three and a half to six hours from Engelman Meadows, with additional time for the Pslukh section. Day 2: visit Middle and Upper Kardyvach and return to the overnight site specified on the permit, allowing a full walking day with stops. Day 3: return through Engelman Meadows and complete the arranged exit. Keep Day 4 as a weather reserve or for a gentler pace. The official Route 9 programme gives three to five days; its separate Blue-Eyed Lake visit is not part of this line.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Route 9 normally operates from June to October after official opening and snow clearance. Mid to late summer is preferable for the upper lakes once snow conditions have been checked. The reserve’s 6 October 2026 notice said other directions remained open after the Imeretinka restriction, while warning of frost and wet snow. Check the current order, forecast and upper-section permission again before your exact departure.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Hiking footwear, poles and waterproof protection.
Warm layers and a sleeping bag suitable for expected night temperatures.
Tent and stove for an authorised camp, without arbitrary bivouacs.
Food, water containers, first-aid kit and a bag for all rubbish.
Offline map, torch and communication equipment for mobile coverage gaps.
National park and reserve permits, any required border permit and original passport.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Take a Lastochka train to Rosa Khutor station, followed by the resort’s published shuttle to Rosa Dolina. A regular bus directly to the Pslukh approach, Engelman Meadows or the lakes is unconfirmed. Arrange the subsequent permitted walk or organised transfer in advance, and check train and local transfer times before departure

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 21.7 km, moderate.

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