As you already know, Green Zebra travels a lot, and lakes are among the frequently visited destinations. We want to introduce to you our favorite 14 lakes located on Georgia’s controlled territory. We think that they deserve to draw everyone’s attention. Many of them are difficult to reach and unknown to a wide audience. That’s why we decided to bring them out and make the list of these lakes here.
1. Kelitsadi Lake
Kelitsadi Lake is a beloved one among our favorite lakes. It is covered with ice and snow the most time of the year (9 months).
Here are two notable mountain peaks: Sherkhota and Khorisari, with stunning views of the valleys of Aragvi and Tergi.
There is the de facto border of occupied Samachablo after hundreds of meters from Kelitsadi Lake. If you decide to travel here, you will need a special permit issued by the Border Police of Georgia.
Location: Kazbegi Municipality, the volcanic plateau of Keli.
Altitude: 3 081 MASL.
The best time to visit: August – September.
2. Tsashkibuli Tobavarchkhili
It is also known as Patara Toba (Little Lake) or Okhoje Lake.
In Megrelian, “Tsashkibuli” means “stairway to sky,” as for “Tobavarchkhili,” it means “silver lake.”
There are beautiful views of the Khobistskali Gorge from the panoramic trails of Okhoje Lake.
You can visit Okhoje Lake from the second half of June till the end of the first half of October.
Location: Samegrelo, Chkhorotsku Municipality, the Egrisi Range.
Altitude: 2 550 MASL.
The best time to visit: August.
3. Chitagvalash Tobavarchkhili
Here is the crossroad of the mountain trails of the gorges of Svaneti, Lebarde, Magana, and Khobistskali.
You can visit Didi Tobavarchkhili from the second half of June till the end of the first half of October.
Location: Samegrelo, Tsalenjikha Municipality, the Egrisi Range.
Altitude: 2 650 MASL.
The best time to visit: August.
4. Tsakatskari Toba
Tsakatskari is one more pearl of the Egrisi Range’s lake system. The lake is distinguished by its surface color – viscous turquoise. It is hard to reach – there is no trail, and it is not even included on many maps. Therefore, if you decide to travel here, you must have an experienced guide.
You can visit Tsakatskari from July till the end of September.
Location: Samegrelo, Chkhoritsku Municipality.
Altitude: 2 580 MASL.
The best time to visit: August.
5. Black Rock Lake
Black Rock Lake, Tamari Lake, Khalakheli, Grdzeli Tba (Long Lake) – “she” has many names. The lake is divided into two parts by the state border. The southern half is on the territory of Georgia, and the northern half is on the land of the Dagestan Autonomous Republic (the Russian Federation). That’s why there are several checkpoints of the Border Police of Georgia near the lake; you need to register here.
The trail to Black Rock Lake is marked and furnished. There are tourist shelters on the way. And, tourists who want more comfort can rent horses in the city of Lagodekhi.
You can visit Black Rock Lake from June till the end of October.
Location: Kakheti, Lagodekhi National Park, the main range of the Caucasus.
Altitude: 2 900 MASL.
The best time to visit: July and September.
6. Udziro Lake
There are stunning views of the Rioni Valley and the Racha Caucasus from Udziro Lake. Also, the pearls of the Svaneti Caucasus are visible in good weather: Shkhara, Ushba, and Tetnuldi.
You can visit the lake from June till the end of September.
Location: Racha, Oni Municipality.
Altitude: 2 800 MASL.
The best time to visit: July – August.
7. The Lakes of Sasvano
The Didi (Great) Edena Glacier, the Shodakedela Range, and the headwaters of the Rioni River are visible from the lake.
You can visit the lakes of Sasvano from June till the end of September.
Location: Racha, Oni Municipality, the Lechkhumi Range.
Altitude: 2 681 MASL.
The best time to visit: July.
8. Tbikeli Lake
The black sea or the sea of the clouds are visible from here in good weather.
You can visit Tbikeli Lake from the second half of May till the end of September.
Location: Adjara, Kintrishi National Park, Kobuleti Municipality, the extreme western slope of the Meskheti Range.
Altitude: 2 200 MASL.
The best time to visit: July – August.
9. Tanie Lake
You need to cross the main range of the Caucasus via the Tanie Pass to get here, and you will have a chance to see the stunning panoramic views of Piraketa Khevsureti and Arkhoti.
You can visit Tanie Lake from June till the end of September.
Location: Khevsureti, Dusheti Municipality, the Tanie Valley.
Altitude: 2 200 MASL.
The best time to visit: July.
10. The Lakes of Abudelauri
There are three different lakes among the Lakes of Abudelauri: green, blue, and white.
You can visit the colorful Lakes of Abudelauri from June till the end of October.
Location: Khevsureti, Dusheti Municipality, the base of the rocky massif of Chiukhi.
Altitude: 2 600 – 2 900 MASL.
The best time to visit: July – August.
11. Tabatskuri Lake
It is characterized by the harsh climate and magnificent landscapes.
You can visit Tabatskuri Lake during the whole year via car or snowmobile, or without them – on foot.
Location: Javakheti, the border of municipalities of Borjomi and Akhalkalaki.
Altitude: 2 000 MASL.
The best time to visit: July and January.
12. Khanchali Lake
There are a lot of grass “islands” in the lake. These “islands” are a favorite resting place for migratory birds. Accordingly, Khanchali Lake is something like heaven for birdwatchers.
You can visit Khanchali Lake for the whole year.
Location: Javakheti, Ninotsminda Municipality.
Altitude: 1 930 MASL.
The best time to visit: April – May, and October – November.
13. Levani Lake
Levani Lake is distinguished among the volcanic lakes of Abuli. It is characterized by easy relief, landscapes, and shepherd dogs in Summer.
You can visit Levani Lake from April till the end of October.
Location: Javakheti, Akhalkalaki Municipality.
The best time to visit: June – July.
14. Lake Koseli
It is distinguished by the souls living in the lake and bulls that are eating grass nearby.
You can visit Lake Koseli from June till the end of September.
Location: the border of Tusheti and Pankisi, the main range of the Caucasus, Akhmeta Municipality.
Altitude: 2 700 MASL.
The best time to visit: July – August.
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