Besides high mountain ranges and thick forests, Georgia is home to some gorgeous and breathtaking lakes. Some lie in the lowlands of the country and some in the top mountain regions. Several are so high up in the mountains that visitors would need to hike for several days to get there—but the views are worthy of that trek. Visiting those lakes are the best way to get off the grid in Georgia, so here are some of the most stunning lakes in the country you need to visit on your trip.
Bateti Lake
Located in Kareli Municipality, the area of Bateti Lake is only 0.02 square meters, with the maximum depth of 12 meters (39 feet). Situated near Kodmani village, the lake is accessible by car, with a one-hour ascend on a muddy road.
The best time to visit the lake is during the fall season when the surrounding trees change into a warm color palette. You can also camp here in summer and early autumn.
Paravani Lake
The Paravani, located at 2,073 meters (6,801 feet) above sea level, is a volcanic lake and considered to be one of the biggest in Georgia. In October and November, the water level is low but reaches its maximum depth in May and June. During the winter months, the lake is frozen, making the landscape very scenic.
Mtsvane (Green) Lake
Mtsvane Tba, located in the Adjara region, is easily accessible from the coastal city of Batumi. The lake, situated in the picturesque Goderdzi Pass, is 2,058 meters (6,752 feet) above sea level and has a natural green color. Here, you can swim in the lake in beautiful weather, relax and take amazing pictures of the surroundings.
Paliastomi Lake
This small lake near Poti city is connected to the Black Sea by a narrow channel. During an archaeological expedition, some ancient pieces of the Colchis kingdom were found near it. Paliastomi Lake is within Kolkheti National Park—one of the most important national parks in the country. You can take a boat tour of the lake and river Pichori gorge for breathtaking lakeshore landscapes.
Tobavarchkhili Lakes
Tobavarchkhili Lakes, or Toba for short, lie in the Samegrelo region, the western part of Georgia. The name in Megrelian (another language spoken in the country) translates as “silver lakes” in English. You will need to hike for a couple of days to reach these lakes. Lying in the heart of the Egrisi mountain range, the Toba lakes trek is considered to be one of the hardest and dangerous hikes in Georgia, so it’s best to have a guide with you.
Black Rock Lake
Black Rock Lake, located in the Lagodekhi National Park, is beautiful in the summer and autumn months. However, the hike here could be challenging for those who are not used to trekking in steep mountains. The lake lies in the Alpine zone at 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) above sea level. You will pass through a gorgeous forest, and if you are lucky enough, you might even spot deer, mountain goats or chamois.
Tabatskuri Lake
Located between Borjomi and Akhalkalaki cities, this lake is for those who like a more relaxed hike. Reachable by a car, the Tabatskuri Lake is at 1,991 meters (6,532 feet) above sea level and is of volcanic origin. You can set up a camp here or stay at the local guesthouse to experience famous Georgian hospitality. And if you love fishing, you can bring your fishing rod and fish for carp, barbel, and trout.
The best time to visit the lake is from June to October when the area is still covered with snow, and the valley is green.
Koruldi Lakes
These alpine lakes lie at the foot of Mount Ushba, offering splendid views over the surrounding mountains from 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) above sea level. The hike starts from Mestia, the central city of the Svaneti region. The total time to trek to the lakes takes about four hours, with well-marked wooden posts along the way.
Shaori Lake
Shaori is both a reservoir and lake located in the region of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. The lake, considered to be one of the most significant reservoirs in the country, is 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) long, with a maximum depth of 14.5 meters (47.5 feet). The ideal time to visit Shaori is in autumn when the surrounding forest changes into a warm color palette.
Colorful Lakes of Abudelauri
There are three different colored lakes in the area, complete with gorgeous scenery around them. The Blue, Green and White Lakes lie in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region at 2,812 meters (9,225.7 feet) above sea level.
Getting to the lakes is easy. First, you need to go to Kvesureti and village Roshka to start the hike. The first two are seven kilometers (4.3 miles) away from the village, and the third is a little farther. You can even camp at the Green Lake for a night and come back to the capital the next day.
Article: Baia Dzagnidze0
