Stunning Lakes You Must Visit in Georgia
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 you need to hike for several days to get there – but the views are worthy of the 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.
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1. Bateti Lake
Natural Feature
Located in Kareli Municipality, the area of Bateti Lake is only 0.02sqkm (.008sqmi), with a maximum depth of 12m (39ft). 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.
2. Kelitsadi Lake
Natural Feature
Located in the Alpine zone of the country, the hike to Kelitsadi Lake is quite tricky and requires at least three days in total. You will, however, need a permit to hike, as the lake sits near the occupied Ossetia region. At 3,300m (10,927ft) above sea level, the lake is surrounded by Sherkhota Mountain, making the landscape even more beautiful. Make sure to take a GPS tracker. There are many unmarked trails, so it’s easy to get lost and wind up in a dangerous situation. The best way to hike to the lake is to book a tour in Georgia. Several different hiking companies offer them.
4. Paliastomi Lake
Natural Feature
5. Colorful Lakes of Abudelauri
Natural Feature, Hiking Trail
6. Tobavarchkhili Lakes
Natural Feature
7. Mtsvane Lake
Natural Feature
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 2,058m (6,752ft) 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.
8. Black Rock Lake
Natural Feature
9. Tabatskuri Lake
Natural Feature
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 1,991m (6,532ft) 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.
10. Udziro Lake
Natural Feature
11. Koruldi Lakes
Natural Feature
These alpine lakes lie at the foot of Mount Ushba, offering splendid views over the surrounding mountains from 2,200m (7,218ft) 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.
12. Shaori Lake
Natural Feature
13. Sioni Lake
Natural Feature
Another reservoir in Georgia, and often referred to as a lake by the locals, is Sioni Lake. Here you can swim, fish and camp anywhere you would like. The average depth of the reservoir is 25.4m (83ft), and the maximum is 67m (220ft). Sioni Lake is close to Tbilisi and is accessible either via Gombori highway or Tskvarichamia. The latter offers picturesque views of the forest from the road.
14. Zhinvali Reservoir
Natural Feature
Zhinvali is a hydroelectric dam on the Aragvi River. With turquoise-colored water and surrounding hills, the reservoir offers splendid panoramic views both from the road and Ananuri Castle, which stands nearby.
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