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Collection · 15 places

Lakes in Georgia

Georgia has hundreds of lakes, but they come in a few clear types. High in the Greater Caucasus sit small glacial tarns, often above 2,600 m, that you reach only on foot or by a rough 4x4 track: Abudelauri below Chaukhi, Koruldi above Mestia, Black Rock Lake on the Lagodekhi ridge. In the south, the volcanic Javakheti plateau holds the country's biggest natural lakes, wide and shallow sheets of water around 2,000 m where cranes and pelicans stop on migration.

Closer to the cities are the easy ones: reservoirs such as Zhinvali beside the Georgian Military Road, swimming lakes like Bazaleti, and Turtle Lake on a hill above Tbilisi. On the coast, Paliastomi near Poti is a wetland lagoon you explore by boat inside Kolkheti National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Season matters more than anything. The mountain lakes are usually snow-free only from July to September, and some tracks stay closed until late June. Lowland lakes can be visited most of the year. Almost all of them are free to visit, although some national parks ask you to register and charge for shelters or boat trips.

Abudelauri LakesAbudelauri LakesPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
1
Mtskheta-Mtianeti · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Abudelauri Lakes

Three glacial lakes in Khevsureti, coloured green, blue and white, lie in a bowl under the spiky Chaukhi massif at around 2,600 to 2,800 m. The green and blue lakes are a steady half-day walk from Roshka, and the white one sits higher, right against the rock walls. Trekkers also reach them over the Chaukhi Pass from Juta in Kazbegi.

Best months
July to September; June can still hold snow
Access
About 3 h by 4x4 from Tbilisi to Roshka, then about 7 km on foot each way (5 to 6 h return)
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Koruldi Lakes
2
Samegrelo & Svaneti · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Koruldi Lakes

These small tarns on a high shelf above Mestia mirror the double peak of Ushba on still mornings. Getting there is a hard climb of about 1,300 m from town, or a bumpy ride up a 4x4 track followed by a short walk. The views across the Svaneti range are among the widest in the region.

Best months
July to September
Access
Steep day hike from central Mestia (7.5 to 10 h return) or about 4 h return by 4x4
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Lagodekhi National ParkLagodekhi National ParkPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
3
Kakheti · Nature & Hiking

Black Rock Lake, Lagodekhi

Sitting around 2,800 m high on the main Caucasus ridge, this glacial lake lies, beside the border with Dagestan and is the goal of the classic three-day trek of Lagodekhi Protected Areas. You climb out of dense beech forest into alpine meadows, sleeping in a ranger shelter on the way. It is the wildest lake trek within reach of Tbilisi.

Best months
July to September; the route is usually open June to October
Access
Lagodekhi town is a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Tbilisi; the hike itself takes 3 days with a night in a shelter
Entry
Free (registration with ID required; shelter about 30 GEL per person)
Read the guide →
Green Lake (Mtsvane Tba)
4
Adjara · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Green Lake (Mtsvane Tba), Goderdzi

In Upper Adjara, a small emerald lake at about 2,060 m is ringed by spruce and fir north of the Goderdzi ski area. The final stretch is a dirt track best done on foot or in a high-clearance vehicle. Combine it with Khulo and the cable car over the Adjaristskali gorge.

Best months
June to early October
Access
About 3 h by car from Batumi to Goderdzi, then a rough 5 km track
Entry
Free
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Tobavarchkhili (Silver Lake)
5
Samegrelo & Svaneti

Tobavarchkhili (Silver Lake)

The best known of a group of lakes at about 2,650 m on the Egrisi range, deep in the mountains between Samegrelo and Svaneti. Its pale, silvery water feeds the Magana river. Most people go on a guided trek of three days or more from Mukhuri, with camping and horse support.

Best months
July to September
Access
Multi-day trek from Mukhuri (Chkhorotsku municipality); a 4x4 can shorten the first stretch
Entry
Free
Udziro Lake
6
Racha-Lechkhumi

Udziro Lake

A high lake at about 2,800 m in the far north of Racha, set on a plateau below rocky peaks. Most hikers camp overnight on the two-day route from Glola and the upper Rioni valley. The old Shovi resort nearby was largely destroyed by the 2023 landslide, so check current access with a local guide.

Best months
July to mid-September
Access
About 4.5 h by car from Kutaisi to Glola, then roughly 8 to 9 km on foot each way
Entry
Free
Tabatskuri Lake
7
Samtskhe-Javakheti · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Tabatskuri Lake

A deep volcanic lake at about 1,990 m south of Bakuriani, with a small village and church on its shore. The unpaved road over the Tskhratskaro Pass is slow but beautiful, crossing open grassland with summer herders. Few travellers make it here, so expect space and silence.

Best months
June to September
Access
About 1.5 to 2 h by 4x4 from Bakuriani over an unpaved pass road
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Paravani LakeParavani LakePhoto: Paata Vardanashvili, CC BY 2.0
8
Samtskhe-Javakheti · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Paravani Lake

Georgia's largest lake spreads across the bare Javakheti plateau at about 2,070 m, wide, shallow and often wind-whipped. The road runs along its shore, and the hilltop convent at Phoka looks over it from the north. It works best as a stop between Tbilisi and Vardzia via Tsalka.

Best months
June to September
Access
Roadside, about 3 h by car from Tbilisi via Tsalka
Entry
Free
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Ninotsminda (Javakheti)Ninotsminda (Javakheti)Photo: Alfredovic, CC BY 3.0
9
Samtskhe-Javakheti · Cities & Towns

Javakheti National Park Lakes (Khanchali, Madatapa, Bughdasheni)

Around Ninotsminda, a cluster of shallow lakes and marshes inside Javakheti National Park draws cranes, pelicans and many other waterbirds in spring and autumn. Madatapa sits at about 2,100 m. Bring binoculars and warm clothes, as the plateau is cold and windy even in summer.

Best months
April to May and September to October for birds; June to August for flowers
Access
About 3.5 h by car from Tbilisi to Ninotsminda; lakes are a short drive on local roads
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Kolkheti National Park and Paliastomi LakeKolkheti National Park and Paliastomi LakePhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0
10
Samegrelo & Svaneti · Nature & Hiking

Paliastomi Lake, Kolkheti National Park

This large coastal lagoon on the edge of Poti is the easiest way into the Kolkheti wetlands, which belong to Georgia's UNESCO-listed Colchic site. Boat trips cross the lake and slip up the Pichori river between reeds and alder swamp. Birders come for the spring and autumn migration along the Black Sea flyway.

Best months
April to June and September to October
Access
Roughly 75 min by road from Batumi; boats leave from the park area on Poti's southern edge
Entry
Free to visit; boat trips paid separately
Read the guide →
Kintrishi Protected AreasKintrishi Protected AreasPhoto: dkhinveli, CC0
11
Adjara · Nature & Hiking

Lake Tbikeli, Kintrishi

A remote mountain lake at about 1,900 m at the head of the Kintrishi valley, inland from Kobuleti. The marked route climbs from Tskhemvani past the Khinotsminda monastery through boxwood, yew and then subalpine meadow. Plan two to three days and carry warm gear for cold nights at the lake.

Best months
June to September
Access
About 1 h by car from Kobuleti to Tskhemvani, then a 2 to 3 day hike
Entry
Free (shelter in Tskhemvani about 15 GEL)
Read the guide →
Zhinvali ReservoirZhinvali ReservoirPhoto: Smerus, Copyrighted free use
12
Mtskheta-Mtianeti · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Zhinvali Reservoir

A long turquoise reservoir on the Aragvi that most travellers see from the Georgian Military Road, with Ananuri Fortress on its shore. The colour is most striking on sunny days. It is a quick photo stop, not a swimming lake, since it supplies Tbilisi's drinking water.

Best months
April to October
Access
Roadside viewpoint about 1 h by car north of Tbilisi
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Bazaleti LakeBazaleti LakePhoto: Zviad Avaliani, Attribution
13
Mtskheta-Mtianeti · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Bazaleti Lake

A small lake at about 880 m near Dusheti where Tbilisi families come to swim, picnic and hire paddle boats on summer weekends. Local legend says a golden cradle lies on the bottom. Go on a weekday if you want the shore to yourself.

Best months
June to September
Access
Around 65 km from Tbilisi (75 min by car); no direct public transport
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Kvareli Lake
14
Kakheti · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Kvareli Lake

An artificial lake below the forested Caucasus foothills on the edge of Kvareli, in the heart of Kakheti wine country. A promenade, cafes and rowing boats make it a pleasant break between winery visits. The Kvareli wine tunnel and Gremi are short drives away.

Best months
May to October
Access
About 2.5 h by car from Tbilisi; a few minutes from central Kvareli
Entry
Free
Read the guide →
Turtle LakeTurtle LakePhoto: Александр Сигачёв, CC0
15
Tbilisi · Lakes, Waterfalls & Beaches

Turtle Lake, Tbilisi

A small lake in the hills above Vake, reached by a short ropeway from the top of Chavchavadze Avenue. Cafes, a walking path around the water and city views make it a relaxed evening outing. It is also the start of trails into the woods toward the Open Air Museum of Ethnography.

Best months
April to October
Access
15 min by taxi from Rustaveli Avenue, then a short ropeway ride or drive up
Entry
Free (ropeway about 1 GEL each way in 2026)
Read the guide →
Tips from your host
  • Mountain lakes above 2,500 m are usually only snow-free from July to September; ask locally before you go in June.
  • Hire a 4x4 with a local driver for Roshka, Koruldi and Tabatskuri: the tracks are rough and rental cars are not insured for them.
  • Wild camping is allowed in Georgia, but inside national parks camp only at the marked sites and register first.
  • Pack warm layers even in August: nights at Abudelauri, Udziro or Black Rock Lake drop close to freezing.
  • Combine the Javakheti lakes with Vardzia on a loop from Tbilisi via Tsalka and Akhalkalaki.

Do it with us

Lakes in Georgia, privately

Any date, any group size. Private guide, transport, horses and camping gear if needed.

Ready-made tourKazbegi & Khevsureti Trek9 days · from $2,100 pp (sample)
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Lakes in Georgia: FAQ

What is the largest lake in Georgia?

Paravani, on the Javakheti plateau at about 2,070 m, is the largest natural lake in the country. Some reservoirs, such as Zhinvali or the Tsalka reservoir, hold more water but were created by dams.

What is the most beautiful lake in Georgia?

Hikers usually name the Abudelauri Lakes in Khevsureti or the Koruldi Lakes above Mestia, both set below big peaks. For a lake you can reach without a long hike, Green Lake near Goderdzi in Adjara is a good choice.

Which lakes in Georgia can you swim in?

Bazaleti Lake near Dusheti and Kvareli Lake in Kakheti are popular summer swimming spots. Turtle Lake in Tbilisi is used for swimming by some locals too. Mountain lakes are very cold, and swimming in Zhinvali Reservoir is not allowed.

When is the best time to visit Georgia's mountain lakes?

July to September. Before July snow often blocks the higher trails and passes, and by October the first storms can arrive.

Can I reach Abudelauri Lakes in a day from Tbilisi?

It is possible but very long: about 3 hours each way by 4x4 plus 5 to 6 hours of walking. Most people stay a night in a guesthouse in Roshka or combine the lakes with the Chaukhi Pass trek from Juta.

Do I need a permit for lakes in national parks?

There is usually no fee, but in parks such as Lagodekhi you sign in with a copy of your ID at the park office before longer hikes like Black Rock Lake. Shelters and campsites are paid.

Is Lake Ritsa in Georgia?

Lake Ritsa lies in Abkhazia, a region of Georgia that has been under Russian occupation since 2008. It cannot be reached from the rest of Georgia, so we do not include it in this list.

Are there lakes near Batumi?

Paliastomi Lake near Poti is roughly 75 minutes north by road and offers boat trips through the Kolkheti wetlands. Green Lake near Goderdzi is a longer drive into the Adjara mountains.

Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.

Tours that visit them

Old Tbilisi (Kala)Old Tbilisi (Kala)Photo: Alexxx1979, CC BY-SA 4.0
9 days
Hiking & TrekkingAdventure

Kazbegi & Khevsureti Trek

Acclimatise on Kazbegi trails, cross the 3,340 m Chaukhi Pass out of Juta to camp at the Abudelauri Lakes, then reach the tower villages of Shatili and Mutso.

Challenging · HK-09from $2,100 pp
KutaisiKutaisiPhoto: Kober, CC BY-SA 3.0
8 days
Hiking & TrekkingAdventure

Svaneti Trek: Mestia to Ushguli

Walk the well-loved four-day route from Mestia to Ushguli, village to village and over the Chkhunderi Pass, sleeping in family guesthouses with a mountain guide leading the way.

Active · HK-08from $1,600 pp
KedaKedaPhoto: G.N., CC BY-SA 3.0
1 day
Day TripsMountains & Nature

Adjara Highlands Day Trip

Swap the beach for the green valleys behind Batumi: Makhuntseti Waterfall and its medieval stone bridge, a home-cooked lunch with Chkhaveri wine in a Keda family cellar, and an afternoon walk in the chestnut woods of Machakhela National Park.

Easy · DT-01Ffrom $150 pp
BorjomiBorjomiPhoto: Sergey Sebelev, CC BY-SA 4.0
2 days
Classic & CultureMountains & Nature

Borjomi and Vardzia in 2 Days

A two-day loop through Samtskhe-Javakheti that splits the long drive to Vardzia in half: Borjomi's park and springs, the Green Monastery, Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe and Khertvisi on day one, then Queen Tamar's cave city before the crowds and the high Javakheti plateau on the way home.

Easy to moderate · CL-02from $390 pp
Zhinvali ReservoirZhinvali ReservoirPhoto: Smerus, Copyrighted free use
7 days
Mountains & NatureAdventure

Birdwatching in Georgia

A week built around three very different bird habitats: the alpine slopes of Kazbegi for Caucasus endemics, the semi-desert of Vashlovani and the Dali Reservoir in the far east, and the hills above Batumi where hundreds of thousands of raptors pass every autumn.

Moderate · NT-07from $1,350 pp
Abanotubani Sulphur BathsAbanotubani Sulphur BathsPhoto: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
3 days
Classic & CultureFood & Gastronomy

Tbilisi City Break

A long weekend in the Georgian capital with a local guide: the Old Town and Narikala, a private sulphur bath, Sololaki's painted hallways, Fabrika, the funicular to Mtatsminda, a supper of Georgian wine and food, and a morning in ancient Mtskheta.

Easy · CL-03Bfrom $600 pp
Bagrati CathedralBagrati CathedralPhoto: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
5 days
Mountains & NatureWine Tours

Racha & Imereti Off the Beaten Path

The slow side of western Georgia: ride Chiatura's cable cars, see the Katskhi Pillar and Okatse Canyon, then taste Racha's wines beside carved cathedrals.

Easy · NT-05from $870 pp

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