Shuamta Lakes

The Shuamta Lakes (შუამთის ტბები) are a picturesque group of small mountain lakes located high in the mountains of Upper Adjara, within Georgia’s Khulo Municipality. Often described as a system comprising five distinct lakes situated close to each other, they lie at a significant elevation, typically cited around 2150 meters above sea level. Nestled amidst alpine and subalpine meadows, often near the summer pastures and settlement of Shuamta village, these lakes offer stunning natural beauty and tranquility. Formed likely through glacial or landslide processes common in mountainous terrain, the lakes are fed by snowmelt, rainfall, and groundwater. Due to their high altitude, they are characterized by cold, fresh water and are best visited during the summer months when the surrounding landscape is lush and green, and access is easier. The Shuamta Lakes area is primarily valued for its scenic landscapes, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, picnicking, and experiencing the unique atmosphere of Adjara’s high mountain environment, sometimes dotted with traditional summer dwellings.

Identification and Location

• Name: Shuamta Lakes (შუამთის ტბები – literally “Lakes between the Mountains”). Refers to a group of lakes, not a single entity.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Adjara (specifically Upper Adjara)
  • Municipality: Khulo Municipality
  • Nearest Landmark: Near the summer settlement/village of Shuamta. Located high in the Adjarian mountain ranges.
  • Coordinates: Approximate coordinates for the area are around 41°38′ N latitude, 42°20′ E longitude.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: A cluster of small, likely hydrologically interconnected (possibly via groundwater or small surface streams) mountain lakes. They form part of the headwaters for streams draining the surrounding mountains.

Physical Characteristics (Applies to the lakes collectively or typically)

• Surface Area: Each lake is individually small. The total area of all lakes combined is limited. Specific measurements for each are not widely available.
• Maximum Depth: Likely variable between the lakes, but generally expected to be relatively shallow, typical of small mountain tarns. Specific data is scarce.
• Average Depth: Shallow. Specific data unavailable.
• Volume: Individually small volumes.
• Elevation: High altitude, commonly cited as around 2150 meters (approx. 7050 feet) above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Each lake has a short shoreline.
• Water Source(s): Primarily snowmelt, precipitation, and groundwater springs.
• Outlet(s): Likely small streams draining from some or all of the lakes, contributing to local river systems.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Likely formed in depressions created by glacial activity (cirques) or possibly landslides within the mountainous terrain of Adjara.

Ecological Information

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by subalpine and alpine meadows rich in grasses and wildflowers during summer. Shoreline vegetation may include sedges and rushes. Aquatic vegetation within the lakes is likely limited due to cold temperatures.
• Fauna (Animal Life): May support populations of amphibians (like newts or frogs) and various aquatic invertebrates. Fish presence is unlikely unless introduced, due to altitude and potential winter freezing/low oxygen. The surrounding meadows and mountains support fauna typical of Adjara’s highlands, including birds and potentially mammals visiting the area.
• Trophic Level: Likely Oligotrophic to Mesotrophic, typical for high-altitude lakes with limited nutrient inputs.
• Water Clarity: Expected to be relatively high, especially outside periods of heavy meltwater inflow.
• Water Temperature: Cold year-round due to high elevation. Water remains cold even in summer, and the lakes likely freeze over in winter.
• pH Levels & Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Specific data not readily available.
• Unique Ecological Features: Represents a cluster of high-altitude lake ecosystems within the Adjarian mountains. Important part of the scenic mountain landscape.
• Conservation Status: No specific major conservation designation (like a national park encompassing them) is widely reported, but they are part of the sensitive high-mountain environment.
• Invasive Species: Unlikely to be a significant issue due to remoteness and conditions.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: The area has traditional use as summer pastures (‘Iailas’) for livestock grazing by local communities.
• Current Uses: Primarily tourism and recreation, including hiking, camping, picnicking, nature photography, and enjoying the mountain scenery. Not used for fishing (due to likely lack of significant fish populations), irrigation, or power.
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts include those related to tourism (litter, campfire impacts, trail erosion) and potentially overgrazing effects on surrounding meadows. The high-altitude ecosystem is sensitive to disturbance and climate change. Access roads can be challenging.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed under general municipal and regional environmental oversight. Sustainable tourism practices are important for preservation.
• Local Communities: Important as traditional summer pasture areas. Offer potential income through guided tours or services for hikers/tourists visiting the lakes during the summer season.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• It’s a system of multiple small lakes (often cited as five) located close together, creating a unique landscape feature.
• The name “Shuamta” reflects their location “between the mountains.”
• Offers highly picturesque scenery, often featuring reflections of surrounding peaks and meadows, sometimes with traditional Adjarian wooden houses nearby.
• Best visited during summer (July-September) as access can be difficult or impossible during winter due to snow and harsh weather.
• Reaching the lakes typically involves driving on mountain roads (possibly needing 4WD) and some hiking.