Tanie Lake

Tanie Lake is a small, high-altitude glacial lake located in the remote and rugged Khevsureti region of northeastern Georgia, part of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti administrative region. Situated deep within the Greater Caucasus mountains, well above the tree line, this pristine tarn sits at a very high elevation, likely exceeding 3000 meters. It was almost certainly formed by past glacial activity, occupying a small basin amidst alpine meadows and potentially rocky slopes. Tanie Lake is primarily known as a feature along challenging, multi-day trekking routes that traverse the demanding terrain of Khevsureti, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Its waters are exceptionally cold and clear, fed entirely by snowmelt and precipitation. The ecosystem is typical of the high alpine zone – sparse, fragile, and adapted to extreme conditions, including being frozen for a large portion of the year. Due to its remote location and the significant effort required to reach it, Tanie Lake retains a wild and untouched character, appealing primarily to experienced hikers and mountaineers exploring the unique landscapes and cultural heritage of Khevsureti.

Identification and Location

• Name: Tanie Lake (Georgian: ტანიეს ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Mtskheta-Mtianeti
  • Municipality: Dusheti (specifically within the historical-geographical region of Khevsureti).
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Located high in the Greater Caucasus mountains of Khevsureti, often situated along trekking routes connecting different valleys or leading towards high passes.
  • Coordinates: Approximate coordinates are around 42∘32′ N latitude, 45∘11′ E longitude (precise coordinates may vary slightly on different maps).
• Connections: Fed by local snowmelt and precipitation. Expected to have a small outlet stream forming the headwaters of a mountain brook, contributing to the river systems of Khevsureti (potentially tributaries of the Arghuni or Aragvi rivers).

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Very small, typical of a high-altitude glacial tarn (likely less than 0.02 km²).
• Maximum Depth: Unknown, possibly moderately deep for its size.
• Average Depth: Unknown.
• Volume: Very small.
• Elevation: Very high altitude, generally cited as being above 3000 meters, possibly around 3050-3100 meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Short.
• Water Source(s): Primarily snowmelt and precipitation.
• Outlet(s): A small outflow stream is probable.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Glacial origin; likely occupies a cirque or nivation hollow carved by ice or persistent snowfields.

Ecological Information

• Flora: Located well into the alpine zone, above the natural limit of trees and dense shrubs. Surrounded by alpine meadows (grasses, sedges, specialized alpine flowers) and possibly scree or rocky outcrops. Aquatic vegetation within the lake itself is expected to be minimal to non-existent due to extreme cold and short growing season.
• Fauna: Such high, isolated lakes are typically fishless. The surrounding alpine environment is habitat for high-Caucasus fauna adapted to open, rocky terrain, such as East Caucasian tur, chamois, and various alpine birds (e.g., snowcock, accentors, raptors).
• Trophic Level: Strongly Oligotrophic (extremely low in nutrients).
• Water Clarity: Expected to be very high (crystal clear).
• Water Temperature: Very cold year-round. Frozen solid for a substantial part of the year (typically from late autumn until early or mid-summer).
• pH Levels: Likely near neutral to slightly acidic.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Expected to be high, characteristic of cold, unproductive waters.
• Unique Ecological Features: Represents a pristine high-altitude alpine lake ecosystem characteristic of the Greater Caucasus in Khevsureti.
• Conservation Status: Located within a remote mountain region. Parts of Khevsureti fall within the Pshav-Khevsureti National Park or Protected Landscape, potentially affording the lake formal protection depending on its exact location relative to boundaries. Its remoteness provides significant natural protection.
• Invasive Species: Extremely unlikely due to altitude, climate, and isolation.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Part of the historically distinct and isolated Khevsureti region. The lake and surrounding high pastures were likely known and potentially used seasonally by Khevsur shepherds following traditional transhumance routes.
• Current Uses: Primarily encountered by trekkers undertaking multi-day hiking expeditions through Khevsureti. It serves as a scenic point of interest rather than a destination for casual recreation. Limited seasonal grazing may occur in surrounding meadows.
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts are mainly associated with trekking activities – trail erosion, campsite management (waste, vegetation trampling). High-altitude ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: If located within the Pshav-Khevsureti Protected Areas, it is managed by the Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia. Conservation relies heavily on sustainable tourism practices and regulating activities within the protected zones. Access is naturally limited by remoteness and difficult terrain.
• Local Communities: Part of the natural and cultural landscape of Khevsureti. Tourism passing through the area provides limited economic opportunities for guides and services based in more accessible Khevsur villages.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• Situated at a very high elevation, above 3000 meters.
• Lies within the remote, culturally unique, and historically significant region of Khevsureti.
• Offers dramatic alpine scenery typical of the high Greater Caucasus.
• Reaching the lake requires considerable trekking effort through challenging mountain terrain.
• Remains frozen and snow-covered for much of the year.