Patara Toba (Okhoje Lake)

Patara Toba: The Little Giant of the Egrisi Mountains

On the epic trek to the legendary Tobavarchkhili, hikers encounter another, smaller marvel: Patara Toba, also known as Okhoje Lake. “Patara” means “small” in Georgian, but this alpine lake is anything but insignificant. It is a stunning, turquoise-hued body of water cradled in a high-altitude rocky cirque in the Egrisi Mountains of Samegrelo. Often visited as part of the longer trek to its larger sibling, Patara Toba is a destination in its own right, offering a concentrated dose of the wild beauty that defines this range.

Fed by melting glaciers and snow, its waters are piercingly cold and brilliantly clear. The lake is often surrounded by snowfields well into the summer, with alpine flowers carpeting the meadows just below. Patara Toba serves as a perfect resting and camping spot for trekkers, its serene surface reflecting the jagged peaks and the vast sky. It is a place of quiet contemplation before or after the challenge of reaching Tobavarchkhili, a smaller mirror that holds all the grandeur of its alpine surroundings.

Key Characteristics

Name and Location

• Official Name: Patara Toba (პატარა ტობა), also Okhoje Lake (ოხოჯეს ტბა).
• Location: Georgia, Egrisi Mountains, on the border of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Racha regions.
• Setting: High-altitude glacial cirque.
• Coordinates: Approximately 42.71° North Latitude, 42.19° East Longitude.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: A small alpine lake, smaller than the main Tobavarchkhili.
• Elevation Above Sea Level: Approximately 2580 meters.
• Origin: Glacial.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Color and Clarity: Turquoise to deep blue, with exceptional clarity.

Surrounding Environment

• Landscape: Rocky cirques, moraines, alpine meadows, and permanent snowfields.
• Climate: Harsh alpine environment, accessible only in summer (July-September).

Human Interaction

• Recreational Uses: A key point on the Tobavarchkhili trek, ideal for camping, photography, and hiking.
• Tourism: Accessible only via a multi-day, challenging trek. Requires good physical condition and mountain experience or a guide.

Visual & Experiential Details

• Scenery: A bright turquoise lake surrounded by dark, dramatic cliffs and snow patches. Panoramic views of the Egrisi range.
• Atmosphere: A feeling of incredible remoteness, serenity, and achievement after a long hike. The perfect mountain campsite.