Lake Amtkeli: The Locked Emerald of the Caucasus

Imagine a lake that was born just a century and a half ago through a sudden and dramatic act of nature. This is Lake Amtkel – a treasure hidden in the Caucasus Mountains, formed as a result of a massive landslide at the end of the 19th century. On October 3, 1891, a rock mass that collapsed from the slope of Mount Pshish blocked the Amtkel River valley, creating one of Georgia’s deepest and most mysterious reservoirs. This is not just a hollow filled with water; it is a living geological monument whose character constantly changes with the seasons.

Its greatest uniqueness is the dramatic fluctuation of its water level, which can vary by up to 40 meters. In the spring, during snowmelt and heavy rainfall, the lake reaches its maximum size, with its length exceeding 4 kilometers, and its emerald-colored water touches the forested slopes. By late summer and autumn, as the river’s tributaries shrink, the water seeps into underground karst funnels, and the lake “shrinks” significantly. This constant pulsation turns it into a living organism that echoes the rhythm of the Caucasus. The steep, almost inaccessible slopes surrounding the lake, covered with ancient boxwood, beech, and fir trees, further enhance its isolated and wild beauty. It is a place where the majesty and harshness of nature are felt simultaneously – a reminder of how fleeting and, at the same time, eternal the planet’s landscape can be.

Key Characteristics

Name and Location

• Official Name: Lake Amtkel (also known as Azanta Lake).
• Location: Georgia, Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Gulripshi Municipality.
• Nearby Settlement: Village of Azanta.
• Coordinates: Approximately 43.09° North Latitude, 41.33° East Longitude.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: The surface area varies seasonally from 0.5 to 0.76 square kilometers.
• Depth: One of the deepest lakes in Georgia. The average depth is 60-65 meters, while the maximum depth exceeds 100 meters at high water levels.
• Elevation Above Sea Level: 512 meters.
• Shape: Elongated, following the shape of the river valley.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Color and Clarity: Greenish-blue, with high transparency.

Hydrology

• Inflow/Outflow: The lake is fed by the Amtkel River. Water exits the lake both through surface overflow (over the dam) and through underground karst channels.
• Seasonal Changes: Characterized by a sharp fluctuation in water level (35-40 meters), which is its main distinguishing feature. It does not freeze in winter, except for the shoreline.

Surrounding Environment

• Landscape: The lake is situated in a deep, canyon-like valley carved into limestone rocks, with steep and forested slopes.
• Flora and Fauna: The surrounding forests are home to fir, beech, and boxwood. The lake is rich in fish, including trout, barbel, and chub.
• Climate: Humid subtropical.

Human Interaction

• Recreational Uses: During the Soviet period, it was a popular tourist destination for boating and fishing.
• Tourism: Currently, due to the political situation in the region, tourist infrastructure and access are limited.
• Environmental Status: It is part of a protected area.

Visual & Experiential Details

• Scenery: Dramatic views where steep cliffs and dense forest descend directly into the water.
• Atmosphere: Tranquility, seclusion, and a sense of wild nature.
• Special Features: The unique fluctuation of the water level and the history of the lake’s formation make it a special natural monument.