Green Lake: The Emerald Wonder of the Adjaran Mountains

Imagine a perfect beauty hidden at 2000 meters above sea level, nestled in the dense, coniferous forests of Adjara – a lake whose water is so clear and emerald-green, it seems as if some master artist specially created it. This is Green Lake, a place where the pristine purity of nature and a mystical atmosphere merge. This is not just a body of water; it is an ecosystem that, according to legend, is so pure that no living organism inhabits it, and not even a fallen leaf decays within it.

The main charm of Green Lake is its incredible color and transparency. The water is so clean that on a sunny day, you can even see the stones settled at the bottom. This unique color is given to it by the minerals dissolved in the water and the reflection of the dense forest surrounding it. The lake is of volcanic origin and is fed by underground waters and snowmelt, which is why no river flows into or out of it. This very fact determines its isolation and special purity. In winter, which lasts up to 6 months here, the lake’s surface is covered with a thick layer of ice and snow, while in summer, when everything around is vibrantly green, it turns into a real oasis. This is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the tranquility of nature, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and feel the primordial harmony that is so rare in the modern world.

Key Characteristics

Name and Location

• Official Name: Green Lake (Mtsvane Tba).
• Location: Georgia, Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Khulo Municipality.
• Nearby Landmark: Goderdzi Pass.
• Coordinates: Approximately 41.64° North Latitude, 42.61° East Longitude.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Surface area is approximately 0.005 square kilometers (0.5 hectares).
• Depth: Quite deep relative to its size, with a maximum depth reaching 17-19 meters.
• Elevation Above Sea Level: 2058 meters.
• Shape: Rounded.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Color and Clarity: Distinctive emerald-green, with very high transparency.

Hydrology

• Inflow/Outflow: Fed by underground springs, snowmelt, and atmospheric precipitation. It has no surface tributaries.
• Seasonal Changes: It is frozen for about 6 months in winter. The water level is highest in the spring.

Surrounding Environment

• Landscape: Located on the Arsiani Range, surrounded by dense coniferous (spruce, fir) and deciduous forests.
• Flora and Fauna: There is almost no aquatic vegetation or fish in the lake, which points to its unique chemical composition. The forests are inhabited by wildlife characteristic of the Caucasus.
• Climate: High-mountain, harsh. Summers are cool, and winters are long and snowy.

Human Interaction

• Recreational Uses: A popular spot for picnics, camping, and relaxing in nature. The water is very cold for swimming.
• Tourism: One of the most visited tourist attractions in highland Adjara. The access road is maintained, and there is some minor tourist infrastructure nearby.
• Cultural Significance: Legends are common among locals about the lake’s purity and supernatural properties.

Visual & Experiential Details

• Scenery: The contrast of the bright green water with the surrounding dark coniferous forest creates a spectacular visual sight.
• Atmosphere: Complete tranquility, silence broken only by the chirping of birds and the sound of the wind. A sense of mysticism and the primordial power of nature is felt.