Lakumurash Toba

About this activity

Lakumurash Toba (ლაკუმურაშ ტბა), also known as Lakumura Lake or Lakumurashi Lake, is a stunning but exceptionally remote alpine lake located in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region of Georgia. Situated within the Mestia Municipality, it lies high on the Egrisi Range (also called the Samegrelo Range), which forms a natural border between the Upper Svaneti and Samegrelo regions. The lake sits at a challenging altitude of approximately 2550 meters (around 8366 feet) above sea level. Its name is derived from the nearby Lakamurash mountain, whose glacial meltwaters feed the lake. Locally, it might be called “Chipsta Varchkh” in Svan or simply involve “Toba” (meaning lake in Megrelian).

Reaching Lakumurash Toba is considered an extreme undertaking, suitable only for highly experienced, physically and mentally prepared hikers, preferably with a professional guide. There are no well-marked trails for significant portions of the routes, which typically start from Khaishi or near Zeda Vedi village, or potentially as a side trip from the Tobavarchkhili lake trek. Access involves long distances, potentially initial off-road vehicle travel, followed by strenuous hiking through difficult terrain including dense forests (“jungles”), extremely tall grasses, thorny bushes, areas prone to landslides, steep slopes requiring reliance on vegetation holds, river crossings, and a near-alpinistic final ascent up a steep, rocky section sometimes necessitating ropes or careful use of natural holds.

Despite the extreme difficulty, the lake rewards determined adventurers with breathtaking scenery. It’s described as being encircled by massive, tilted rock cliffs and fed by waterfalls, possibly originating from a smaller glacial lake above it. In clear weather, the lake is famed for reflecting the distant Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak. Due to its altitude and remote location, it is accessible only for a short period, typically with August considered the best month. Given the current date (April 26, 2025), Lakumurash Toba and its access routes are definitely inaccessible due to deep snow cover at this elevation.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Lakumurash Toba (ლაკუმურაშ ტბა); also referred to as Lakumura Lake, Lakumurashi Lake. Svan name: Chipsta Varchkh.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
  • Municipality: Mestia
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Located high on the Egrisi Range, approx. 15 km from Tobavarchkhili Lake. Access points near Khaishi or Zeda Vedi.
  • Coordinates: Precise coordinates not readily available, but situated at approx. 2550m elevation on the Egrisi Range.
• Relationship to other bodies of water: High mountain glacial lake, likely the source of a stream/waterfalls contributing to rivers draining the Egrisi Range (potentially tributaries of the Enguri or Khobistskali). Fed by Lakamurash glacier/snowmelt.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Data not available; likely small to moderate alpine lake size.
• Maximum Depth: Data not available.
• Average Depth: Data not available.
• Volume: Data not available.
• Elevation: $\approx 2550\text{ m}$ (approx. 8366 ft) above sea level (some sources mention up to 2584m).
• Shoreline Length: Data not available.
• Water Source(s): Primarily glacial meltwater (from Lakamurash mountain glacier), snowmelt, precipitation.
• Outlet(s): Yes, forms waterfalls flowing down from the lake.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Glacial origin (likely cirque or potentially moraine-dammed) within the Egrisi Range mountains. Surrounded by steep cliffs.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by alpine meadows and steep, rocky slopes. Access routes pass through dense, humid forests, areas of very tall grass, rhododendron thickets, and thorny berry bushes.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Specific aquatic life unknown; fish presence uncertain in such high, isolated lakes. Area is habitat for typical Egrisi Range mountain fauna. Seasonal shepherds and their dogs are present on lower access routes.
• Trophic Level: Expected to be Oligotrophic (nutrient-poor).
• Water Clarity: Expected to be high.
• Water Temperature: Very cold; frozen for most of the year (likely Oct/Nov through June/July).
• pH Levels: Data not available; likely near-neutral.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data not available; likely well-oxygenated.
• Unique Ecological Features: Pristine high-altitude glacial lake ecosystem; reflects Mt. Elbrus in clear conditions; dramatic setting with cliffs and waterfalls.
• Conservation Status: No specific designation mentioned, but located in a remote, sensitive, and ecologically valuable mountain environment.
• Invasive Species: Highly unlikely due to isolation and altitude.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Known to local Svan and Megrelian populations. Part of the remote mountainous landscape of the Egrisi range.
• Current Uses: Destination for extreme trekking and wilderness exploration by experienced hikers. Seasonal grazing occurs on nearby mountain slopes accessed by shepherds.
• Environmental Issues: Primary issue is the extreme difficulty and danger of access. Potential impacts from hikers (waste, erosion) are limited by low visitor numbers but could increase. Sensitivity of the alpine environment.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: No specific management plan mentioned. Access is self-regulated by extreme difficulty and seasonal conditions (snow). Extreme caution and preparedness are essential.
• Local Communities: Part of the broader Svan/Megrelian landscape. Limited direct economic impact, but potential for specialized guiding services. Shepherds use surrounding pastures seasonally.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Named after the nearby Lakamurash mountain peak/glacier.
• Offers reflections of Mt. Elbrus (Europe’s highest peak) in good weather.
• Access requires navigating extremely challenging terrain, often without clear paths.
• Considered one of Georgia’s most difficult, “wild” hikes.
• Located on the Egrisi Range, separating Svaneti and Samegrelo.
• Accessible only during a very short summer window (primarily August recommended).
• Although beautiful, the immediate shore might not be ideal for camping due to rocky/uneven surfaces.