Mravaldzali Lake

Mravaldzali Lake (მრავალძალის ტბა) is a high-altitude mountain lake situated in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region of Georgia. Located within the Oni Municipality, it lies near the historically significant and high-mountain village of Mravaldzali, famed for its ancient St. George Church and for being one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in the country (around 1840 meters). The lake itself is nestled within the Lechkhumi Range, likely at or slightly above the village’s elevation, offering stunning mountain scenery typical of the Racha region. Some sources also mention a nearby heart-shaped lake referred to as the “Lake of Love” (სიყვარულის ტბა) or Cholevi Lake, which might be the same as, or distinct from, Mravaldzali Lake.

Likely formed by glacial activity or potentially a landslide in the mountainous terrain, Mravaldzali Lake is relatively small. It’s fed by snowmelt, rainfall, and mountain springs, resulting in very cold freshwater year-round. The lake is reportedly somewhat swampy around the edges and is surrounded by forests and subalpine or alpine meadows.

Accessing Mravaldzali Lake typically requires reaching the village of Mravaldzali first, which itself involves navigating challenging mountain roads (often requiring 4×4 vehicles, especially outside peak summer), followed by hiking. The lake serves primarily as a scenic destination for hikers and visitors exploring the Mravaldzali area, offering opportunities for nature photography, picnicking, and experiencing the remote beauty of Racha. Due to its altitude, the lake is frozen and covered in snow for a significant portion of the year.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Mravaldzali Lake (მრავალძალის ტბა). Possibly also associated with the name “Lake of Love” (სიყვარულის ტბა) or Cholevi Lake found nearby.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
  • Municipality: Oni
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Located near the high-mountain village of Mravaldzali and the historic Mravaldzali St. George Church, situated on the Lechkhumi Range (or Racha Range northern slope depending on source definition).
  • Coordinates: Precise coordinates not readily available but located in the high mountains near Mravaldzali village (approx. 42.6° N, 43.3° E vicinity).
• Relationship to other bodies of water: High mountain lake, likely feeding a headwater stream contributing to the Rioni or Tskhenistskali river basins.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Data unavailable; assumed to be a small alpine lake (likely < 0.1 km²).
• Maximum Depth: Data unavailable.
• Average Depth: Data unavailable.
• Volume: Data unavailable; assumed small.
• Elevation: High altitude, $\approx 1840\text{ m}$ (approx. 6037 ft) or potentially higher, near the elevation of Mravaldzali village.
• Shoreline Length: Short; described as swampy in parts and bordered by meadows and forest.
• Water Source(s): Snowmelt, precipitation, groundwater/springs.
• Outlet(s): Likely a small outflowing stream.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Likely of glacial origin (e.g., cirque lake, moraine-dammed) or possibly landslide-dammed, typical for the Lechkhumi/Racha Ranges.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by subalpine or alpine meadows, possibly with patches of forest (likely coniferous or mixed). Shoreline noted for aquatic plants contributing to swampiness.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Fish presence uncertain (possibly trout, if present, though swampy nature might affect habitat). Supports high-altitude invertebrates and amphibians. The wider area is habitat for Racha’s mountain fauna, including birds of prey, chamois, potentially bear.
• Trophic Level: Data unavailable; likely Oligotrophic or Mesotrophic.
• Water Clarity: Data unavailable; may be affected by surrounding vegetation and swampy areas.
• Water Temperature: Very cold year-round. Frozen for many months (late autumn through late spring/early summer).
• pH Levels: Data unavailable.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data unavailable.
• Unique Ecological Features: High-altitude lake ecosystem near a historically significant, high-elevation village.
• Conservation Status: No specific major designation known, but located within the sensitive Racha mountain ecosystem.
• Invasive Species: Unlikely in such a remote, high-altitude environment.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Located near Mravaldzali village, which has a long history and contains the important St. George Church (dating back potentially to the 11th century), associated with local legends. The lake itself likely held local significance.
• Current Uses: Primarily a scenic destination for hikers, trekkers, and visitors to the Mravaldzali area. Offers opportunities for nature viewing, photography, potentially picnicking or camping nearby (weather permitting). Not suitable for swimming due to swampy shores and cold water. Fishing status/regulation is unclear.
• Environmental Issues: Main challenges relate to difficult access and the sensitivity of the high-altitude environment to disturbance. Potential impacts from visitors if not managed (waste).
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Likely falls under general oversight of Oni Municipality and regional environmental bodies. No specific management plan widely known. Access is naturally limited by terrain and weather.
• Local Communities: The lake is part of the natural landscape associated with Mravaldzali village (which has very few permanent residents). Tourism focused on the village, church, and surrounding nature (including the lake) offers potential economic benefits to this remote community.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Situated near Mravaldzali, one of Georgia’s highest continuously inhabited villages.
• Close to the historically and architecturally significant Mravaldzali St. George Church, subject of local legends.
• Located in the scenic but less-visited (compared to Svaneti or Kazbegi) Racha high mountains.
• Access requires navigating difficult mountain roads (often 4×4 essential) and potentially hiking.
• Frozen and covered in snow for a large part of the year, making it inaccessible outside the summer/early autumn season.
• Sometimes associated with or located near the “Lake of Love” (Cholevi Lake), noted for its heart shape.