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About this activity

Panda Lake (პანდა ტბა / პანდას ტბა) is a small, high-altitude lake located on the Abul-Samsari Ridge, a volcanic plateau in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia. It sits at a significant elevation, reportedly around 2780 meters above sea level, making it an alpine lake subject to harsh climatic conditions, including freezing over for a large part of the year. Information suggests it lies on the southern slope of Mount Samsari. Panda Lake is primarily known as one of several scenic points along a multi-day trekking route across the Abul-Samsari range, a route which also includes other notable lakes like Levanis Lake and Dromatarebine Lake, and starts near the larger Paravani Lake. Due to its remote location and the lack of specific scientific documentation readily available, detailed characteristics such as its exact size, depth, and specific ecological profile are not widely known. Its significance is primarily tied to its natural beauty within the unique volcanic landscape of the Javakheti highlands and its role in regional trekking tourism.

Identification and Location

  • Name of the Lake: Panda Lake (პანდა ტბა / პანდას ტბა).
  • Location:
    • Country: Georgia
    • Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti
    • Mountain Range: Abul-Samsari Ridge (part of the Javakheti Plateau/Highlands). Specifically mentioned as being on the southern slope of Mount Samsari.
    • Nearest Major City or Landmark: Remote. The nearest towns are Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda. Access involves reaching the high plateau, often via routes starting near Paravani Lake or villages like Gandzani or Patara Samsari.
    • Coordinates (latitude and longitude): Specific coordinates are not widely published, but based on its location on the ridge near other documented points, it’s roughly in the vicinity of N, E. (Note: This is approximate).
    • Relationship to other bodies of water: It is one of several small alpine/volcanic lakes situated on the Abul-Samsari Ridge, often visited along with Levanis Lake and Dromatarebine Lake on trekking routes.

Physical Characteristics

  • Surface Area: Likely small, typical of high-altitude lakes on the plateau, but specific data is unavailable.
  • Maximum Depth: Unknown. Presumably shallow.
  • Average Depth: Unknown.
  • Volume: Unknown.
  • Elevation: High altitude. One source specifically cites it at 2780 meters ( feet) above sea level.
  • Shoreline Length: Unknown, likely short.
  • Water Source(s): Primarily snowmelt and seasonal precipitation. Groundwater seepage within the volcanic rock is also possible.
  • Outlet(s) (if any): Details unknown. May have seasonal outflow or drain via seepage.
  • Water Type: Freshwater.
  • Basin Geology: Volcanic origin. Likely situated in a depression formed by past volcanic activity on the Abul-Samsari Ridge, possibly influenced by later glacial processes common to the Javakheti highlands.

Ecological Information

  • Flora (Plant Life): The surrounding area consists of alpine and subalpine meadows and grasslands typical of the high Javakheti plateau. Aquatic vegetation within the lake itself is likely minimal due to cold temperatures and potentially low nutrient levels.
  • Fauna (Animal Life): Aquatic fauna is expected to be very limited (possibly cold-adapted invertebrates). Fish are unlikely. The Javakheti plateau is known for its birdlife (especially around larger lakes), and mammals typical of high grasslands might be present in the wider area. Shepherd dogs are common near seasonal pastures on the plateau.
  • Trophic Level: Likely Oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) due to altitude and geology, although specific data is lacking.
  • Water Clarity: Unknown, but alpine lakes in the region are often clear.
  • Water Temperature (seasonal variations if applicable): Cold year-round, freezing completely in winter (roughly November to May/June).
  • pH Levels: Unknown.
  • Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Unknown, likely high if oligotrophic and cold.
  • Unique Ecological Features: High-altitude lake within a distinct volcanic landscape. Part of the Javakheti Protected Areas broader ecosystem.
  • Conservation Status: While perhaps not individually designated, it lies within the region covered by the Javakheti Protected Areas. Conservation depends on managing impacts from grazing (in surrounding areas) and potential tourism.
  • Invasive Species: Highly unlikely due to remoteness and harsh conditions.

Human Interaction and Significance

  • Historical Significance: No specific historical or cultural significance is commonly attributed to Panda Lake itself. The surrounding Abul-Samsari range has evidence of ancient megalithic structures (like Abuli Fortress).
  • Current Uses: Primarily a natural feature encountered by hikers and trekkers exploring the Abul-Samsari Ridge. Used for recreation (hiking, photography, nature observation). Not used for water supply, fishing, etc. The surrounding plateau is used for seasonal grazing.
  • Environmental Issues: Potential impacts from increased trekking activity (waste, path erosion). Climate change effects on water levels and the sensitive alpine ecosystem. Impacts related to grazing in the vicinity.
  • Management and Conservation Efforts: Falls under the general scope of the Javakheti Protected Areas management, focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use. Relies on responsible visitor behaviour.
  • Local Communities: Remote from permanent settlements. Its main connection is through potential tourism linked to the Abul-Samsari trekking routes.

Interesting or Unique Facts

  • The lake bears the unusual name “Panda Lake,” the origin of which is not documented in available sources.
  • It is situated on the high-altitude volcanic Abul-Samsari Ridge, known for its distinctive landscape of volcanic cones, grasslands, and numerous small lakes.
  • Its inclusion in multi-day treks highlights its scenic value as part of a chain of alpine lakes in this remote region of Georgia.

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