Paravani Lake

Paravani Lake: The Vast Sky-Mirror of Javakheti

Behold the largest lake in Georgia, a colossal expanse of water that perfectly mirrors the vast, dramatic sky of the Javakheti Plateau. This is Paravani Lake, a high-altitude wonder located over 2,000 meters above sea level. Unlike the deep, volcanic Tabatskuri, Paravani is a wide, shallow basin, creating a unique landscape of endless water and grasslands. It is a place of immense scale and stark beauty, where the horizon feels limitless and the connection to the elements is profound.

Paravani is a vital artery of the Javakheti ecosystem, fed by several small rivers and giving rise to the Paravani River, which flows on to join the Mtkvari. In the harsh winters, the shallow lake freezes completely, creating an otherworldly scene of ice and snow stretching for kilometers. This extreme environment supports a rich birdlife, making it an important stop for migratory species. But the lake’s secrets are not only natural; archaeological discoveries on its bed have hinted at submerged Bronze Age settlements, adding a layer of ancient mystery to its history. A visit to Paravani is a journey to a land of epic landscapes, where the quiet power of nature is on full display.

Key Characteristics

Name and Location

• Official Name: Paravani Lake (ფარავნის ტბა).
• Location: Georgia, Ninotsminda Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
• Nearby Villages: Poka, Vladimirovka, Tambovka. The Poka St. Nino Nunnery is located on its shore.
• Protected Area: Part of the Javakheti Protected Areas.
• Coordinates: Approximately 41.45° North Latitude, 43.81° East Longitude.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: The largest lake in Georgia by surface area, at 37.5 square kilometers.
• Depth: Shallow, with an average depth of 2.2 meters and a maximum of 3.3 meters.
• Elevation Above Sea Level: Approximately 2073 meters.
• Origin: Tectonic-volcanic.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Color and Clarity: Varies seasonally, often with low transparency due to shallowness and organic matter.

Hydrology

• Inflow/Outflow: Fed by the Shaori, Sabadostskali, and Rodionovskistskali rivers. The Paravani River flows out from the lake.
• Seasonal Changes: The water level is highest in spring and lowest in winter. It is ice-covered for 4-5 months in winter.

Surrounding Environment

• Landscape: High-altitude volcanic plateau, surrounded by treeless steppes and alpine meadows.
• Flora and Fauna: Important for commercial fishing (carp, trout, etc.). A significant location for birdwatching.
• Climate: Severe continental climate with very cold winters and cool summers.

Human Interaction

• Recreational Uses: Fishing, birdwatching, and experiencing the unique landscape.
• Tourism: A key site within the Javakheti National Park tour routes.
• Cultural Significance: The Poka Nunnery on its shore is an important religious site. Underwater archaeology suggests ancient human presence.
• Environmental Status: A key part of the Javakheti Protected Areas.

Visual & Experiential Details

• Scenery: An immense, flat water surface reflecting the sky, endless grasslands, distant volcanic mountains.
• Atmosphere: A feeling of vastness, openness, and exposure to the raw elements of nature.