Patara Toba

About this activity

Patara Toba, or the “Little Lake,” is a beautiful high-altitude glacial lake nestled within the dramatic Egrisi Mountain Range in Georgia’s Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. As part of the renowned Tobavarchkhili (“Silver Lake”) lake system, it sits at an elevation likely between 2550 and 2650 meters (approx. 8366-8694 feet), slightly varying depending on which specific pool is being referenced. It is significantly smaller than its famous neighbour, Didi Tobavarchkhili.

The lake shares the pristine, wild character of the Egrisi Range, surrounded by rocky peaks, alpine meadows, and often lingering snowfields even in summer. It’s fed by snowmelt, rain, and underground springs, resulting in clear, cold freshwater. Like the other lakes in the system, Patara Toba is frozen for a large portion of the year.

Accessing Patara Toba requires a challenging multi-day trek, typically starting from villages like Mukhuri and involving significant elevation gain, river crossings, and navigating mountainous terrain. It’s not a destination reached by casual hiking; reaching this area demands good physical condition, proper equipment, and often the assistance of guides and packhorses. Patara Toba is usually visited as part of the longer trek to the main Tobavarchkhili lake (often reached via Okhoje pass, near Okhoje/Patara Toba) and potentially other nearby lakes like Kalalish Toba and Didghalish Toba. The rewarding views and the sense of remoteness make it a highlight for trekkers exploring this part of the Caucasus foothills. The best time to visit is very limited, usually from mid-July to mid-September, when the passes are most likely clear of snow. Given the current date (April 26, 2025), Patara Toba and the high-altitude trails leading to it are definitely inaccessible due to deep snow cover.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Patara Toba (პატარა ტბა – Little Lake). Often synonymous with or refers to Okhoje Toba or Tsashkibuli Toba.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
  • Municipality: Likely Tsalenjikha or Chkhorotsqu, located on the Egrisi Range.
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Part of the Tobavarchkhili lake system, very close to Didi Tobavarchkhili (Silver Lake). Often reached just before or after crossing Okhoje pass (~2721-2750m) on treks.
  • Coordinates: Precise coordinates for “Patara Toba” specifically are difficult to pinpoint without ambiguity, but it lies within the Tobavarchkhili lake basin area (approx. 42.7° N, 42.2° E vicinity).
• Relationship to other bodies of water: Part of a system of glacial lakes on the Egrisi Range. Fed by snow/rain/springs, likely drains via streams contributing to rivers like the Magana (which originates from Didi Tobavarchkhili).

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Small; specific data not readily available, but significantly smaller than Didi Tobavarchkhili (which is ~0.21 km²).
• Maximum Depth: Data not available.
• Average Depth: Data not available.
• Volume: Data not available.
• Elevation: High altitude, likely around $\approx 2550-2650\text{ m}$ (approx. 8366 – 8694 ft) above sea level, similar to other lakes in the immediate group.
• Shoreline Length: Short, likely rocky and uneven in places.
• Water Source(s): Snowmelt, rainfall, groundwater/springs.
• Outlet(s): Likely has a stream outlet contributing to the local river system.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Glacial origin (cirque or moraine-dammed) in the porphyritic rock formations of the Egrisi Range.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by alpine and subalpine meadows, potentially with rhododendron patches nearby. Limited aquatic vegetation expected.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Fish are reportedly absent from the main Tobavarchkhili lake and likely absent here too due to isolation and cold. Supports resilient invertebrates. The wider Egrisi range hosts typical Caucasus mountain fauna, though direct sightings near the lake might be infrequent.
• Trophic Level: Expected to be Oligotrophic (nutrient-poor).
• Water Clarity: Expected to be high.
• Water Temperature: Very cold; surface may warm slightly in peak summer but remains cold. Frozen for many months (approx. October/November to June/July).
• pH Levels: Data not available; likely near-neutral.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data not available; likely well-oxygenated.
• Unique Ecological Features: High-altitude glacial lake ecosystem within a relatively untouched mountain range. Part of a scenic and ecologically valuable area.
• Conservation Status: No specific formal protected status for the lake itself, but part of the wider Egrisi mountains landscape valued for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Trekking routes require responsible tourism practices.
• Invasive Species: Highly unlikely.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Known to local Megrelian shepherds and populations for generations. Part of the culturally significant Egrisi mountain landscape. May be associated with legends surrounding the Tobavarchkhili lakes (e.g., disturbing them causing storms).
• Current Uses: Primarily a scenic point of interest and common camping spot for trekkers on the multi-day Tobavarchkhili hiking routes. Offers opportunities for photography and experiencing remote mountain wilderness.
• Environmental Issues: Sensitivity to impacts from trekking (waste, path erosion). Remoteness provides significant natural protection. Climate change impacts on glaciers/snowmelt affecting water levels are a long-term concern for the region.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: No specific formal management plan. Access and conditions are dictated by nature and the extreme difficulty of the trek. Trekkers rely on guides and own preparedness.
• Local Communities: The lakes are a source of pride and potential income through tourism (guiding, horse rental, guesthouses in starting villages like Mukhuri). Shepherds use surrounding pastures seasonally.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Its name literally means “Little Lake” in Georgian.
• Part of the famous and legend-shrouded Tobavarchkhili (“Silver Lake”) group on the Egrisi Range.
• Reaching it requires a demanding multi-day trek suitable only for experienced hikers.
• Offers stunning views in a remote alpine setting, often used as a campsite.
• Is frozen for a significant part of the year, typically only fully ice-free in late summer (August-September).