Tabatskhuri Lake

About this activity

Tabatskhuri Lake (Georgian: ტაბაწყურის ტბა) is a significant high-altitude volcanic lake located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia, nestled between the Borjomi and Akhalkalaki municipalities on the Javakheti Plateau. Situated at an elevation of approximately $1991\text{ m}$ ($6532\text{ ft}$) above sea level, it is one of the country’s most prominent mountain lakes. With a surface area of around 14.2 km2 and a maximum depth reaching $40.2\text{ m}$, the lake holds a considerable volume of freshwater, estimated at over 220 million cubic meters.

Its origins are volcanic, having formed within a depression on the plateau. Unlike many lakes fed by surface rivers, Tabatskhuri primarily receives water from underground springs, precipitation, and snowmelt. Similarly, it lacks major surface outlets, draining mainly through subterranean channels. This unique hydrology contributes to its relatively stable water level and clarity.

Ecologically, Tabatskhuri is notable. It supports various fish species, including trout (potentially endemic subspecies), carp, and barbel, making it popular for recreational fishing. The lake and its surroundings serve as an important habitat for numerous resident and migratory birds, particularly waterfowl, including the endangered velvet scoter. Due to its altitude, cold temperatures, and depth, it likely possesses oligotrophic to mesotrophic characteristics (low to moderate nutrient levels). The lake freezes completely during the winter months, typically from December until late April or early May. Given today’s date (April 26, 2025), the lake is likely in the process of thawing or has recently become ice-free.

The lake is part of the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve, affording it protected status. Human interaction includes the presence of two villages, Tabatskhuri and Moliti, directly on its shores, inhabited mainly by ethnic Armenians. Besides fishing, the area attracts tourism focused on its natural beauty, birdwatching, and hiking. Conservation efforts aim to balance these uses with the preservation of its unique ecosystem against pressures like unregulated fishing and tourism impacts.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Tabatskhuri Lake (Georgian: ტაბაწყურის ტბა)
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti
  • Nearby Municipalities/Landmarks: Borjomi, Akhalkalaki; located on the Javakheti Volcanic Plateau between the Trialeti and Samsari Ranges. Part of the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 41.64∘ N latitude, 43.64∘ E longitude
• Relationship to other bodies of water: Primarily endorheic in surface terms; fed mainly by groundwater/springs and precipitation, drains via underground seepage. Not directly connected to a major river system on the surface.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: ≈14.2 km2 (approx. 5.5 sq mi)
• Maximum Depth: $\approx 40.2\text{ m}$ (approx. 132 ft)
• Average Depth: $\approx 15.5\text{ m}$ (approx. 51 ft)
• Volume: Estimated ≈0.22 km3 (221 million cubic meters)
• Elevation: $\approx 1991\text{ m}$ (approx. 6532 ft) above sea level
• Shoreline Length: $\approx 26\text{ km}$ (approx. 16 mi)
• Water Source(s): Groundwater (underground streams/springs), precipitation, snowmelt.
• Outlet(s): Primarily underground drainage.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Volcanic origin (formed in a volcanic depression/caldera).

Ecological Information:

• Flora: Surrounding alpine/subalpine meadows dominate the landscape. Aquatic vegetation exists but may be limited by depth and temperature.
• Fauna:
  • Fish: Notable populations of Trout, Common Carp, Barbel. Potential for endemic trout subspecies.
  • Birds: Important site for waterfowl and migratory birds (e.g., velvet scoter, cranes, storks, eagles) due to high-altitude wetland characteristics.
  • Mammals: Found in the surrounding reserve area (e.g., otter, wolf, fox, lynx).
• Trophic Level: Generally considered Oligotrophic to Mesotrophic (nutrient-poor to moderate).
• Water Clarity: Typically high due to limited inflows and nutrient loading.
• Water Temperature: Cold; freezes completely in winter (Dec-Apr/May). Surface layers warm moderately in summer (rarely exceeding $15^{\circ}$C).
• pH Levels: Assumed near-neutral, common for freshwater systems in the region.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Generally well-oxygenated, supporting cold-water fish like trout.
• Unique Ecological Features: High-altitude volcanic lake ecosystem; important birding area (last breeding population of velvet scoter in the Caucasus); significant trout fishery; presence of islands within the lake.
• Conservation Status: Located within the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve (IUCN Category IV), providing legal protection. The velvet scoter population is particularly significant and endangered.
• Invasive Species: No major widespread reports, but monitoring is crucial for protected areas.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: The lakeside villages (Tabatskuri, Moliti) have historical presence; the region of Javakheti has deep historical and cultural roots, including Armenian heritage. Archaeological sites (Paleolithic, Bronze Age) exist in the wider reserve area. The 10th-century Red Church is located near Tabatskuri village.
• Current Uses: Recreational fishing, tourism (hiking, birdwatching, scenic appreciation, camping, horse riding, potential snowmobile tours in winter), local subsistence fishing, seasonal livestock grazing in surrounding areas.
• Environmental Issues: Potential threats include unregulated fishing, tourism pressure (waste, disturbance), shoreline impacts from grazing, potential impacts from the nearby Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, and the effects of climate change (water temperature, ice patterns, water levels).
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed by Georgia’s Agency of Protected Areas under the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve framework. Regulations on fishing and visitor activities apply. Recent efforts include developing ecotourism infrastructure like marked trails (e.g., ‘Velvet Scoter’s Path’).
• Local Communities: The lake is central to the landscape and identity of the villages of Tabatskuri and Moliti. It offers potential livelihoods through tourism, fishing, and agriculture (potatoes, dairy).

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• One of Georgia’s largest and deepest lakes.
• Its volcanic origin shapes its character.
• Features several small islands, important for nesting birds like the velvet scoter.
• Undergoes complete freezing in winter, sometimes used for travel by locals (with caution).
• Supports villages at nearly 2000m elevation directly on its shores, populated largely by ethnic Armenians.
• Subject of the documentary film “Mr. Velvet Scoter” (2023) highlighting the endangered duck population.