The Kulbaki Lakes

About this activity

The Kulbaki Lakes (ყულბაქის ტბები – Kulbakis Tbebi) refer to a pair of charming lakes situated near the village of Kulbaki in Tsageri Municipality, within Georgia’s Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region. Unlike remote alpine tarns, these lakes are located at a more accessible lower elevation, nestled amidst forested mountains. The site comprises two main lakes lying about 300-500 meters apart: the Green Lake (Mtsvane Tba) and Babushkino Lake. The Green Lake is particularly notable as it is an artificial lake, created by damming a former marshland, and now hosts a trout farm and a small tourist complex. Babushkino Lake is natural, shallower, and sometimes experiences significant drying. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lechkhumi, characterized by forested slopes and fresh mountain air, the Kulbaki Lakes offer a tranquil retreat and serve as a base or point of interest for local tourism and hiking activities in the area.

Identification and Location:

• Name of the Lake: Kulbaki Lakes (ყულბაქის ტბები – Kulbakis Tbebi). This typically refers to the Green Lake (მწვანე ტბა – Mtsvane Tba) and Babushkino Lake (ბაბუშკინოს ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country/Region: Georgia, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, Tsageri Municipality.
  • Specific Location: Near the village of Kulbaki, in the Jonouli River gorge area.
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Kulbaki village, Khvamli Massif (visible in the wider area), town of Tsageri. Accessible by road from Kutaisi (approx. 1-hour drive).
  • Coordinates: Green Lake approx. 955m elevation, Babushkino Lake approx. 990m elevation. General area coordinates near Kulbaki village.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: Located relatively close to each other. Likely fed by local springs, streams, and precipitation. Drainage contributes to the Jonouli River, a tributary of the Tskhenistsqali.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Both lakes are small. Green Lake’s area resulted from damming a marsh. Babushkino Lake’s area fluctuates. Precise areas are not commonly cited but are limited.
• Maximum Depth: Green Lake’s depth is artificial. Babushkino Lake is shallow.
• Average Depth: Shallow for both.
• Volume: Small for both.
• Elevation: Green Lake: approx. $955$ meters; Babushkino Lake: approx. $990$ meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Relatively short for both small lakes.
• Water Source(s): Local springs, streams, precipitation, runoff. Green Lake specifically fed by dammed water sources from the former marsh.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Likely have outlets contributing to local streams/Jonouli River system.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Situated in a mountain river valley setting within the Lechkhumi region. Green Lake’s basin is artificially modified (dam). Babushkino Lake occupies a natural depression.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by deciduous and mixed forests characteristic of the region. Shoreline vegetation includes grasses and moisture-loving plants. Aquatic vegetation may be present, especially in shallower Babushkino Lake.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Green Lake is managed as a trout farm (introduced trout). Babushkino Lake’s natural fauna is less documented but includes aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. The surrounding forests support regional wildlife.
• Trophic Level: Green Lake’s level is influenced by the trout farm (potentially mesotrophic to eutrophic). Babushkino Lake’s trophic status is unclear but likely influenced by shallow depth and potential drying (can range from oligotrophic to eutrophic seasonally).
• Water Clarity: Variable, influenced by depth, season, and biological activity (especially in Green Lake due to fish farming).
• Water Temperature: Subject to seasonal variations typical for the altitude. Green Lake suitable for boating/recreation in summer. Both freeze in winter.
• pH Levels: Likely near-neutral.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Sufficient for trout in Green Lake (possibly managed). Variable in Babushkino Lake.
• Unique Ecological Features: Green Lake represents an example of marshland conversion into a managed aquatic ecosystem for tourism/aquaculture. Babushkino Lake is a natural, shallow mountain lake subject to seasonal changes.
• Conservation Status: No specific high-level conservation status is typically mentioned for these lakes themselves, but they are part of the ecologically valuable Lechkhumi landscape. Green Lake is privately managed.
• Invasive Species: Trout in Green Lake are introduced for farming.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Located near Kulbaki village, part of the historical Lechkhumi region. Green Lake’s recent history involves its creation by a local entrepreneur.
• Current Uses: Green Lake is actively used for tourism: accommodation (hotel/cottages), restaurant, recreational fishing (trout), boating, horse riding nearby. Babushkino Lake is less developed for tourism. The area serves as a starting/ending point for some hiking routes towards Askhi Massif or Lebarde.
• Environmental Issues: Potential water quality impacts related to fish farming and tourism activities at Green Lake. Babushkino Lake’s ecosystem is sensitive to drying cycles, potentially exacerbated by climate change. Road access maintenance.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Green Lake is privately managed as a tourist complex. Broader environmental management falls under regional/municipal jurisdiction.
• Local Communities: The Green Lake complex provides local employment and attracts visitors, benefiting the Kulbaki village area and the wider Lechkhumi tourism profile.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• The well-known “Green Lake” of Kulbaki is an artificial lake, created by damming a marshland for trout farming and tourism.
• The site features two distinct lakes (Green and Babushkino) located close together at relatively low mountain elevations.
• Offers accessible nature-based recreation (fishing, boating, lodging) in the scenic Lechkhumi region.
• Serves as a gateway for exploring surrounding natural attractions like Khvamli Mountain or hiking trails.