The Triala Lakes

About this activity

The Triala Lakes (თრიალას ტბები) are a cluster of typically three small, scenic lakes nestled within a forest environment on the northern slopes of Mount Tlili in Adigeni Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Georgia. Located at an elevation of approximately 1620 meters above sea level, these lakes offer a tranquil natural setting distinct from Georgia’s high alpine or volcanic plateau lakes. Fed mainly by snowmelt and springs, their water levels fluctuate significantly, being highest in spring and early summer, and sometimes drying out completely by late summer or autumn. The lakes, consisting of one larger and two smaller bodies of water situated close together, are popular local destinations for recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking. They are accessible via dirt roads and trails, often incorporated into routes starting from nearby villages like Ijareti or leading towards Zarzma Monastery. While picturesque, detailed scientific data regarding their specific dimensions and ecological characteristics is limited.

Identification and Location

• Name of the Lake: Triala Lakes (თრიალას ტბები) – usually referred to in the plural as a group.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti
  • Municipality: Adigeni
  • Specific Location: Northern slope of Mount Tlili (მთა თლილი), within a forested area.
  • Nearest Major City or Landmark: Adigeni is the municipal center. Akhaltsikhe is the regional capital, roughly 33 km away. Nearby villages include Ijareti and Zarzma (known for the Zarzma Monastery).
  • Coordinates (latitude and longitude): Precise coordinates for each small lake are not widely published. The area is generally around 1620 meters elevation near Mount Tlili.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: A cluster of three closely situated lakes (one large, two small). They are fed by local sources and likely have minor outlets or drain via seepage.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Comprises multiple small lakes. The total area is small, and individual lake areas are not commonly specified.
• Maximum Depth: Unknown. Likely shallow, especially the smaller ones.
• Average Depth: Unknown.
• Volume: Unknown, relatively small volume for each lake.
• Elevation: Approximately 1620 meters ($5315$ feet) above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Short for each individual lake.
• Water Source(s): Primarily snowmelt, local springs, and precipitation.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Details unknown; likely seepage or small seasonal streams.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Likely formed by landslide activity, damming, or other geological processes common in forested mountain slope environments of the Meskheti Range vicinity.

Ecological Information

• Flora (Plant Life): Situated within a dense forest (presumably mixed coniferous and deciduous). Shoreline vegetation typical of forest lakes. Aquatic vegetation may be present depending on depth and nutrient levels.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Fishing is mentioned as a possible activity, suggesting the presence of fish (species not specified in available sources). The surrounding forest likely hosts fauna typical of the Meskheti Range area (various mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates).
• Trophic Level: Specific classification unavailable. Given the forest setting and moderate altitude, they might range from oligotrophic to mesotrophic or even eutrophic seasonally, but this is speculative.
• Water Clarity: Likely varies seasonally with water level and potential sediment inflow.
• Water Temperature (seasonal variations if applicable): Water is likely cool. The lakes freeze in winter, though the ice may not be consistently thick or safe. Water levels are highest in spring/early summer and can decrease significantly or dry up later in the season.
• pH Levels: Unknown.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Unknown.
• Unique Ecological Features: A cluster of small lakes within a mid-altitude forest setting. Their seasonal water level fluctuation is notable.
• Conservation Status: No specific major conservation designation is commonly cited for the lakes themselves, though they are part of Georgia’s natural landscape.
• Invasive Species: Presence/impact unknown.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: While the lakes themselves don’t have widely cited specific historical importance, they are located near historically significant sites like the 13th-century ruins in Ijareti and the Zarzma Monastery complex.
• Current Uses: Primarily recreation: camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, nature observation. They are points of interest along local hiking trails (e.g., Ijareti – Triala Lakes – Zarzma route).
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts from recreational use (litter, fire pits). Susceptible to seasonal drying due to reliance on snowmelt and springs. Potential impacts from forestry activities in the wider area. Locals have expressed concerns about one of the lakes shrinking and becoming swampy.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Primarily relies on responsible visitor behavior and general environmental protection regulations. Local authorities may be aware of concerns regarding water levels/drying.
• Local Communities: Serve as recreational destinations for local residents and visitors. Access routes often pass through or start from local villages like Ijareti.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• The site consists of multiple lakes (usually described as three) rather than a single large body of water.
• They are known for significant seasonal water level changes, sometimes drying out in late summer/autumn, which has raised local concerns.
• Their location within a forest offers a different environment compared to Georgia’s more famous high-mountain or steppe lakes.