Tobavarchkhili Lake

About this activity

Tobavarchkhili Lake (ტობავარჩხილი), famously known as the “Silver Lake” (ვერცხლის ტბა), is arguably one of Georgia’s most breathtaking and iconic mountain lakes. Located in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, it lies nestled high on the southern slopes of the Egrisi Mountain Range at an impressive elevation of approximately 2650 meters (8694 feet). This glacial lake is the largest and centerpiece of a system of stunning alpine lakes, often referred to collectively as the Tobavarchkhili lakes, which includes smaller nearby pools like Patara Toba (Okhoje Toba).

Renowned for its crystal-clear, piercingly cold freshwater and dramatic setting amidst rugged peaks, Tobavarchkhili offers unparalleled natural beauty. The lake covers about 0.21 square kilometers and reaches depths of up to 35 meters. It is primarily fed by snowmelt, rain, and underground springs draining the surrounding mountains. The lake gives rise to the Magana River, which cascades down through a beautiful waterfall near the outlet.

Reaching Tobavarchkhili is a significant undertaking, requiring a challenging multi-day trek typically lasting 5-8 days, depending on the route and pace. Common starting points are the villages of Mukhuri or Skuri. The journey traverses diverse landscapes, from dense Colchian forests at lower elevations to expansive alpine meadows and rocky mountain passes often exceeding 2900 meters. Due to the high altitude and remote location, the lake is accessible only during a short summer window, generally from mid-July to mid-September, when the trails and passes are mostly free of snow. Given the current date (April 26, 2025), Tobavarchkhili Lake and the high-altitude trails leading to it are definitely inaccessible due to deep snow cover. The trek demands good physical fitness, proper gear, and often the support of experienced guides and packhorses. Steeped in local legends and offering profound wilderness immersion, Tobavarchkhili remains a coveted destination for serious trekkers and nature lovers.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Tobavarchkhili Lake (ტობავარჩხილი). Common names: Silver Lake (ვერცხლის ტბა – Vertskhlis Tba), Didi Toba (დიდი ტბა – Big Lake), Chitagvala’s Toba (ჭითაგვალაშ ტობა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
  • Municipality: Tsalenjikha
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Located high on the southern slopes of the Egrisi Range. Part of a lake system bearing its name.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 42.72∘ N latitude, 42.21∘ E longitude (approximate center).
• Relationship to other bodies of water: The largest lake in the Tobavarchkhili system, which includes nearby Patara Toba (Okhoje Toba), Kalalish Toba, Didghalish Toba, Tsakatskarish Toba. It is the source of the Magana River.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: ≈0.21 km2 (21 hectares).
• Maximum Depth: $\approx 35\text{ m}$.
• Average Depth: $\approx 15.8\text{ m}$.
• Volume: ≈3.3 million m3.
• Elevation: $\approx 2650\text{ m}$ (8694 ft) above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Not specified, but likely 2-3 km. Shores are generally rocky.
• Water Source(s): Snowmelt, rainfall, groundwater/springs from surrounding slopes.
• Outlet(s): Yes, the source of the Magana River. A notable waterfall is located near the outlet.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Glacial cirque lake formed within the Jurassic-age porphyritic rocks characteristic of the Egrisi Range.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by alpine meadows and rocky terrain above the treeline. Lower sections of access trails pass through deciduous (oak, beech, hornbeam, chestnut) and coniferous (fir, spruce) forests typical of the Colchic bioregion. Aquatic vegetation in the lake is likely minimal.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Reportedly fishless. Likely supports cold-adapted aquatic invertebrates. The surrounding Egrisi mountains provide habitat for birds of prey, Caucasian Snowcock, chamois, tur, and occasionally larger mammals like brown bear and wolf, although direct encounters near the lake are uncommon.
• Trophic Level: Oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) due to cold temperatures, high altitude, and minimal nutrient input.
• Water Clarity: Exceptionally high, often described as crystal clear or transparent.
• Water Temperature: Very cold year-round. The lake is frozen for approximately 8-9 months (typically Oct/Nov through June/July). Even during summer, the water is unsuitable for prolonged swimming due to the cold.
• pH Levels: Data not available; likely near-neutral.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data not available; likely high.
• Unique Ecological Features: High-altitude, pristine glacial lake ecosystem. Source of the Magana River. Part of a cluster of scenic alpine lakes.
• Conservation Status: Not formally designated within a national park or strict reserve, but situated in a remote and ecologically valuable mountain area. Responsible tourism practices are crucial.
• Invasive Species: Extremely unlikely due to isolation and harsh conditions.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Known and revered by local populations (especially Megrelians) for centuries. Considered a sacred place in local folklore, with legends warning against disturbing its waters (believed to cause storms). Area traditionally used by shepherds for summer pastures.
• Current Uses: Major destination for multi-day adventure tourism, specifically trekking and wilderness camping. Highly valued for its aesthetic beauty and remote wilderness experience. Not utilized for fishing, irrigation, or hydroelectric power.
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts from increasing tourism include litter/waste management challenges, trail erosion, and campsite degradation. Remoteness and difficult access limit large-scale pressures but make management challenging. Sensitivity of the alpine ecosystem to disturbance and climate change.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: No dedicated park administration on site. Relies on general environmental regulations and responsible practices by tour operators and individual hikers. Access is primarily limited by natural conditions (weather, snow) and the trek’s difficulty.
• Local Communities: The lakes are culturally significant. Trekking tourism provides economic opportunities for residents in starting villages (Mukhuri, Skuri, Khaishi) through guiding, horse transport, accommodation, and supplies.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• The name “Tobavarchkhili” means “Silver Lake” in the Megrelian language.
• Widely considered one of the most beautiful and rewarding trekking destinations in Georgia.
• Local legends warn that disturbing the lake (e.g., swimming loudly, throwing stones) can cause sudden storms, rain, or fog. Another legend speaks of a shepherd whose flock was devoured by the lake after being forced to stop there in fog.
• It is the source of the Magana River, with a significant waterfall near its outflow.
• The lake remains frozen for about 8-9 months of the year, only becoming fully ice-free in mid-to-late summer.
• Reaching the lake requires a strenuous multi-day trek involving crossing high mountain passes.