Tsivi Tba (Cold Lake)

Tsivi Tba: The Icy Heart of the Egrisi Trek

As its name “Cold Lake” suggests, Tsivi Tba is a body of piercingly cold water, even at the height of summer. This pristine alpine lake is another jewel of the Egrisi Mountain range, often encountered by trekkers on the epic route towards the Tobavarchkhili lakes. It lies in a classic glacial cirque, a bowl-shaped valley carved by ancient ice, surrounded by steep, rocky slopes that hold snow long into the warmer months. The lake represents the raw, minimalist beauty of Georgia’s high mountains, a reward for those who venture deep into the wilderness. It is a testament to the wild, untamed nature that characterizes the highlands of Samegrelo, offering a moment of quiet contemplation and a deep appreciation for the stark beauty of glaciated landscapes.

Identification and Location

• Name: Tsivi Tba (Cold Lake).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
  • Municipality: Chkhorotsqu
• Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Egrisi Mountains, on the trekking route to Tobavarchkhili.
• Coordinates: Approximately 42.7095° N, 42.2033° E.
• Connections: Fed by snowmelt and small glacial streams.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: A small alpine lake.
• Maximum Depth: Information not widely available, but considered to be relatively deep for its size.
• Elevation Above Sea Level: High, approximately 2550 meters.
• Water Source(s): Snowmelt, precipitation.
• Outflowing Stream(s): Contributes to streams that form tributaries of the Khobistskali River.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Geology of Basin: Glacial cirque, a deep basin carved by a glacier.

Ecological Information

• Flora: The surrounding landscape is dominated by alpine and subalpine meadows, with sparse vegetation on the rocky scree slopes.
• Fauna: The extremely cold water is unlikely to support fish. The area is a habitat for mountain wildlife like chamois and birds of prey.
• Water Clarity: Exceptionally high transparency, with a deep blue or turquoise color.
• Trophic Level: Oligotrophic (low in nutrients), typical for high-altitude glacial lakes.
• Unique Ecological Features: Its pristine condition and role as a classic example of a high-altitude glacial lake in the Egrisi range.
• Conservation Status: De facto protected by its remoteness.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Part of the traditional shepherd routes and folklore of the Megrelian highlands.
• Current Use: A key waypoint and potential camping spot for trekkers on the Tobavarchkhili route.
• Environmental Issues: Protected by its inaccessibility, but vulnerable to waste left by trekking groups.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: No formal management; conservation relies on responsible tourism practices.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• Its name literally means “Cold Lake”, a fitting description for its year-round frigid waters.
• It is often the first major glacial lake trekkers encounter on the most popular route to Tobavarchkhili.