Tsundi Lake

Tsundi Lake: The Historic Mirror of Vardzia

Tsundi Lake is a small, serene body of water located on the high Javakheti Plateau, with immense historical significance due to its proximity to some of Georgia’s most important landmarks. It lies near the ancient village of Tsunda and the world-famous cave monastery city of Vardzia. This is not a lake for grand adventures, but for quiet contemplation in a landscape saturated with history. The lake’s calm surface reflects the vast, arid sky of the plateau, surrounded by rolling hills and ancient terraced slopes. For centuries, this lake was a vital water source for the inhabitants of the historic Tsunda settlement, which was an important religious and administrative center long before Vardzia was built. A visit to Tsundi Lake is often combined with a tour of Vardzia, offering a moment of natural tranquility and a different perspective on this powerful historical landscape.

Identification and Location

• Name: Tsundi Lake (წუნდის ტბა).
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti
  • Municipality: Aspindza
• Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Very close to the Vardzia Cave Monastery Complex and the historic village of Tsunda.
• Coordinates: Approximately 41.3750° N, 43.3200° E.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Very small, approximately 0.05 square kilometers.
• Elevation Above Sea Level: Approximately 1650 meters.
• Water Source(s): Springs and precipitation.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Geology of Basin: Likely a tectonic or landslide-dammed depression on the volcanic plateau.

Ecological Information

• Flora: Surrounded by arid steppe vegetation and grasslands.
• Fauna: May support small fish populations.
• Conservation Status: Part of a wider historical and cultural protected zone.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Deeply connected to the history of Tsunda, one of the oldest settlements in the region, and later to the life of the Vardzia monastery.
• Current Use: A point of interest for tourists visiting Vardzia, offering beautiful photo opportunities. Also used by locals.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Protected as part of the Vardzia historical-architectural museum-reserve.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• It offers one of the best vantage points for photographing the landscapes surrounding the Vardzia complex.
• The lake is a living link to the ancient history of the region, pre-dating the famous cave city.