Shaori Lake
Reservoir at about 1,130 m on the plateau below the Nakerala Pass, a cool summer stop on the road from Kutaisi to Ambrolauri.
Shaori LakePhoto: G.N., CC BY-SA 3.0Shaori Lake is a Soviet-era reservoir at about 1,130 m on the high plateau between the Nakerala Pass and Nikortsminda, south of Ambrolauri. The village of Kharistvala sits on its western shore. Surrounded by meadows and forested hills, it is a pleasant, breezy place to stop on the mountain road between Kutaisi and Racha, especially in summer, when it is far cooler than the lowlands. On calm days the hills reflect in the water, and in autumn the woods around it turn gold and red.
There is not much infrastructure yet, although a recreation zone has been planned. Most visitors stop for photographs, a picnic or a short walk along the shore, and it is a good place to stretch your legs after the climb from Tkibuli. The Nakerala Pass, about 7 km to the south-west, has wide views over Racha. Nikortsminda Cathedral is only a few kilometres to the north, so the two make an easy pair.
What to see and do
- Views across the lake from the shore near Kharistvala
- The Nakerala Pass viewpoint, about 7 km away
- Autumn colours in the surrounding woods
- An easy pairing with Nikortsminda Cathedral
How to visit
Getting there
On the main road between Kutaisi and Ambrolauri via Tkibuli and the Nakerala Pass: about 1.5 hours from Kutaisi and 40 minutes from Ambrolauri. There is no direct public transport, although Kutaisi to Ambrolauri marshrutkas pass by.
When to go
June–October; autumn for colours. Plan 30 minutes–1 hour here.
- Bring a warm layer: it is often windy and cool at 1,130 m
- Bring your own food and water, as facilities are few
- Combine with Nikortsminda Cathedral on the drive to Ambrolauri
Shaori Lake: FAQ
Where is Shaori Lake?
Shaori Lake is in Ambrolauri municipality, on the plateau between the Nakerala Pass and Nikortsminda, on the main road from Kutaisi to Ambrolauri.
Can you swim in Shaori Lake?
Shaori is a working reservoir at over 1,100 m with few facilities, so most visitors simply enjoy the views or have a picnic. Ask locally before swimming.
Tours that include Shaori Lake
Read more in our guides
Photo: Q-lieb-in, CC BY-SA 4.0Colour starts near the treeline in late September and reaches Tbilisi in November. Here is when each region peaks, the walks to do there and which mountain roads shut first.
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0Where to walk in Georgia's mountains and forests, when the passes open, how hard each trail is, what permits you need and how to stay safe, with tables of top walks and treks.
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Shaori Lake.
