Tabatskuri Lake
Deep volcanic lake at 1,991 m in the Javakheti highlands, reached by a rough road over the Tskhratskaro Pass from Bakuriani.
Tabatskuri is a deep mountain lake at 1,991 m on the northern edge of the Javakheti plateau, south of Bakuriani. It covers about 14 km² and reaches a depth of about 40 m, far deeper than Paravani. Bare green hills rise around it, and the villages of Tabatskuri and Moliti sit near its shores. The lake holds trout, barbel and carp, and its Tabatskuri section is part of the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve. It usually freezes from December to March.
There is very little infrastructure here, which is the appeal: you come for the drive, the silence, a picnic or a night in a tent. The usual approach is the unpaved road from Bakuriani over the Tskhratskaro Pass, best tackled in a 4x4 or high-clearance car and passable only once the snow has gone. In summer, drivers and tour operators in Bakuriani offer trips to the lake. Bring everything you need, as shops and cafés are minimal or absent.
What to see and do
- Drive over the Tskhratskaro Pass from Bakuriani by 4x4
- Picnic or camp on the open shores
- Photograph the lake and surrounding highland villages
How to visit
Getting there
Tabatskuri is about 15 km south of Bakuriani as the crow flies, but the road over the Tskhratskaro Pass is unpaved and slow, so allow plenty of time and use a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle. In summer, trips run from Bakuriani.
When to go
June to September. Plan half a day to a full day here.
- Use a 4x4 or high-clearance car, and avoid the road after heavy rain
- Carry your passport: a guarded pipeline runs through the area and there can be security checks
- Bring food, water and warm layers, as services are minimal
- Check fishing rules locally, as the lake is in a managed reserve
Tabatskuri Lake: FAQ
How do you get to Lake Tabatskuri from Bakuriani?
By 4x4 or high-clearance car over the unpaved Tskhratskaro Pass road, which is passable only outside the snow season. In summer, drivers and tour operators in Bakuriani offer trips.
How deep is Lake Tabatskuri?
Its maximum depth is about 40 m, much deeper than Paravani. It lies at 1,991 m and covers about 14 km².
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Tabatskuri Lake.
