The most beautiful place in Georgia — Tobavarchkhili Lakes
Tobavarchkhili Lakes are located in the Samegrelo National Park. The name "Tobavarchkhili" translates from the Mingrelian language as "Silver Lake." Unlike the trekking routes in Svaneti, the trails here are not tailored for mass tourism; they remain difficult to traverse and uncrowded. I believe this is the most beautiful route in Georgia. The ideal time for such a trek is August.
Usually, this name refers to several bodies of water located near each other: Lake Tobavarchkhili itself, another large lake called Okhoje, as well as Didgalish, Kalalish, and Tsakatskarish. All these photos were captured by drone.
Travel like this leaves you speechless and then turns you into a natural storyteller! That’s exactly how I respond when people ask about our trek to Tobavarchkhili.
For me, the Tobavarchkhili lakes are the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen in Georgia (and I’ve seen a lot). Yes, the route is difficult. Yes, it requires immense effort and a huge team to organize a comfortable expedition. But the lakes and the surrounding mountains are magic on Earth. They don’t just reveal unimaginable views; they expose your every strength and weakness, pushing your inner boundaries further than ever before.
Here, you experience the full spectrum of emotions: awe, anger, joy, anxiety, boundless love, and immense happiness. It all hits you so vividly and powerfully... as if you hadn't truly lived before, but had been some unfeeling snob. I never tire of saying it: the route to the Tobavarchkhili lakes isn't just a hike; it’s a meditation, a journey of self-work. It is a genuine reset and transformation. In my 'guiding career,' I’ve led over 50 people there, and I have yet to see a single person who didn't change or rediscover themselves.
For me, the Tobavarchkhili lakes are the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen in Georgia (and I’ve seen a lot). Yes, the route is difficult. Yes, it requires immense effort and a huge team to organize a comfortable expedition. But the lakes and the surrounding mountains are magic on Earth. They don’t just reveal unimaginable views; they expose your every strength and weakness, pushing your inner boundaries further than ever before.
Here, you experience the full spectrum of emotions: awe, anger, joy, anxiety, boundless love, and immense happiness. It all hits you so vividly and powerfully... as if you hadn't truly lived before, but had been some unfeeling snob. I never tire of saying it: the route to the Tobavarchkhili lakes isn't just a hike; it’s a meditation, a journey of self-work. It is a genuine reset and transformation. In my 'guiding career,' I’ve led over 50 people there, and I have yet to see a single person who didn't change or rediscover themselves.
In 5 days, it feels like we went through EVERYTHING! Tropical forests, steep ascents and descents, boulders, glaciers, sand, and mud. We stood on mountain peaks above the clouds and watched the sunset by the lake, picked flowers in meadows, swam in rivers, and crossed wooden bridges. We saw the rugged Greater Tobavarchkhili Lake, embodying pure power, and the softer, more delicate Lesser Lake Okhoje. We drank spring water and slept in tents under a thundering sky, cooked on gas burners and sipped delicious coffee on riverbanks, tasted Kvari with one family and Elarji with another—all in just a few days. 🔥
Tobavarchkhili, until we meet again!
Tobavarchkhili, until we meet again!