Nestled in the northern reaches of the Arsiansky Ridge, Green Lake is a breathtaking natural wonder shrouded in legend and beauty. Located near the Goderdzi Pass at an altitude of 2,133 meters above sea level, this picturesque lake is in close proximity to the balneological resort of Beshumi, where even the air is said to have healing properties, revitalizing the body and spirit.
Surrounded by lush coniferous and deciduous forests, Green Lake is fed by underground springs, ensuring that its waters are not only crystal clear but also suitable for drinking. In fact, the lake’s water is mineral-rich, as the springs that fill it are abundant in elements from the periodic table. However, most tourists prefer to drink from a nearby spring that flows beside the lake.
A visit to this natural reservoir is best enjoyed with tents in tow, as spending a couple of days by the water is undoubtedly worthwhile. The lake offers stunning panoramic photography opportunities, ideal for capturing breathtaking landscapes and memorable selfies. At the end of August, visitors can also find wild blackberries, one of the most popular berries in the mountains of southern Georgia.
While there are several smaller bodies of water near Green Lake, none are as picturesque. Its unique appearance, characterized by a vibrant turquoise hue, sets it apart from all others. The lake’s uneven bottom creates variations in its surface color due to fluctuations in depth, adding to its charm.
Unlike other natural water bodies, Green Lake boasts a bottom completely free from silt, further attesting to the purity of its waters. There are no fish in the lake, making it futile to bring fishing rods; however, a rod may come in handy if you plan to continue your journey and stop at other fishing spots throughout Georgia.
The lake derives its name from its rich turquoise color, but its uniqueness extends beyond this striking hue. Situated in the alpine zone, Green Lake maintains sub-zero temperatures throughout the winter months. Summers in the mountains are cool, while winters can be particularly frigid. Remarkably, despite the often harsh temperatures, which can plummet to between -10 to -20 degrees Celsius, Green Lake never freezes. This intriguing phenomenon remains difficult to explain, as the water is stagnant and lacks any hot or warm springs feeding into it. Even when warmed by the summer sun, the lake’s water remains refreshingly cool.
The Southern Caucasus mountains are of volcanic origin, and the lake’s bottom is strewn with tuff, basalt, and other stones formed during eruptions. Currently, there are no active volcanoes in Adjara, yet remnants of prehistoric natural cataclysms can still be seen on the lakebed. The stones in Green Lake are devoid of underwater algae that typically create a slimy coating.
The landscape surrounding the lake becomes especially enchanting in the golden hues of autumn, when the trees encircling the water transform into warm shades of yellow, orange, crimson, and red.
Due to its high-altitude location, visiting Green Lake is best recommended between July and September, as the weather can be quite cold at other times of the year. During winter, the pass often closes to vehicle traffic due to heavy snowfall. Typically, the road to the lake remains accessible throughout October, and during this time, it is extraordinarily beautiful. If the weather permits and rain is absent, we highly recommend making the journey in the fall. The vibrant red and yellow leaves on the trees create a fairy-tale-like beauty in this enchanting region.