Located about 100 kilometers west of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, Lake Paravani is the largest lake in the country. Despite its expansive surface area, the lake is surprisingly shallow, with a maximum depth of just four meters.
The climate in this region is known for its severity. From mid-autumn through mid-spring, the area experiences persistent cold, and during winter, the lake freezes over completely. The ice covering often reaches a thickness of 60 to 70 centimeters, transforming the landscape into a serene, frozen tableau.
Surrounding the lake are breathtaking alpine meadows — the pride of the region. In spring, these highland pastures come alive in a brilliant display of colors, as blooming wildflowers turn the fields into a natural mosaic of blue, red, and yellow, shimmering under the sunlight. The lush, velvety grass invites you to walk barefoot, while overhead, white, fluffy clouds drift by in ever-changing shapes, casting whimsical shadows on the ground below.
A sense of peace and harmony pervades the landscape, compelling visitors to linger as long as possible in this picture-perfect corner of nature. Recently, local authorities designated Lake Paravani and its surrounding territories as a zone for nature-based tourism. Plans are underway to plant around 5,000 pine trees along its shores — the only tree species resilient enough to thrive in the area’s harsh climate. Soon, a beautiful coniferous forest will rise here, adding another layer of splendor to the already enchanting scenery.
As legend tells it, the lake was once the heart of an ancient kingdom called Paravana. Its ruler had a daughter of exceptional beauty, and many suitors came from far and wide seeking her hand in marriage. In order to choose the most worthy, the king proposed a contest of combat among the young men.
But the princess, compassionate and wise, could not bear the thought of bloodshed. Instead, she proposed a different challenge: the suitor who could return with an eternal flame — a fire that could never be extinguished — would win her hand.
Thinking the task easier than a duel, the young men set off eagerly in all directions. Yet, none of them returned. Whether they failed in their quest, lost their way, or found other brides elsewhere, no one truly knows. Heartbroken, the princess wept so bitterly and for so long that her tears formed Lake Paravani.
From myth to mystery, the lake continues to intrigue not just storytellers, but scientists as well. In the murky depths, where visibility drops below four centimeters, hydrologists made a startling discovery — stone structures lying on the lakebed. While conducting a series of routine studies, they stumbled upon these unusual remains and quickly alerted archaeologists.
What followed was the launch of the “Lake Paravani Project,” a joint effort that led to the uncovering of a sprawling ancient burial site, spanning over 900 square meters.
Subsequent analysis revealed that the burial site dated back to the Bronze Age. Among the findings were artifacts of daily life: kitchenware, fishing tools, and ceramic vessels — some of which belonged to the Classical era, specifically the 4th century BCE.