Tobavarchkhili: the 'Silver Lake' gem of Georgia's West

Offering a mirror-like reflection of surrounding hills and boulders, the remotely located lake is the largest of the Egrisi Range and found in the Tsalenjikha Municipality of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti province in Georgia's west. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

A five-day journey to and from the location is offered by guides and operators, with the hike to Tobavarchkhili starting in the village of Mukhura and tracing the valley of River Khobitstkali to the destination. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

A view over the valley during the first day of the trek. A shepherds' shed in the village of Natipiru, with spring water found nearby, is the usual point of stop after the day's walk. Guides categorise the hike to the location - which follows a path flanked by forest cover - as easy. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

A pass on the usual Day One route to Lake Tobavarchkhili. The pass is crossed before tourists reach a similarly named Tsashkibuli Tobavarchkhili, located a hundred metres from sea level lower than its sister lake, the main attraction of the tour. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

A view on Lake Tsashkibuli Tobavarchkhili, a smaller cousin of the main destination of the tour. It is reached via a pass crossed on partial ice cover and clastic rock fragments, leading guides to advise caution. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Another pass is crossed on Day Two of the route before hikers reach Lake Great Tobavarchkhili, the jewel of the tour. This part of the walk reaches around 2,600 metres above sea level, some 300 metres lower than the highest point of the entire route. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

An evening view over the lake, which is completely free of ice cover only during the months of July and August, indicating the most optimal time for visits of the place. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

A view on Tobavarchkhili from a vantage point. The lake is the source point of River Magane, which ends up in an eye-catching waterfall nearby. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Areas around Tobavarchkhili offer looks on alpine surroundings, mineral water springs, moss-covered layers and small lakes, the latter considered sacred by locals during the old times. According to legends, even dipping a palm into these lakes used to be prohibited by customs. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Starting from the point of village of Mukhura, the route of the tour is marked throughout for hikers. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Near the point of origin of the Khobistskali Valley, visitors cross another pass, and are offered with a spectacular view on both sides of the hill from a vantage point. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

The view on the northern side of the pass, with Mount Elbrus of the Caucasus chain - the highest peak in Europe - in the background. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Another part of the northern side of the pass, with small lakes dotting the hilly terrain. Sources of potable water are ample throughout the trek, however cell phone coverage on the route is limited. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

A photograph illustrating the type of terrain crossed by tourists on the path. Face covering able to protect from bites of flies is recommended for those embarking on the hike. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Waterfalls shrouded in mist, including one formed by River Magana, are a sight on the hike back to Tobavarchkhili. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Visitors can make a stop to buy cheese, ghomi and elarji (western Georgian dishes) from local shepherds on their way down after passing the edge of the alpine zone of the hills. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

The return hike from the lake offers options for explorers, with either a retrace of their original path or a longer route through resort Skuri possible. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

The Skuri direction passes through forested areas in a downhill, with the hike crossing River Tchanistskali before also passing by a mineral water spring. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

A camping area known as Kirnakhona offers shelter for camping, with a downhill from the spot leading visitors to Skuri. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.