Georgia is that corner of the earth where all natural zones are concentrated. There are deserts, steppes and impassable forests, subtropics and alpine zone, mountains and swamps. Part of this beauty is concentrated in Adjara, which is rightfully one of the most picturesque regions of Georgia. For eco-hikes and travels, Adjara is one of the most ideal places.
Lake in the mountains
The Green Lake, the beauty of which is legendary, is located in the north of the Arsian Range. Not far from the Goderzi Pass at an altitude of 2133 m above sea level. Nearby is the Beshumi balneological resort, where even the air cures many diseases and fills the body with vital energy.
The lake is surrounded by coniferous and deciduous forests on all sides. It is fed by underground springs, so the water is not only transparent, but also quite suitable for drinking. Moreover, the lake water is mineral, because the springs that fill it are rich in elements of the periodic table. But tourists drink water from the spring that flows next to the lake.
It is recommended to go to this natural reservoir with tents, because it is definitely worth stopping for a couple of days by the water.
You can take excellent panoramic photos, landscapes and selfies on the lake. At the end of August, blackberries are found, this is one of the most popular berries in the mountains of southern Georgia.
There are other small reservoirs near the Green Lake, but this is the most picturesque of them. It is impossible to confuse it with others. The bottom of the lake is uneven, so the color of the surface is uneven due to differences in depth.
Unlike other natural reservoirs, there is absolutely no hint of silt at the bottom of the lake – this is another evidence of the purity of the water.
There are no fish in the Green Lake, so carrying fishing rods with you to fish on the Green Lake is a waste of time. A fishing rod will come in handy if you plan to continue your journey and stop at other reservoirs found in Georgia.
The lake got its name because of its rich turquoise color. But its uniqueness lies not only in its color. Green Lake is located in the alpine zone, where the temperature is constantly below zero in winter. In the mountains it is cool in summer, and especially frosty in winter. But no matter how low the temperature is, and in the mountains it often stays around -10 -20, Green Lake does not freeze. It is difficult to explain this feature, since the water is stagnant, and there are no hot or warm springs feeding the lake. Moreover, the water in the lake is always cold, even warmed by the summer sun, it is quite cool.
The mountains of the South Caucasus are of volcanic origin, so the bottom of the Green Lake is strewn with tuff, basalt and other stones that are formed during the eruption. There are currently no active volcanoes in Adjara, and echoes of prehistoric natural disasters are visible at the bottom of the reservoir. The stones in the lake are not covered with underwater algae that form mucus.
The landscape around the lake is especially charming in golden autumn, when the trees surrounding the reservoir acquire warm autumn colors, yellow, orange, crimson, red, etc.
How to get to Green Lake
The path to the Green Lake itself can be a separate adventure. It should be noted that there are two ways to get to the lake:
On foot after the Trans-Adjara highway, it is recommended if you go to the lake as part of a group of friends and like-minded people with tents and a guitar)))
You should go by SUV if you need to quickly return to “civilization” or continue your journey.
Tourists who want to see the Green Lake, but do not have time for hiking or do not have a jeep, can order an excursion. For example, this one: “Journey to the Georgian Alps”
This is certainly more expensive than an independent trip, but it is worth it, as it is reliable and safe. And the guide is good.
Independent trip to the lake in an SUV.
There is no point in going to Green Lake in any car except an SUV, as tourists can expect off-road conditions with significant descents and ascents, as well as impassable mud if it has rained.
Attention! After Khulo the asphalt ends! Further on there is only a dirt road. And if in summer, in dry weather, you can still drive on it in a passenger car. But after any rain it will be very difficult to do.
There are two roads leading to the lake. One is shorter, but it takes longer to drive. The second is longer, but the road itself is better.
First option: Turn off the main road near the village of Danisparauli. The road further on will be very bad. But along the way you will come across several alpine meadows. Insanely beautiful places, as if ideally created for photo shoots.
This is the road I took to the lake for the first time a few years ago. The car suspension had to be changed after that. That’s why I recommend using the second method.
Option two: We reach the Goderzi Pass. And from there we turn towards the lake along a new, paved road. In addition to the partially paved road, this option is preferable because you will visit the pass and admire the beautiful panoramic views.
There is a sign on the pass “Green Lake” at this sign you should turn off.
Then you will have to continue the journey along the asphalt road past strange villages. It should be said that people live in these villages only in the summer, and 9-10 months a year these houses are empty. Such villages are called “yayla” – these are summer pastures where large and small cattle are driven, where dairy products are also made: butter, cheeses. In the fall, the “nomads” descend with prepared supplies of dairy products and fattened cattle to the lower villages, where their permanent homes are located.
That is why the houses in these “yaylas” have an unsightly appearance and resemble an abandoned hut, some of them are really abandoned, because the younger generation is not particularly in a hurry to live according to medieval traditions. Despite their unsightly appearance, some huts (“kokhi” in Georgian) are over a hundred years old. They are made of good material – chestnut wood, so they can stand for another hundred years.
Since the main food product of the inhabitants of “yayla” is milk, many dishes are made on its basis. In the cuisine of the inhabitants of mountainous Adjara there are specific dishes made from milk, which are rarely prepared by the Adjarans living on the coast. When relaxing at the seaside resorts of this region, try kaimagi, borano, sinori and various types of cheese. They can sometimes be found in Batumi restaurants. I especially recommend sinori – a very tasty and unusual dish.
Independent trip to the lake by public transport
Let me make it clear right away: I do not recommend getting there on your own. This method is only suitable for extreme recreation enthusiasts.
In Georgian, it is called “Mtsvane Tba”. Perhaps this name will come in handy on your way when you ask the locals for directions.
As mentioned above, you should go to the lake along the Trans-Adjara highway towards Akhaltsikhe. There are regular minibuses to Akhaltsikhe from Batumi, but they go along a different road, so it would be a good idea to ask the driver or passengers which road the minibus is going along. It is safe to go by public transport to Khulo, and then by hitchhiking or taxi to the sign.
There is another option: only in summer at the Batumi bus station in the morning before 11 o’clock, there are three buses to Beshumi and Akhaltsikhe, passing along the Goderzi pass. You should find out the departure time in advance, as the schedules change.
These minibuses will take you to a metal monument-sign. There you need to get off and turn left. You will have to walk about 7 kilometers or hitchhike, if you meet one and pick it up. But you should not count on a ride. It is better to go on an independent journey to the lake in the company of reliable and cheerful friends.
What to see along the way
If you leave early in the morning, you can see the bridge and waterfall in Makhuntseti on the way. Especially since there will be few tourists there at this time. I would not recommend sightseeing in the Keda and Shuakhevi area. It takes a lot of time and it is better to set aside a separate day for this.
The high-mountain village of Khulo is located on the way to the Goderzi Pass along the Trans-Adjara highway. The Adjariskali River flows under the village in a deep crevice. It is about 90 km from Batumi to Khulo. Travel time to the village is an hour and a half. And this place is perfect for a short rest before a long and slow dirt road.
The attraction of Khulo is the cable car (temporarily closed in 2025), which locals use to cross from one bank to the other – to the village.
The medieval fortresses, which this region is rich in, are located outside the city. On the way to Khulo, you can visit two villages with interesting historical monuments.
Khikhadziri is a mountain village on the Skhalta River. There are many attractions around this village: the fortresses of Khikhani and Vartsikhe, the temples of Kalota and Khikhadziri. But you can’t see them all in one day. You need at least two days. One to the lake, the other to the Khikhani fortress, which is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Georgia.
Green Lake on the map
Information for tourists
Since Green Lake is located high in the mountains, it is recommended to visit it only in July-September, at other times of the year it is cold here, and in winter the pass is closed to traffic due to high snow cover. As a rule, the road to the lake is also accessible throughout October. Moreover, at this time of year it is unusually beautiful. And if there is no rain, then I would even highly recommend going there in the fall. The red and yellow leaves on the trees make this region fabulously beautiful.
Oddly enough, swimming, even in such a small body of water, is dangerous, because cold water can cause cramps. Perhaps this factor explains why people sometimes drown in the lake.
High in the mountains, cold winds often blow, and the air temperature is much lower than on the coast, so do not forget to take warm clothes with you.
After a long and difficult trek, you will definitely want to eat. It should be noted that there are no retail outlets either on Green Lake or in the “yayla”, so it is better to take food with you. You can have a picnic, light a fire and have a feast against the backdrop of a wonderful landscape. Just please do not forget to clean up after yourself.
But if you go through the pass, then at the turn to the lake there is one small cafe. The prices there are above average. But there is no alternative to it in the area. The owners of the cafe are very friendly and hospitable people.
You should also leave the campsite only after the fire has completely gone out and is covered with earth or flooded with water.
The hike back from the lake should be along the same path, otherwise you can get lost in the mountains.
If you decide to go to the lake on your own by public transport, you need to plan on spending the night near the lake, so you should take a tent and everything you need for a stop in the forest.
Photo: Victor
More about Batumi and Georgia:
Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia
Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift
The Best Adjarian Khachapuri in Batumi. Top 5 Places
Shekvetili Dendrological Park (48 km from Batumi)
My name is Vitaly Kibitlevsky, I am a tour guide and creator of unique quests in Batumi. If you want to walk around the city with a fascinating storyteller or plunge into an exciting adventure, write to the mail: vitkibit@gmail.com
Find out more about me and my projects here