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Paravani Lake

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Lake
—°3
Paravani Lake (Georgia)

Weather…

Paravani Lake is the largest lake in Georgia by surface area, situated on the Javakheti Plateau in the southern part of the country at a high elevation of 2,073 meters (6,801 feet). With a surface area of approximately 37.5 square kilometers (14.5 square miles), it dominates the rugged, nearly treeless high-altitude steppe of the region, which is often referred to as the Georgian Switzerland. Despite its vast size, the lake is surprisingly shallow, with an average depth of just 2.2 meters and a maximum depth of 3.3 meters. Due to the extreme altitude, the lake remains frozen for much of the winter from November to April, with ice thickness often reaching up to 70 centimeters. Significant archaeological discoveries have been made beneath the lake's surface, including an ancient Bronze Age settlement, indicating a long history of human habitation in the area. The lake is fed by several underground springs as well as snowmelt and rainwater, and it serves as the primary source for the Paravani River. The surrounding area is known for its harsh climate, yet it provides essential summer grazing lands and is an important site for local fishing, particularly for trout and carp.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-8-7-2381316161260-6
Rain mm342942587366424035483838

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Paravani Lake is situated on a high plateau and is accessible via winding mountain roads from Tbilisi or Akhalkalaki; the driving conditions often require a robust vehicle.
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Best season
The summer months from June to September are the most pleasant, as winters here are extremely harsh and the lake often freezes under a thick layer of ice for several months.
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Terrain & paths
The area surrounding the lake is characterized by wide, treeless alpine meadows and volcanic hills, making hiking quite scenic but often very windy and exposed to the elements.
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What to bring
Due to the high altitude, it can get noticeably chilly even in the middle of summer; therefore, always bring warm layers, a reliable windbreaker, and weatherproof hiking boots.
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Parking
There are mostly no formal parking lots around the lake, but leaving vehicles safely along the grassy shoreline areas near the small local villages is generally hassle-free.
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Safety
The weather on the plateau can change very rapidly; check forecasts beforehand and avoid swimming in the lake, as the water remains dangerously cold even in mid-summer.
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Time needed
A brief photo stop might take an hour, but enthusiastic hikers and dedicated nature photographers often happily spend half a day exploring this rugged, expansive landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
41.44640, 43.82190

Facts

  • Paravani Lake is the largest in Georgia by surface area, covering 37.5 km².
  • It sits at an altitude of 2,073 meters on the Javakheti volcanic plateau.
  • The maximum depth of the lake is only 3.3 meters (about 10.8 feet).
  • The lake is typically frozen from November to April due to the high altitude.
  • Archaeological artifacts from the Bronze Age have been found on the lake bed.
  • The lake serves as the primary source for the Paravani River.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Javakheti PlateauJavakheti Plateau19 km · SWExplore →
Javakheti Protected AreasJavakheti Protected Areas26 km · SWExplore →
Dashbashi CanyonDashbashi Canyon33 km · NExplore →
📍Akhalkalaki37 km · SExplore →
Lake ArpiLake Arpi39 km · SWExplore →
BakurianiBakuriani41 km · SEExplore →
Trialeti RangeTrialeti Range43 km · NEExplore →
DmanisiDmanisi44 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Paravani Lake (3)

Paravani caravanserai🏺 historical

Paravani caravanserai, a historic inn on the shore of Lake Paravani, once used by Silk Road travelers.

Paravani Lake Managed Reserve🌿 nature

A nature reserve surrounding Georgia's largest lake, Paravani Lake.

Obsidian path📍 landmark

A trail at Paravani Lake known for its obsidian deposits.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Paravani Lake located?
On the Samtskhe-Javakheti Plateau in southern Georgia at 2,073 m altitude.
Is it the largest lake in Georgia?
Yes, by surface area, it is the largest lake in the country.
Are there historical sites near the lake?
Yes, the Poka Nunnery on the shore is a significant religious center.
Does the lake freeze in winter?
Yes, in winter a thick ice layer often forms, which can last until April.
How deep is the lake?
It is shallow, with an average depth of only about 2 to 3 meters.
Paravani Lake: where is it located?
Paravani Lake is located in Georgia.
Paravani Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include Paravani caravanserai, Paravani Lake Managed Reserve, Obsidian path.
Paravani Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Paravani Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Paravani Lake is the largest lake in Georgia by surface area, situated on the Javakheti Plateau in the southern part of the country at a high elevation of 2,073 meters (6,801 feet).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Akhaltsikhe — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Akhaltsikhe
Akhaltsikhe is a multicultural city in southern Georgia, shaped by Georgian, Armenian, and Ottoman influences.
Borjomi — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Borjomi
Borjomi is a picturesque resort town globally renowned for its salty, healing mineral water.
Akhalkalaki — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Akhalkalaki
Akhalkalaki is located on the Javakheti Plateau near the Armenian border and has a predominantly Armenian population.
Bakuriani — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Bakuriani
A family-friendly mountain resort and ski area, surrounded by dense coniferous forests and volcanic mountains.
Abastumani — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Abastumani
A renowned mountain resort in Georgia, Abastumani is famous for its healing thermal waters and unique pine forest air.
Nunisi — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Nunisi
Nunisi is a hidden balneological resort in the Imereti region, surrounded by lush forests and known for its exceptionally mineral-rich th…
Goderdzi Pass — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Goderdzi Pass
A scenic mountain pass in Adjara, Georgia, known for winter sports and beautiful alpine summer landscapes.

More places

Javakheti Plateau — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Javakheti Plateau
The vast, volcanic Javakheti Plateau in southern Georgia is known for its cool, harsh climate.
Javakheti Protected Areas — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Javakheti Protected Areas
The volcanic plateau in southern Georgia is characterized by numerous lakes and a harsh, treeless landscape.
Borjomi Bottling Plant — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Borjomi Bottling Plant
The factories in Borjomi bottle the famous volcanic mineral water, exporting it to dozens of countries worldwide.
Borjomi Gorge — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Borjomi Gorge
The Borjomi Gorge is a deeply carved river valley of the Kura, famous for its dense coniferous forests and natural healing springs.
Khertvisi Fortress — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Khertvisi Fortress
Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia, sits dramatically at the confluence of two deep river gorges.
Vardzia — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Vardzia
The cave city of Vardzia is a spectacular monastery complex carved into the steep wall of Mount Erusheti in the 12th century.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
This vast national park in the Lesser Caucasus is one of the largest protected areas in Europe, captivating with its pristine coniferous …
Rabati Castle — Paravani Lake (Georgia)
Rabati Castle
Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe is an impressive multicultural complex.