Region 6: JAVAKHETI
27. Tabatskuri alpine lake
Coordinates: 41o 39’ N, 43o 37’ E
Altitude: 1,989 m. a.s.l.
 Continental, mountain climate. Winter very cold and snowy, summer cool. Annual precipitation below 700 mm (40 mm in January, 60 mm in April, 80 mm in July, 50 mm in October). Over 50 days with heavy rains per year. Around 150 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/– 8, April/2, July/12, October/8. Mean maximum temperature (July)/26 o C.
 This area is a spectacular nature– watching site in the northern part of the Javakheti volcanic plateau in southern Georgia. It consists of a large subalpine lake with water surface of ca. 15 km2 and depth 22– 44 m, located in a mountain grassland setting, with a small fishermen’ s village at the north– western coast. Wetlands are located north from the area. A one– day visit is possible from Bakuriani. From Tbilisi at least two days or longer are needed.
 Waterbirds are most important attraction of the area (they are concentrated along the eastern shore of the lake). The site has nesting habitats of velvet scoter, a bird better known by birdwatchers who commonly travel to tundra areas. Other waterfowl and shore birds include some diving ducks, corncrake, marsh and Montague’ s harriers, coots, grebes, Armenian gull, various waders etc. In wetlands north of the lake, there are nesting sites of common crane. Occasionally, Dalmatian and white pelicans can be seen. Several kilometers away, in shrubs of the Caucasian rhododendron, there are nesting sites of Caucasian black grouse.
 The lake has three amphibian species – a striped race of the Asia Minor frog, lake frog (extremely large individuals are sometimes observed), and green toads. Marbled polecat is occasionally seen. In wetlands north of the lake, there are habitats of otter and brown bear.
 East of the lake is the Abuli– Samsari mountain range, formed by a line of volcanic cones. Especially spectacular is Mt. Tavkvetili (“ cut– headed“ in Georgian), east from the lake, which has a completely flat top.
  June.
 A visit to this site may be combined with a visit to Bakuriani. There is no public transport between Bakuriani and Tabatskuri. From Bakuriani, the site can be reached in about 1.5– 2 hours by a four– wheel vehicle. A car with a driver can be rented in Tbilisi or Bakuriani. The same road from Borjomi takes up to 2.5 hours.
 In Bakuriani (see comments to the site ’ Bakuriani’ ). In Tabatskuri village, renting a bed in a village house is possible, or, alternatively, camping along a less populated part of the lake coast. The nearest restaurants or cafés available are in Bakuriani.
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