Beautiful Lake Kakhisi in European Georgia

[Linda Branson]

In summer I decided to do some trekking with my friend. But I did not want to go to the place with lots of people there. We sought much, read many blogs and forums to find a proper place. Some places were too far, some were reserves with special restrictions, some too populous and etc. At last we made up our mind to ask for help to a travel company. We made up our mind to use the service of Progress Tour again. Nina (the operator) said that Kakhisi lake would be the best option for us. To tell the truth, I’d never hear that lake before. She showed the photos of the lake and we were impressed with it.  Decision was taken. We were going to Kakhisi lake. Nina planned our trekking tour taking into account all our likes and dislikes and budget, too.

The lake is called Kakhisi. It is situated up to the Trialeti mountain nearby Borjomi that is a distinguished resort in Georgia. The lake completely responded our selection criteria. It was up in the high mountains, surrounded by fir trees, some species of fish lived there, and was not too far, but not too close to a village.

The train to Borjomi was to leave at 6:40 a.m. from Tbilisi. So, early in the morning we were at the station and our trip began. It took us about 4 hours to reach Borjomi. In Borjomi we found a mini bus that goes regularly between Borjomi and Chobiskhevi from where we had to trek our way up to the lake. Two ways go up to Kakhisi lake from Chobiskhevi, one is 9km length and the other – 7 km.  We were about to leave the village that a big lorry appeared and offered to give a ride. As the road was too bumpy and there were lots of slopes we agreed. I want to say that the way is more than ideal for the people who are fans of off-road activities and Jeep Tours. Driving a Jeep on these roads would be a real pleasure for off-roaders.  As I’ve mentioned, the road is too bumpy and passes through the forest in the mountains. As you drive, you see fir trees, pine trees, and other species of trees around you. The environment is all green. Many springs run down on the slopes of the mountains and join the river Chobiskhevi that flows down in the ravine.

About an hour later we reached to the plateau of Dabadzveli. We got off the lorry, thanked to the driver who told many interesting stories while driving and took our way to the lake that was 1km far from the point where we stopped. We had to cross some hills and a small stream. Wooden houses of villagers were scattered over the hills. Sheep and calves grazing in the fields watched us carefully. We noticed smoke over the chimneys of some houses but met nobody on our way to the lake.

The lake was fantastic. As seen on the photos, it was surrounded by pine and fir trees and its surface blue or green as an emerald. Near the shores of the lake we noticed little fishes sliding swiftly. The lake was the largest in that area but there were also two small lakes nearby.

We put up a tent on the shore of the lake. It was already getting dark and we made a fire. At night everything was quiet, only frogs in the lake were crocking continuously.

Next days we wandered about the forest that was full of raspberries and nut, fished in the lake, visited the lakes nearby; we found an old raft and tried to repair it though we could not but it was amusing.

On the 4^th day, we left the camp and began our walking down the way to the village Chobiskhevi. This time we chose the path which length is 7 km this way was not so bumpy as the first one. Though it took us 3 hours to get to the village. Nearby this path there is a waterfall but it was going to rain and we were in a hurry. Unfortunately, we could not see the waterfall though I hope I will visit it on my next trip to Kakhisi lake. It was about 5 o’clock when we reached the village and took the bus to Borjomi.