Диди-Митарби — озеро Табацкури
Trail description
A scenic linear route from the mountain village of Didi Mitarbi to one of Georgia's most famous high-altitude lakes — Tabatskuri. The trail connects the forested slopes of the Bakuriani region with a completely different landscape — the open volcanic plateau of Javakheti. The first few kilometers are the most intense part of the route. From Didi Mitarbi, the trail gradually gains elevation, passing through forest before rising above the dense vegetation line. Within the first ~4 km, the altitude increases from ~1565 m to over 2000 m. Further on, the character of the route changes noticeably. After reaching approximately 2100–2200 m, the ascent becomes significantly gentler, and the trail traverses the open high-altitude spaces of the Ktsia-Tabatskuri Nature Reserve. From here, wide panoramas of the Javakheti Plateau unfold. The final section of the route gradually descends towards the lake. The endpoint is the village of Tabatskuri and the shore of the namesake lake at an elevation of about 1990–2000 m. The lake itself reaches a depth of about 40 m, and the village is located on a peninsula jutting into the water. The route is technically easy but requires a good level of physical fitness. The main challenges are the prolonged ascent in the first part, the lack of proper markings, rapidly changing weather, and navigation in fog. There is almost no infrastructure in the high-altitude section. The Transcaucasian Trail also issues a separate warning regarding shepherd dogs near seasonal camps. Season: approximately June–October, depending on snow and weather. Even in summer, Tabatskuri is cool; Georgia's official tourism portal issues a separate warning to campers regarding this.