Kartsakhi Lake
Lake High-altitude transboundary lake on Georgia–Turkey border
Kartsakhi Lake on Georgia’s Javakheti Plateau lies near the Turkish border; a shallow, high-altitude lake in a protected area, it attracts birdwatchers and hikers exploring volcanic plateaus.
Kartsakhi Lake is a high-altitude lake in southern Georgia in the Javakheti region, lying close to the international border with Turkey. The lake is a saline, shallow basin that forms part of a wider group of highland wetlands and is noted for its birdlife and seasonal waterfowl concentrations.
The lake sits on an elevated plateau and is included in regional conservation measures for its wetland habitats and migratory-bird importance. It is reached from local roads serving the nearby settlements in the Javakheti district.
- Important bird area: Part of the Javakheti highland wetland system near the Turkey-Georgia border and important for migratory waterbirds in spring and autumn.
Tips for Visiting Kartsakhi Lake #
- Visit Kartsakhi Lake (part of the Javakheti region) during spring or autumn migration for the best birdwatching-these seasons attract the most waders and waterfowl.
- Access the lake via the village of Kartsakhi or Akhalkalaki and arrange a local guide or driver: roads are rural and a local will know the best vantage points and tracks to quieter shores, particularly for sunrise and sunset photography.
Best Time to Visit Kartsakhi Lake #
Visit in summer (June-August) when the highland climate is mildest and access to the lake is easiest.
Weather & Climate near Kartsakhi Lake #
Kartsakhi Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (526 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 22 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 88 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
