💧 Tsodoreti Lake: Picnics and Forest on the Edge of the Capital

Lake Tsodoreti is one of those places where Tbilisi residents end up almost in the forest without really leaving the capital behind. The village of Tsodoreti itself stands on the eastern slope of the Trialeti Range, at 900 metres elevation, bordering Tbilisi and the villages of Lisi, Mukhatskaro, Digomi and Didgori. The village's population is historically predominantly Azerbaijani.

The lake is small, tucked into dense forest, and of artificial rather than natural origin. Nearby, in the same village, a private complex called Georgios Ranch operates a pool, horses and a guest house, but that's a separate, paid facility, don't confuse it with the lake itself.

🌲 The Lake Itself: Free, Simple, No Facilities

Lake Tsodoreti is one of the smallest lakes in the region. Dense forest surrounds it, providing shade and fresh air in summer. There's almost no infrastructure at the lake: no toilets, no equipped swimming areas, no permanent bins. That's a plus for those seeking quiet, and a minus for anyone expecting comfort.

The main scenario is clear: picnics and barbecue. People arrive with a grill, light a fire in designated spots, and spend the day in the forest with family or friends. Swimming is possible, but the water is cool and there's no proper entry point into the water.

🏊 Georgios Ranch: Pool, Horses and a Guest House

If you want more comfort, the same village of Tsodoreti, 7 km from Tbilisi, is home to the family-run Georgios Ranch. It has an outdoor pool, a stable with horses, a guest house, and grounds for events.

What's there: an outdoor pool (seasonal, summer only), horse rides and tours for beginners, a shaded lounging area, guest rooms with views of the garden, mountains or pool, a kitchen, a banquet hall, parking, a barbecue area.

Entry price: weekdays 25 GEL (children under 10, 20 GEL), weekends 40 GEL (children under 10, 30 GEL). Children under 3, free.

Contact: phone +995 596 60 70 70 or +995 599 73 05 30, email [email protected]. Book ahead by phone or email.

Being a commercial venue, the ranch has what the lake doesn't: a clean pool, toilets, a kitchen, staff. It's a sensible alternative for anyone who wants a comfortable day out without tents or a grill on bare ground.

🚗 Getting There

From Tbilisi, Lake Tsodoreti is about 13 km away. Head towards Mtskheta, then turn off towards the village of Tsodoreti. The final stretch of road is unpaved and often uneven, so an SUV or a car with higher clearance is more reliable, though an ordinary car will manage in dry weather.

The road to Georgios Ranch is easier: the complex sits closer to the village entrance, and getting there by taxi from central Tbilisi takes about 15 minutes and costs around 15 GEL.

Public transport barely runs in the direction of Tsodoreti, so you'll need your own car or a taxi.

🏞️ If Tsodoreti Doesn't Suit You: Alternatives in the Region

Mtskheta-Mtianeti is rich in small lakes, each with its own character. If Tsodoreti is too small, too crowded, or you want more infrastructure, here are three nearby options.

Lake Bazaleti. 40 km from Tbilisi, near the town of Dusheti. Area 1.22 km², depth up to 7 metres. Well-developed infrastructure: a hotel complex, a park with tree-lined walks, pedal boats. The water contains algae believed to have therapeutic properties for skin and rheumatic conditions. The lakebed is stony, better to wear water shoes.

Sioni Reservoir. About 70 km from Tbilisi, Tianeti municipality. Considerably larger and deeper than Tsodoreti: average depth 25.4 m, maximum 67 m. A picturesque beech forest runs down to the water's edge. Popular for picnics, walks and boating. The drive takes around 2 hours.

Zhinvali Reservoir. 40 km from Tbilisi, on the Georgian Military Highway. Much bigger: area 11.5 km², depth up to 75 m. Nearby stand Ananuri Fortress and the submerged Jvari Patiosani church, which sometimes emerges above the water when levels are low.

If what you're after is exactly a quiet forest and a grill 15 minutes from the city, Tsodoreti remains the most convenient choice. If you want something larger or better equipped, Bazaleti or Zhinvali fit that need more closely.

Have you visited Lake Tsodoreti or Georgios Ranch? Leave a review on Madloba — share which option you chose, how crowded it was, and what you'd bring next time. It helps others plan their trip.

Information current as of Jule 2026. Georgios Ranch entry prices and the condition of the unpaved road may change; check before visiting.

Read also

• Goderzi Petrified Forest: Ancient Trees and Rock Forms
• Lakbi Reservoir in East Georgia: Fkhoveli Forest and Healing Mud