The most picturesque places in Georgia. Picturesque sights – "Lake Ritsa".

Lake Ritsa is located in the south-eastern part of the Gagrin ridge, at an altitude of 884 meters above sea level. The lake area is 1.49 km2, the maximum depth is 101 m. The lake arose as a result of damming of the Lashipse River — the river was blocked by an avalanche that descended from the southeastern slope of the Gagra Ridge. Icy cold waters flow into the lake and into other mountain rivers, and only one river flows out of the lake — the Yupshara. The length of the river is 11 kilometers. A highway leading to the lake runs through the deep Yupsharsky Canyon.

Ritsa is the deepest lake in Transcaucasia. But the uniqueness of the lake is not only this: the water in the lake is very fresh (66 mg / l) and almost never freezes. The surrounding peaks (2,200- 5,500 meters) are reflected in the clear water of the lake.

In 1957, in order to protect Lake Ritsa and the unique nature of its surroundings, the Ritsa State Reserve was established. The total area of the reserve is 13,893 hectares. 70% of the 2000 plant species registered on the territory of Abkhazia grow here. The dendroflora includes Caucasian fir, beech, oak, pine, spruce, hornbeam and maple. On the territory of the reserve there are groves of unique Colchian boxwood. This plant is listed in the "Red Book" of Georgia. Mammals also live on the territory. The largest of the predators is the brown bear, listed in the "Red Book" of Georgia.

17 km northeast of Lake Ritsa, in the center of the reserve is the climatic and balneological resort of Avadhara, which is distinguished by its pristine nature. The resort is surrounded by mountains covered with spruce, fir and beech forests, crystal clear air, fast, clear rivers and several mineral springs that are useful for cardiovascular diseases.