Didighalish Lake, also known as Didi Ghele Lake, commands attention in Chkhorotsqu Municipality, situated at the southern extremity of the Caucasus Mountains. With its 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) elevation above sea level, the lake confidently perches beyond the reach of mist, offering visitors an unobstructed view of its vibrant blue waters, a vivid contrast to the surrounding rocky mountains.
The lake, primarily fed by glaciers, appears as a striking blue jewel meticulously placed amidst towering geological formations. The landscape surrounding Didighalish Lake is a mosaic of alpine meadows, sprinkled with colorful wildflowers, and an ancient boxwood forest, creating a sanctuary for various species of flora and fauna. Hawks and eagles trace circles in the sky, while the elusive Caucasian snowcocks (Tetraogallus caucasicus) offer a melodious backdrop, their calls echoing from the crevices of the cliffs.
Not far from Didighalish Lake, the Egrisi Range unveils its own treasures. For those who have explored Tobavarchkhili Lake, the pristine wilderness of this region is already familiar, though it never ceases to astonish. The variety found in neighboring alpine lakes such as Kaliashi, Tsakartskali, Lukumurash, Okare, and Okhoje, each unique in size, color, and allure, only adds to the rich tapestry of natural beauty enveloping Didighalish Lake.
This grandeur does not just rest in the aesthetic; it is a testimony to the rich biodiversity and geological formations that define this part of the Caucasus Mountains. Didighalish Lake stands as a crucial component of this natural splendor, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by those yearning to connect with nature in its most authentic form.
