Kumisi: Lake, Birdlife and Village History

Kumisi brings together two different travel interests: Lake Kumisi and its wildlife, and the village’s religious heritage. These highlights can help you decide whether to choose Kumisi as a destination for your stay. When looking for a hotel in Kumisi, you can decide whether nature, history, or both are most important to you.

Lake Kumisi and its wildlife

Lake Kumisi is an important wetland for overwintering and migratory birds; during migration, it provides them with food and a place to rest. Sedges and reeds along the shores shelter waterfowl. Birdwatching is possible at the lake, although sightings vary depending on the season and water conditions. If you are particularly interested in birds, you can take this seasonal variation into account when planning your visit. The lake is also a habitat for Greek tortoises and European pond turtles; their presence and ecological conditions may vary seasonally.

The lake lies southeast of the village and is used by Georgian fishermen; local access conditions may vary. Fish found in the lake include bighead carp, mirror carp, grass carp, Khramuli, barbel and carp, as well as other species. Fish stocks and local conditions may change over time. Silt is another feature of the lake: it is believed to have healing properties, and mud is taken to resorts and treatment centers in Tbilisi. Use and availability of the mud may vary.

The eastern edge of the Trialeti Range overlooks Lake Kumisi from the northwest. The drive from Tbilisi to Kumisi takes about 40 minutes; traffic, weather and route conditions can affect the actual travel time. This gives you an idea of how long the journey may take, while the lake itself offers opportunities to focus on nature and wildlife observation.

Churches and architectural history in Kumisi

Kumisi’s oldest village monument is the 18th-century Sameba Church. It was built on the ruins of a 7th-century church. The present structure was completed in 1996 and includes a bell tower, monastery buildings and painted interiors. The church also contains the tombs of the noble Palavandishvili and Orbeliani families. Its building history therefore involves several dates to distinguish: the 7th-century predecessor, the 18th-century Sameba Church and the completion of its present structure in 1996. Another historic church in the village is the 17th–18th-century Church of St. George.

Kvemo Kartli: more nature and culture

The wider destination of Kvemo Kartli offers other distinct nature and culture experiences. The marked “Royal Ridge” trail is a 16-kilometer loop: it starts in Manglisi, passes through Martalkhevi, with its picnic area, to the village of Didi Namtvriani, and returns to Manglisi via the “Royal Ridge.” In Samshvilde, the ruins are considered among the oldest in the Caucasus region; they are also often called “Orbisa Fortress.” Archaeological excavations in Samshvilde uncovered 22 monuments from the Chalcolithic, Late Bronze Age, Hellenistic and medieval periods. Thus, the wider destination of Kvemo Kartli offers both a marked circular trail with a precisely described route and archaeological evidence from several periods.

Discover more destinations: Kojori, Kiketi, Tetri Tskaro, Dmanisi and Asureti.

View the wider travel overview: Kvemo Kartli.