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Siikhe Lake in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, is a scenic high-altitude lake. Unlike the more commercialised tourist lakes, Siikhe Lake has retained its natural beauty and appeal. This makes it an oasis of peace and tranquillity. The lake is a perfect getaway for solo travellers who are inclined towards a tranquil escape. Tourists can also learn about the eco-friendly way of life of the local Apatani tribe. Full of biodiversity, it draws birdwatchers and nature lovers. Enjoy a quiet boat ride or hike the wooded pathways of the surrounding forest here.
Quick Details About The Lake In Ziro
Location: Hapoli area, Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
District: Lower Subansiri district
Altitude: 1,500 meters above sea level
Size: Moderate-sized freshwater lake
Best Time To Visit: September to April
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Location
Photo: Krish9 / Wikimedia Commons
Siikhe Lake marks the outskirts of the Hapoli area of the Lower Subansiri district in Ziro Valley, around 5 km away from Ziro’s town centre. It is known for its easy accessibility by the Hapoli-Daporijo Road. This is a convenient and well-maintained route that leads from Ziro to the main Hapoli Highway. Pania Village is a small Apatani settlement, and the Hapoli Baptist Church acts as a good landmark. Lake Waterfall Circuit House and Subansiri Lower Dam Road, Ziro, are nearby for easier navigation.
How To Reach
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to Ziro is Lilabari Airport, in Assam, approximately 120 km away. From Lilabari, take a cab or a bus to Ziro (around 4 – 5 hours). Another option is Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar, which offers fewer flight options.
By Rail: Naharlagun Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is situated approximately 100 km away from Ziro. Trains from Guwahati, Delhi and other big cities pass through here. Taxis and shared sumo (3 – 4 hours) from Naharlagun are available to reach Ziro.
By Road: Ziro has good road connectivity. There are direct night buses from Guwahati and Itanagar. You can have private taxis or shared sumos from Naharlagun and North Lakhimpur every day. The road drive is scenic and you get beautiful views of Arunachal’s hills.
Things To Do AT The Lake In Ziro
From kayaking to interacting with the Apatani community, every moment at Siikhe Lake in Ziro is going to be memorable with these activities:
1. Try Kayaking And Canoeing
Photo: Brett Sayles / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Siikhe Lake is a great place to go kayaking and canoeing in the calm water. Unlike tourist lakes, where the waters are choppy with motorboats. Here you can paddle in complete solitude, surrounded by the lush forested landscape. Rental kayaks and guided canoe rides are available through local operators. The slow-moving waters are ideal for beginners who want to enjoy without the fear of heavy currents. Mornings are the prettiest time to kayak, as the mist on the lake makes it feel magical. Canoeing at sunset is equally rewarding for those looking for a more immersive experience.
2. Enjoy Birdwatching And Nature Walks
Photo: Gábor Jambrik / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Siikhe Lake in Ziro is also a bird watcher’s paradise, allowing a glimpse of numerous migratory and endemic birds. The pine forests and wetland ecosystem in the area host birds like the Grey-headed Woodpecker, Himalayan Griffon, and endangered waterfowls. The best chances to see these birds in the wild are on walks around the lake’s perimeter in the early hours. Aside from birdwatching, the paths around the lake also take one to unexplored nooks of Ziro’s wilderness. Walking along these trails, you can savour the region’s pristine nature and even catch a glimpse of small creatures like civets and flying squirrels.
3. Photograph And Experience Apatani Cultural
Photo: Marek Levák / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For photographers, Siikhe Lake is a dream destination. The shifting colours of the sky over the lake’s surface create stunning compositions. The local Apatani houses appear in a few of the surrounding views, adding a cultural and historic element to the landscape shots. You can also interact with the local Apatani tribe, known for their distinctive facial tattoos and environmentally sustainable agricultural methods. Being around them, getting to know their lifestyle, seeing how they build using bamboo, etc. can be an engaging cultural experience. Those interested in experiencing local handicrafts or traditional Apatani rituals can make special arrangements.
Places To Visit Near Siikhe Lake In Ziro
Siikhe Lake in Ziro Valley is close to other beautiful places of Arunachal Pradesh waiting to be explored. Here are some them:
1. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Ray Bilcliff / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s biodiversity hotspots, boasts some of the rarest flora and fauna. Spread across 337 sq. km, the sanctuary is home to red pandas, clouded leopards, barking deer, and exotic birds. The region, on the other hand, features dense subtropical and temperate forests that include lofty silver fir and bushy bamboo groves. Trekking trails pass through remote villages and deep valleys. Private vehicles can be hired or a trekking group can be joined from Ziro, as the road to Talley Valley is not friendly.
Distance From Siikhe Lake: 30 km
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Trek Duration: 4 – 5 hours one way
2. Tarin Fish Farm
Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tarin Fish Farm or Tarin Fishery, is a self-sustaining lake situated in the Bulla village region of Ziro Valley. It has a unique farming cultivation system of paddy-cum-fish. Established in 1985-86 under the North Eastern Council (NEC), it has 74 ponds spread over 7.4 hectares, including 46 nursery ponds, 16 rearing ponds and 12 stocking ponds. The farm is a popular tourist destination where you can see high-altitude fish breeding and paddy-cum-fish farming. Specifically, it entails growing two varieties of rice, Mipya and Emoh, alongside a breed of fish called Ngihi, a sustainable agricultural practice championed by Apatani tribes.
Distance From Siikhe Lake: 12 km
Best Time To Visit: February and March
3. Dolo Mando Hill
Photo: SaniyaChaplod / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The sweeping views of Hapoli town and Old Ziro from Dolo Mando Hill are a popular hiking viewpoint. The hill is historically important because, according to local folk stories, the hill is related to the love story of Dolo and Mando. The walk up to a hilltop takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is pretty easy. The top is rewarded with a sweeping view of Ziro’s green land, traditional Apatani houses and terraced rice fields. For a more pleasant hike, visit early morning or late afternoon, when the cool wind makes the ascent easier.
Distance From Siikhe Lake: 6 km
Trek Duration: 2 – 3 hours
4. Pine Grove
Photo: Yoghya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pine Grove is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path place, perfect for casual walks, picnics and nature photography. A lovely stretch of tall pine trees makes up some of the most fantastic settings in the area, especially when sunlight pours into the thick canopy and breaks out its golden glow across the floor. Pine Grove is off the beaten path, which is ideal for isolationists and nature lovers. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, where many species of birds, butterflies and small mammals are hidden in the forest. You can bring a packed meal and spend a quiet day under the whispering pines.
Distance From Siikhe Lake: 5 km
Best Time To Visit: June to August
5. Ziro Puto Viewpoint
Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A less explored viewpoint, Ziro Puto offers breath-taking panoramic views of the whole Ziro Valley and its surrounding areas. It is also historically significant as the place where Arunachal Pradesh’s first administrative headquarters was established in independent India. The viewpoint itself is a perfect spot for a secluded getaway where you get an unhindered view of the sunrise and sunset over the terraced fields and Apatani villages. The ideal time to visit is in the early morning, when the mist blankets the valley, making the landscape a photographer’s dream. You can reach Ziro Puto by private vehicles or hired taxis.
Distance From Siikhe Lake: 6 km
Best Time To Visit: March to October
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
You can find a wide range of lodging here, from luxury resorts to homestays near the lake in Ziro. For a more luxurious stay, Ziro Valley Resort has modern amenities, wooden cottages with valley views and an in-house restaurant with local Apatani food. Those on a budget can check into the Blue Pine Hotel, offering clean rooms, a friendly vibe and an excellent location just outside Hapoli town. For those who want to experience the real Apatani hospitality, homestays like Siiro Resort Homestay and Kasa Resort are a great option. These serve traditional food and offer Apatani cultural experiences and their sustainable way of life.
Where To Eat
Photo: Satdeep Gill / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Siiro Resort Restaurant is one of the best places to relish authentic Apatani food. The cuisine at this restaurant has bamboo smoked pork, rice beer (Apong) and millet-based delicacies. Arunachali, Tibetan and North Indian cuisines are served at Blue Pine Hotel Restaurant. Their thukpa, momo and fish cooked in local herbs are some of the must-have dishes. Hapoli Food Court is a great option if you’re after fast, budget-friendly, and homely meals. The menu has options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, from basic rice and lentils to smoked meats and spicy curries.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit is from September to April, when the weather is nice and the valley is at its scenic best.
Average Cost Of The Trip
Depending on your stay, commute, and activities you indulge in, a 3 day trip can cost between ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per person. Budget travellers staying in homestays with shared transport and eating at local restaurants can end up spending around ₹7,000 to ₹9,000 on this trip. Those who prefer to travel in private cabs, staying in premium hotels, can expect to spend about ₹12,000 to ₹15,000. These budgets include hotel rates between ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 per night, food costs ₹600 to ₹1,000 per day, and transport with extra expenses costs ₹2,500 to ₹5,000.
Tips For Travellers
- An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a must not only for foreign tourists but also for non-Arunachali Indians who visit the Siikhe Lake in Ziro.
- It’s always a good idea to pack warm clothes regardless of the time of year when visiting Ziro.
- It is advised to adhere to Apatani customs and request permission before photographing residents.
- The best mode of transport is to hire a local guide or rent a bike and explore the surroundings.
A hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, adventure junkies, and cultural tourists, Siikhe Lake in Ziro Valley is a tranquil destination. It’s the ideal spot for those who want a break from the tourist snare and explore Arunachal Pradesh’s raw beauty. It provides a window into the natural and cultural splendour of the beautiful state. Plan your trip with TripXL to this notable landmark renowned for its scenic beauty.
Cover Photo: Aaron Burden / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
