Lakes In Arunachal Pradesh: Witness The Mesmerising Natural Attractions

One of the lakes in Arunachal Pradesh, featuring pristine water, is surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the north-eastern states among the seven sisters. This state comprises wonderful things, from exclusive customs and amiable community to unveiled flora and fauna and magnificent topography views. Amongst these natural beauty are some of the breathtaking lakes in Arunachal Pradesh, a natural treasure of the state. Since the state is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, there are several natural lakes in different regions. These lakes are formed in hilly areas, mainly fed by glaciers and rain and are mostly freshwater lakes.

9 Popular Lakes In Arunachal Pradesh

Here are the best lakes in Arunachal Pradesh, offering a rich natural environment and mesmerising surroundings in this beautiful state:

1. Ganga Lake

Green-watered Ganga Lake at Arunachal Pradesh is surrounded by lush green mountains.

Photo: Mrkrish / Wikimedia Commons

Ganga Lake or Gyakar Sinyi, is one of the most beautiful lakes situated in Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh. This place is perfect for recreational activities and a perfect place for picnics. Many visitors visit this place for a day out with family or friends. Ganga Lake has no connection to moving rivers or streams. Surrounded by dense greenery and lofty mountains, you can enjoy a quiet afternoon amidst the fresh air and warm sunlight. Ganga Lake offers boating facilities and breathtaking vistas for photography for visitors.

Location: 6 km from Itanagar
Timings: 8 AM – 6:30 PM
Ticket Price: ₹150 per person for boating
Best Time To Visit: October – April

2. Madhuri Lake

Madhuri Lake on a foggy day, surrounded by stones and decorated with colourful flags.

Photo: Sushanthunt / Wikimedia Commons

Madhuri Lake, officially known as Sangestar Lake, is located in the Tawang district. This lake is situated approximately 3708 meters above sea level and was formed due to an earthquake. It is a shooting spot for the Bollywood movie “Koyla”. The crystal clear water, Himalayan mountain ranges and tall trees offer breathtaking scenery. Also, there are several trekking trails and camping spots near the lake. This place is perfect for bird watching and boating. For boating, you must rent a boat from the Army Canteen near the lake and enjoy the ride. Since this lake is significant to the Hindu and Buddhist communities, visitors also offer prayers here.

Location: Situated between Tawang and Bumla Pass
Timings: Daytime
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Best Time To Visit: March – October

3. Glow Lake

Gliding at the wonderful high-altitude Glow Lake surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.

Photo: Rohit Naniwadekar / Wikimedia Commons

Glow Lake is a wonderful high-altitude lake in India, situated at an altitude of 4500 meters above sea level. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and exclusive features. Also, it is famous for its distinctive glow radiating from the bottom and the polish is caused by the algae. The bioluminescent algae produce light and create a magical experience for the tourists. This lake is situated in a valley which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The surrounding area is home to different wildlife, such as red pandas, musk deer and black beers. Glow Lake offers the most challenging trek in the region.

Location: 20 km from Wakro
Best Time To Visit: October – April

4. Pangateng Tso Lake

Mountains, lush greenery and wildflower beds surround PT Tso Lake, Arunachal Pradesh.

Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons

Pangateng Tso Lake is one of the famous lakes in Arunachal Pradesh. This lake is surrounded by the radiance and the beauty of nature. The calm water, nomadic clouds, snow-covered forests and the sweet twittering of birds make this lake the most visited place in Arunachal Pradesh. During summer, the weather is pleasant and the area is covered with blue lapis flowers. The blue water and panoramic backdrop of snow-covered mountains offer a perfect background for photography. During spring, the surrounding hills are covered with colourful wildflowers which create a beautiful landscape. Apart from this, you can also see different migratory birds.

Location: 17 km from Tawang Town
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: April – October

5. Mehao Lake

The crystal clear water of Mehao Lake is surrounded by dense greenery and clear sky.

Photo: Rohit Naniwadekar / Wikimedia Commons

Mehao Lake is a part of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at an altitude of 3000 ft. This is one of the best lakes in Arunachal Pradesh because of the natural stretch of water. One of the interesting facts about the lake is that you can’t see any fish as it is an oligotrophic or low-nutrient lake. The crystal-clear water of the lake attracts a large number of wild ducks and it is home to diverse flora and fauna. Mehao Lake offers boat rides around the lake. Also, trekking the small path leading to the lake through the forest gives a wonderful experience.

Location: 17 km from Roing
Timing: 8 AM – 5 PM
Ticket Price: ₹50 for adults and ₹25 for children (in Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary)
Best Time To Visit: October to April

6. Lake Of No Return

The panoramic view of the Lake of No Return, surrounded by lush green mountains.

Photo: Thank you for visiting my page / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

For people who want some uncommon experience, visit Lake of No Return or the Nawang Yang Lake, the most mysterious lake in India. This lake is situated at the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar, connecting the Pangsau Pass. It is often renamed as the Bermuda Triangle of India with many mysterious occurrences. It is believed that whoever went near this lake, has never returned to date. Despite several myths and theories, visitors plan for a trip to this lake. With the scenic beauty of the area, people indulge themselves in bird watching and trekking here. This place allows them to learn the local Mizo culture and history associated with the lake.

Location: 12 km away from Nampng Village
Best Time To Visit: October to April

7. Sally Lake

One of the lakes in Arunachal Pradesh with crystal clear water surrounded by a rocky mountain range and clear blue sky.

Photo: ch_15march / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sally Lake is one of the natural lakes covered with dense green forest, offering a serene atmosphere. This lake provides a breathtaking view of the valley and the distant horizon. It has the Dibang River flowing and spreading its branches in different locations. The entire view of the lake is very beautiful, with the sight of different fishes. It is one of the best lakes in Arunachal Pradesh, perfect for hanging out with family and friends. The sunset view of this place is another attraction to photography enthusiasts.

Location: 3 km away from Roing
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: Pre-monsoon and post-monsoon

8. Sela Lake

A panoramic view of the Sela Lake, one of the lakes in Arunachal Pradesh, surrounded by mountains and clear sky.

Photo: Itrajib / Wikimedia Commons

Sela Lake is a hidden gem of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also called the ‘Paradise Lake’ which is one of the most captivating natural wonders located at an altitude of 13,700 feet. This is one of the biggest lakes in Arunachal Pradesh. This high-altitude lake is famous for its serene and breathtaking beauty. Surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks and rugged landscapes, Sela Lake is another name for a tranquil escape. The calm water and the views of snow-capped mountains create a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers.

Location: Near Sela Pass
Best Time To Visit: March to November

9. Nagula Lake

One of the lakes in Arunachal Pradesh, a narrow waterbody in Northeast India surrounded by mountains full of snow.

Photo: Utsab99biswas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagula Lake is one of the pristine and less-explored lakes. This pristine lake, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and dense forests offers an amazing escape from your daily life. This lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet. It is famous for the raw beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. The pristine waters of the lake reflect the sky which seems like a mirror. Nagula Lake is home to a wide range of birds, including Brahminy duck, and it’s a perfect place for birdwatchers. Also, the breathtaking view of the lake is an appropriate place for photography.

Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: April to October

Arunachal Pradesh has a mesmerising collection of lakes, each with an exclusive charm. From tranquil glacial lakes located in the Himalayan range to sacred lakes, the list of lakes in Arunachal Pradesh is as diversified as captivating. Among these lakes, the renowned Sela Lake is an example of the natural grandeur of this state. Therefore, plan a trip to Arunachal Pradesh with TripXL to explore these natural wonders.

Cover Photo: TheSomdeep / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Swimming in Arunachal Pradesh's lakes is generally not allowed due to religious significance, cold temperatures and ecological concerns. Many lakes are sacred and hold cultural importance for local communities.
Yes, for Indian tourists, an Inner Line Permit and for foreign tourists, a Protected Area Permit is required.
Yes, you don’t need a professional guide, but it is highly recommended to hire a local driver or resident who knows the area well for smooth access.
It is not accessible by regular public transport. You need to hire a private taxi.
Tezpur in Assam is the nearest Airport but most people prefer Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati.

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