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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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