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About Sungester Lake

Opening time- 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Prime days and hours- Weekends, Mornings, and Evenings 

Suggested Duration- 2-3 hours

Tickets- Free Entry

Nearest Railway Station- Bomdila Railway Station, about 201 km

Nearest Bus Stand- Tawang Bus Stand, about 34 km

Nearest Airport- Tezpur Airport, about 344 km

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh lies the mesmerising Sangetsar Lake, also known as Madhuri Lake. This high-altitude gem is located near Tawang, offering visitors a mesmerising experience at an altitude of 12,000 feet above sea level. The lake’s crystal-clear blue waters reflect the surrounding rugged, unnamed Eastern Himalayan peaks, creating a peaceful and breathtaking sight. 

The lake gained popularity after being featured in the Bollywood movie Koyla, adding to its fame and appeal. One of the main attractions of this lake is that its upright tree trunks rising from the water offer a surreal and mystical charm. Considered sacred by Buddhists from India and Tibet, it draws pilgrims who offer prayers and find solace in its tranquil setting. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, spot Himalayan wildlife, or explore the unique high-altitude flora found around this untouched and scenic destination.

Sungester Lake Highlights

• Visit the beautiful Sangetser lake, known as Madhuri Lake was named after Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who shot a dance sequence for the famous movie ‘Koyla’.
• Soak in splendid views of rugged, unnamed Eastern Himalayan peaks surrounding Sangetsar Lake, perched at 12,165 ft high near the Indo-China border in Tawang.
• Trek through the rugged terrain to reach the lake and enjoy scenic camping under the star-filled sky. 

How To Reach Sungester Lake

By Road- You can reach the Sangetsar Lake from Tawang via the Bum La Road, which is about 36 km away, taking approximately 1 hour to reach. 

Best Time To Visit Sungester Lake

Peak Season- (March to May)

  • Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from 10°C to 21°C with pleasant and warm weather conditions.
  • Things to do- Enjoy fun activities like boating, trekking, and take a dip in the streams.

Moderate Season- (November-February)

  • Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from -2°C to 19°C with cool breezes and snowy mountains.
  • Things to do- Apt for camping, bonfire, fishing, and trekking.

Low Season- (June-October)

  • Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from 12°C to 23°C with heavy rainfalls and potential landslides.
  • Things to do- Enjoy the most picturesque views, visit the nearby attractions, and spot some of the rare wildlife. 

Sungester Lake Other Essential Information

Know before you go- 

  • Don't forget to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) before your trip to Arunachal Pradesh, as the state falls under a restricted area and entry is not allowed without official permission.
  • If you are driving, ensure your vehicle is equipped for high-altitude travel and carry some extra fuel. 
  • Consider checking the weather conditions before planning your trip, as the temperatures can go below 0°C in winter.
  • Carry some essential supplies, a medical kit, snacks, and water bottles, as facilities along the route are quite limited.
Day Wise Timings
Open Today
mo
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
tu
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
we
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
th
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
fr
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
sa
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
su
Normal Timings:
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Point of Interest for Sungester Lake
Trek to the Sangetser Lake
1

Trek to the Sangetser Lake

Trekking to Sangetsar Lake is a thrilling experience for adventure lovers. Several scenic trails lead you through dense forests, rocky paths, and hidden waterfalls before opening up to the stunning lake. Each route offers a chance to witness the raw beauty of the Eastern Himalayas, making it a memorable part of your journey.

Indulge in Fishing
2

Indulge in Fishing

Sangetsar Lake offers a peaceful fishing spot surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan views. Anglers can catch some of the most exotic fish species, such as trout, carp, and catfish. Bring your own fishing equipment, or rent some gear from the nearby local shops, and enjoy a fresh, self-cooked meal at the nearby campsites.

Hop on a Boat
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Hop on a Boat

One of the most popular activities at Sangetsar Lake is boating. You can rent a boat from the Army canteen near the lake and enjoy a relaxing ride on the calm waters of the lake. Additionally, you can admire the views of the mountains and the valleys from the boat, and spot some rare birds and animals along the way.

Spot rare migratory birds
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Spot rare migratory birds

Indulge in some birdwatching at Sangetsar Lake, as the lake is a haven for many migratory and resident birds, such as black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, Himalayan monals, and more. You might also spot some rare and endangered species, such as the red panda, the snow leopard, and the Tibetan wolf.

Camp Under the Stars at Sangetsar Lake
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Camp Under the Stars at Sangetsar Lake

Spend a night amidst nature by camping near the Sangetsar Lake, where you can pitch your own tent or rent one from the locals. Relax by a bonfire, enjoy a warm barbecue, and soak in the peaceful mountain air. The clear night sky filled with stars makes it a magical experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Tourism Board Alliances

Sungester Lake FAQs

What is Sangetsar Lake famous for?

Sangetsar Lake is famous as a location from the Bollywood movie “Koyla” starring Madhuri Dixit was shot here, which also gave it the name Madhuri Lake. It is also famous as a mesmerising high-altitude lake nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, near the town of Tawang in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by unnamed snow-capped Eastern Himalayan range mountains, the crystal-clear blue waters of the lake create a spellbinding sight. It offers various activities such as camping, boating, fishing, and trekking.

Where is Sangetsar Lake located?

Sangetsar Lake, also known as Shonga-tser Lake or Madhuri Lake, is located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It's situated near the Indo-China border, along the path from Tawang to Bum La Pass, at an elevation of 3,708 meters above sea level. 

Is there any ticket to Sangetsar Lake?

No, there are no tickets needed for Sangetsar Lake, which is located near Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. However, since it lies in a restricted border area, a special permit is mandatory. This permit also covers nearby spots like Bum La Pass and can be obtained from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Tawang. It is advised to apply for these permits in advance.

Is the Inner Line Permit needed for Sangetsar Lake?

Yes, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to visit Sangetsar Lake, as Arunachal Pradesh is a restricted area, and ILPs are needed for non-natives to enter. You can obtain an ILP online or through various government offices and resident commissioners' offices, including those in major cities like Guwahati and Shillong. To obtain an ILP for Arunachal Pradesh, you'll generally need proof of identity (Aadhaar card, PRC, Voter ID, Ration card, Driving license, or Service Identity Card), two recent passport-sized photos, along with your application form. 

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