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.

Arunachal Pradesh

Sungester Lake, Arunachal Pradesh

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.

Day Wise Timings

Burj Khalifa opening hours through the week.

Open 7 days a week

Free entry

Monday10:00 – 17:00

Tuesday10:00 – 17:00

Wednesday10:00 – 17:00

Thursday10:00 – 17:00

Friday10:00 – 17:00

Saturday10:00 – 17:00

Sunday10:00 – 17:00

Hours are seasonal — confirm your date at checkout. Special events may extend closing time.

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.

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Point of Interest for Sungester Lake

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

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

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

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

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.

Sungester Lake FAQs

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Sangetsar Lake, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is a mesmerising high-altitude lake nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan mountains. Situated at approximately 4,267 meters, this serene lake offers a pristine natural beauty and is ranked as one of the top destinations to add to Arunachal Pradesh tour packages.The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the blue sky and the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a breathtaking sight. The journey to the lake is an experience with scenic roads winding through mountains, dense forests, and quaint villages. Its untouched and tranquil atmosphere offers the perfect escape for nature lovers, trekkers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. With options for camping and trekking, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the Himalayas.

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