27.722091.8250Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

LAKE

Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Tso) - A Visitor's Guide to Tawang's Famous Lake

A stunning high-altitude lake near Tawang, famous for the dead tree trunks that rise from its waters. Originally Sangetsar Tso, it's a unique natural wonder.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh1-2 hours8:00 AM – 4:00 PMFree EntryNo Photography

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Best Season:The best period to visit is from May to June and again from September to October. During these months, the weather is clearer, and the roads are more likely to be open. The lake is accessible, and the surrounding mountains offer beautiful views. Avoid the monsoon months of July and August due to the risk of landslides. The lake is generally inaccessible from November to April due to heavy snowfall, which blocks the approach roads.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Madhuri Lake?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Madhuri Lake, originally named Sangetsar Tso, is a high-altitude lake located about 30 kilometers from Tawang town. It was formed by a flash flood following an earthquake in 1950, which submerged a patch of forest. The most striking feature of the lake is the sight of dead tree trunks emerging from its clear, still waters, creating an unusual and memorable landscape. The lake is set against a backdrop of rugged, barren mountains which are often covered in snow, even during the early summer months.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

May-June, September-October, coinciding with the main tourist season in Arunachal Pradesh.

Moderate

July-August, as monsoon rains deter some travelers.

Low Season

November-April, as the area is often closed due to heavy snow.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

8:00 AM — 4:00 PM

There are no official fixed timings. Access is controlled by the Indian Army and is subject to road and weather conditions. Entry is generally permitted in the morning, and all vehicles are required to return to Tawang by the evening. The route may be closed without prior notice.

There is no separate entry fee for the lake itself. However, the cost is part of the overall charges for the vehicle permit and the hired taxi from Tawang, which is mandatory for the trip.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

En route to Bum La Pass, via Y-Junction

Coordinates

27.7220, 91.8250

Nearest City

Tawang

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam, about 500 km away. Salonibari Airport (TEZ) in Tezpur is...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Guwahati (GHY). The closest station is Rangapara North (RPAN) in Assam, approximately 383 km from Tawang. From the station,...

By Road

Tawang is connected to Guwahati and Tezpur by road. The journey from Guwahati takes around 15 hours and is usually done with an overnight halt. From Tawang town...

Local Transport

To reach Madhuri Lake from Tawang, you must hire a local taxi. These are typically SUVs capable of handling the rough, mountainous terrain. Self-driving is not ...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The lake did not exist in its current form until 1950. It was created by a massive flash flood that resulted from an earthquake in the region. The flood submerged a large area of grazing land and forest, and the remains of that forest are the dead trees still standing in the lake today. Its original...

Significance

The significance of Madhuri Lake lies in its unique natural formation and its cinematic fame. Geographically, it's a powerful example of how natural events can shape a landscape, creating a distinct ecosystem at over 12,000 feet. For tourism, its connection to Bollywood transformed it from a remote,...

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