Madhuri Lake, Tawang Overview

Being home to the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh is home to many beautiful lakes but none as beautiful and enrapturing as the Madhuri Lake also known as Sangetsar Lake. One of the remotest lakes of the country and perhaps of the world as well, Sangetsar or Madhuri Lake is a breathtaking combination of rocky mountains and an ever-present lake whose beauty is beyond spellbinding. The lake was made popular due to its appearance in the Bollywood movie Koyla and is also known as Madhuri Lake named after the lead actress in the movie.

The Madhuri Lake located at an altitude of 12,000 ft above sea level just 30 km north-east of Tawang, is a sight to behold, tucked between huge mountains in the heart of the Himalayas with many upright tree trunks standing in its belly as if guarding the lake. It holds a very special place in the hearts of Buddhists of both India and nearby Tibet who come here every year to pray. Madhuri Lake is a bounty of nature which amazes you, dazzles you and rejuvenates your soul.

Photos of Madhuri Lake

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Best Time To Visit Madhuri Lake

The best months to visit Madhuri lake or the Sangetsar Lake are October, November, March, April and May as the cold at this time subsides a little to allow normal tourist activities. The weather still remains pretty cold and will require you to wear as much warm clothing as possible. The lake also looks pristine and beautiful at this time as it is not frozen.

Stay Near Madhuri Lake

Tawang, which is 30 km away from Sangetsar Lake, is the best place to stay as it has many accommodation options suiting all budget sizes. Some of these include Tenzin Guest House, Hotel Gayko Khang Zhang or any one of the Dolma Group of Hotels.

Tips For Visiting Madhuri Lake

1. Adjustment to high-altitude is required, so make sure you have adjusted well before visiting the lake.
2. Carry warm jackets to protect yourself from the bone-chilling cold.
3. Only Indian nationals are allowed to visit the lake. A permit is required for visiting which can be acquired from the Office of Deputy Commissioner in Tawang. The permit should also be stamped in the Indian Army Cantonment of the town. It is essential to get the army stamp as you otherwise you won't be allowed to pass the check posts on the way.
4. There is an army cafeteria near the lake where the tourists can gorge on delectable Maggi, momos, tea/coffee and some other snacks which taste extra scrumptious in the mountains.

How to reach Madhuri Lake

Air: Nearest airport is at Guwahati which is 480 km from Tawang and is well connected t all major cities of the country. One can hire a car or catch a bus till Tezpur for further journey till Tawang. Alternatively, helicopter services are available from Guwahati till Tawang daily at the cost Rs. 400 for adults and Rs. 2500 for children.
Rail: Nearest rail head is at Tezpur. Tezpur is well connected to Tawang and Bomdila by road and one can hail a Tata Suma or a bus till Tawang.
Road: Tawang is well connected to all major cities of the North-East by ASPRTC buses and some more private buses. Traveling by a rented car should be preferable due to comfort and convenience in traveling to other locations. From Tawang one can go to Sangetsar Lake which is 30 km away and can take around 4-5 hours depending on weather and road conditions by a hired cab.