Madhuri lake Travel Guide

Formed by a flash flood after an earthquake in the year 1950, Madhuri Lake is originally known as Shonga-tser Lake, which is one of the most popular lakes in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The lake was renamed so after the shooting of Bollywood movie Koyla, starring Madhuri Dixit, the beautiful actress. The lake has been surrounded by wonderfully lush valleys, and snow-capped mountains. A leisure walk is the best way to explore the picturesque surroundings of the lake.The lake is managed by the Indian Army. There is a cafeteria too, near the lake where visitors can relish Maggi, Momos, with a cup of tea or coffee. The best time to visit Madhuri Lake is between April and October as during the rest of the year, the area is frozen.   

Being home to the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh is home to many beautiful lakes but none as beautiful and enrapturing as the Sangetsar Lake or the Madhuri 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 12000 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.

This is a really beautiful place. This location is off the beaten track for those who love roaming in the wilderness. It is a fantastic place for a picnic of a lifetime if you move out of Tawang by around 7am and carry in everything yourself.

Visit by civilian tourist of India is permissible with permission from the Indian Army. The track is very treacherous, only SUVs advisable, and that too only on clear weather day with no snowfall or rainfall. A special permit is required to visit Milakatong La Pass and Bum La Pass, The Permits can be requested at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District, and the same has to be stamped in the Indian army cantonment at Tawang town. It is also to be noted that without the army stamp, you will not be allowed through the numerous check posts on the way.