Madhuri Lake, Tawang: A Quiet Place High in the Himalayas

Published on December 20, 2025

Madhuri Lake is located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, on the road that leads from Tawang town towards Bum La Pass. Officially, the lake is called Sangestar Tso, and among locals it is still known as Shungatser Lake. The name Madhuri Lake came much later, and only because a Bollywood song was filmed here in the 1990s.

The lake sits at an altitude of around 3,700 metres, which means the air feels thinner the moment you step out of the vehicle. Breathing becomes slower. Movements feel heavier. This is normal here.

What most people remember first is the silence. Madhuri Lake is not crowded like many tourist lakes. Even when there are visitors, the space feels quiet. Voices drop naturally. People speak less.

The lake was formed after a strong earthquake in the 1970s. Landslides blocked natural water paths, and over time the area filled with glacial water. Trees that once stood on dry land were submerged. Today, their bare trunks still rise out of the water. They look strange at first, almost unsettling, but they are the reason the lake looks the way it does.

The water is usually greenish-blue, though the shade keeps changing depending on light, weather and season. On clear days, nearby mountains reflect on the surface. On cloudy days, the lake looks darker and heavier.

Madhuri Lake is close to the India-China border, so the area is under constant supervision by the Indian Army. You will see Army vehicles and personnel around the route. For travellers who want to explore this region without dealing with last-minute coordination, many prefer planning their trip through well-structured Tawang tour packages, which usually include Madhuri Lake along with other key spots around Tawang in a single, well-paced itinerary.

How to Reach Madhuri Lake

Reaching Tawang

Tawang is the base town for visiting the lake.

The nearest airport is Tezpur in Assam, which is about 320 kilometres away. From Tezpur, people usually travel by road. The drive takes anywhere between 10 to 12 hours, sometimes longer if weather or road conditions slow things down.

The road journey passes through mountain passes, forests and small settlements. It is tiring, but it helps the body slowly adjust to altitude.

From Tawang to Madhuri Lake

Madhuri Lake is around 30 to 40 kilometres from Tawang town. It lies on the same route that goes to Bum La Pass.

Private vehicles are generally not allowed on this road. Only registered local taxis that are approved for the Bum La sector can go beyond certain checkpoints. These taxis are arranged in Tawang town itself.

The drive from Tawang to the lake usually takes one and a half to two hours. The road is rough in parts, narrow in others, and the weather can change quickly. Snow, fog or wind can slow the journey without warning.

Permits You Will Need

You need:

• An Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh

• A special permit for the Bum La route, which covers Madhuri Lake

These permits are checked multiple times on the way. Most travellers arrange them through their hotel, local travel agents or taxi unions in Tawang. It is best to do this at least one day in advance.

Carry printed copies along with a government-issued ID. Network issues are common, and digital copies alone are risky.

Best Time to Visit Madhuri Lake

The lake looks different in every season. Choosing the right time matters a lot.

March to June

This is one of the better periods to visit. Snow starts melting, roads open up, and visibility improves. The weather is cold but manageable. April and May are especially comfortable for most travellers. The lake water looks clear, and reflections are sharp on sunny days.

September to November

After the monsoon clears, the region becomes calm again. Skies are often clear, and the air feels crisp. October is a favourite month for photography because light conditions are stable and colours appear stronger.

By late November, cold increases and snowfall can begin.

December to February

Heavy snowfall can block roads for days or even weeks. The lake may freeze completely. While the landscape looks beautiful, reaching the lake becomes uncertain. Plans during this time depend entirely on local conditions and permissions.

July and August

This is the monsoon season, and usually not advised . Rain can trigger landslides, roads become slippery, and visibility drops. Even if the lake itself is visible, the journey can be uncomfortable and risky.

Things to Do Near Madhuri Lake

Madhuri Lake is not about activities or entertainment. It is more about slowing down.

1. Spend Time at the Lake

Most people spend 30 minutes to an hour here. Some stay longer if the weather allows. Walking slowly along the edge, sitting quietly, or simply standing and looking at the water is enough.

2. Photography

Photography is one of the main reasons people stop here.

The tree trunks rising from the water create a strong visual contrast. Light changes the scene every few minutes. Even simple phone cameras capture striking images.

Photography is allowed, but avoid shooting towards restricted Army areas. Always follow instructions given by personnel on duty.

3. Army-Run Cafeteria

Near the lake, there is a small cafeteria run by the Indian Army. They usually serve tea, coffee, Maggi and basic snacks.

In cold weather, holding a warm cup feels comforting. Availability depends on season and conditions, so it is wise not to rely on it fully.

4. Nearby Places to Visit

Most visitors combine Madhuri Lake with other spots on the same route.

• Bum La Pass, a high-altitude border pass with historical importance

• PTSO Lake, another scenic lake nearby

• Tawang War Memorial, which honours Indian soldiers

• Tawang Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in India

• Nuranang Waterfall, also called Jang Falls
   

These places together give a fuller picture of Tawang, its landscape and its history.

Conclusion 

Madhuri Lake is not dramatic in the usual sense. It does not try to impress. It simply exists, quietly, in a remote corner of the Himalayas. People often arrive expecting a quick stop. Many leave feeling unexpectedly calm. The lake teaches patience. The cold slows you down. The silence stays with you longer than the photographs. If you are visiting Tawang, do not treat Madhuri Lake as a checkbox destination. Give it time. Stand still. Let the place speak in its own way. Some locations do not need explanation. Madhuri Lake is one of them.