Lake · Arunachal Pradesh
Madhuri Lake (Shungatser / Sangetsar Tso)
High-altitude lake formed by the 1950 earthquake, with drowned tree trunks and mountain reflections.
Quick facts
- Best season
- April – June and September – November
- Duration
- Full-day excursion from Tawang
- Altitude
- ≈3,700 m
- Nearest town
- Tawang (Tawang)
- Permit
- Indian citizens need ILP plus a pass issued in Tawang (DC office / Army). Generally not open to foreign nationals. Closures possible at short notice.
About Madhuri Lake
Shungatser Lake, officially Sangetsar Tso and popularly called Madhuri Lake, lies at about 3,700 m on the road from Tawang toward Bum La. It was created by the great Assam–Tibet earthquake of 15 August 1950, when landslides dammed a stream and flooded a forest. The grey trunks of the drowned trees still stand in the still water, giving the lake an eerie, otherworldly beauty.
Its popular name dates from 1997, when a song in the Bollywood film Koyla starring Madhuri Dixit was shot here. Today the lake is managed by the Indian Army, which runs a small café serving tea and snacks to visitors. On clear days the surrounding peaks and conifers are reflected perfectly in the water; in winter the lake freezes and the area is blanketed with snow.
Access is part of a day excursion from Tawang that usually also includes several high-altitude lakes, P.T. Tso, and — for Indian citizens with the extra pass — Bum La. Roads are rough and weather changes quickly, so start early and dress warmly.
How to reach Madhuri Lake
About 35–40 km from Tawang on the Bum La road; only by local permitted vehicles (Tata Sumo / SUVs hired in Tawang).
Tours that include Madhuri Lake
Things to do
Places near Madhuri Lake
Mountain PassBum La PassIndo-China border pass at about 4,600 m, visited with a special permit by Indian citizens.
MonasteryTawang MonasteryIndia's largest monastery, founded in 1680–81, on a ridge above the Tawang valley at about 3,000 m.
Mountain PassSela Pass4,170 m mountain pass on the road to Tawang, with a sacred lake and snow for much of the year.
Madhuri Lake FAQs
Why is it called Madhuri Lake?
A song from the 1997 film Koyla, starring Madhuri Dixit, was filmed here, and the nickname stuck.
Do I need a special permit for Madhuri Lake?
Yes. Besides your Arunachal ILP, a pass issued in Tawang is required. We arrange it the day before.
Can foreigners visit Madhuri Lake?
Generally no; the Bum La road is restricted to Indian citizens. Rules can change, so check locally.
Facts checked against: en.wikipedia.org · arunachaltourism.com. Conditions change — verify timings and permits before travel.