Top Attractions

Scenic Lakes & Rivers in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a paradise of pristine lakes, breathtaking rivers, and serene landscapes. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, the state is home to high-altitude lakes, glacial water bodies, and mighty rivers that are perfect for boating, photography, adventure, and spiritual experiences.

Here’s a list of the most scenic lakes & rivers to explore in Arunachal Pradesh.

Best Lakes in Arunachal Pradesh

1. Sela Lake – The Frozen Beauty

 Location: Near Sela Pass, Tawang
 Altitude: 4,170m (13,700 ft)
 Best For: Photography, Snow Views, Monpa Culture

 Why Visit?
✅ One of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in India.
✅ Completely frozen during winter (November–April).
✅ Surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered mountains.

 Things to Do:
 Experience snowfall in winter.
 Capture mesmerizing sunrise & sunset views.
 Stop by Sela Pass for panoramic Himalayan views.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April (for snow), May – June (for clear views).

2. Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake) – A Bollywood Favorite

 Location: Near Tawang
 Altitude: 3,708m (12,165 ft)
 Best For: Scenic Views, Photography, Meditation

 Why Visit?
✅ Famous from the Bollywood movie "Koyla" (1997), starring Madhuri Dixit.
✅ A surreal lake with submerged tree trunks, surrounded by mountains.
✅ A sacred lake for Buddhist monks & a peaceful retreat.

 Things to Do:
 Scenic drive through the Bum La Pass Road.
 Take breathtaking photos of the lake’s surreal landscape.
 Visit nearby Buddhist prayer sites.

 Best Time to Visit: April – June, September – November.

3. Pankang Teng Tso Lake – A Hidden Gem in Tawang

 Location: Tawang
 Altitude: 3,500m (11,482 ft)
 Best For: Nature Walks, Picnic, Photography

 Why Visit?
✅ One of the most peaceful & lesser-known lakes in Tawang.
✅ Turns into a frozen wonderland in winter.
✅ Great for meditation & birdwatching.

 Things to Do:
 Enjoy a nature walk along the lakeside.
 See the lake turn into ice during winter.
 Perfect for picnics & relaxation.

 Best Time to Visit: March – June, September – November.

4. Mehao Lake – The Pristine Forest Lake

 Location: Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Roing
 Altitude: 3,000m (9,842 ft)
 Best For: Trekking, Boating, Birdwatching

 Why Visit?
✅ A stunning natural lake surrounded by dense tropical forests.
✅ Perfect for boating, birdwatching & trekking.
✅ Crystal-clear water reflecting the green forests.

 Things to Do:
 Boating in the lake with views of lush forests.
 Spot migratory birds & wild animals.
 Trek through Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April.

5. Shungatser Lake – A Sacred Buddhist Site

 Location: Near Tawang
 Altitude: 3,600m (11,811 ft)
 Best For: Spiritual Experience, Nature Photography

 Why Visit?
✅ Believed to be a sacred lake by the Monpa Buddhists.
✅ Surrounded by prayer flags & Himalayan landscapes.
✅ Perfect for meditation & spiritual retreats.

 Things to Do:
 Capture serene views of the lake & prayer flags.
 Experience Buddhist rituals at the lakeside monastery.
 Relax & enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

 Best Time to Visit: April – October.

Best Rivers in Arunachal Pradesh

6. Siang River – The Mightiest River in Arunachal

 Location: Pasighat, East Siang District
 Best For: River Rafting, Fishing, Boating

 Why Visit?
✅ The main tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
✅ Perfect for white-water rafting & fishing.
✅ Surrounded by lush greenery & Adi tribal villages.

 Things to Do:
 Go River rafting on thrilling Grade III & IV rapids.
 Try your hand at angling (fish-catching).
 Cross the famous hanging bamboo bridges.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April.

7. Kameng River – A Paradise for Adventure Seekers

 Location: West Kameng District
 Best For: Rafting, Camping, Fishing

 Why Visit?
✅ A scenic river flowing from the Tibetan Plateau.
✅ Surrounded by forests & tribal villages.
✅ Great for adventure activities & riverside camping.

 Things to Do:
 White-water rafting through thrilling rapids.
 Camp by the riverside with bonfires.
 Try fishing with the local tribes.

 Best Time to Visit: November – April.

8. Subansiri River – The Lifeline of the Tribes

 Location: Upper Subansiri & Lower Subansiri Districts
 Best For: River Cruises, Wildlife Viewing

 Why Visit?
✅ Flows through dense forests & picturesque valleys.
✅ Home to freshwater dolphins, turtles & exotic birds.
✅ Ideal for peaceful boat rides & eco-tourism.

 Things to Do:
 Take a scenic boat ride & explore tribal villages.
 Spot rare birds & aquatic wildlife.
 Stay in eco-lodges along the river.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April.

9. Dibang River – The Untamed Beauty

 Location: Dibang Valley
 Best For: Trekking, Rafting, Camping

 Why Visit?
✅ Flows through Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Red Pandas & Snow Leopards.
✅ One of the most scenic rivers of Arunachal Pradesh.
✅ Great for offbeat adventure & eco-tourism.

 Things to Do:
 Try river rafting through untouched landscapes.
 Camp by the river with breathtaking valley views.
 Wildlife spotting in Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March.

 – Why Explore Arunachal Pradesh’s Lakes & Rivers?

Arunachal Pradesh is a land of stunning water bodies, from high-altitude lakes surrounded by monasteries to fast-flowing rivers cutting through the Himalayas. Whether you love photography, adventure, spiritual retreats, or simply relaxing in nature, these lakes & rivers are a must-visit!

 Best for Scenic Views & Peace: Sela Lake, Pankang Teng Tso, Shungatser Lake
 Best for Adventure & Rafting: Siang River, Kameng River, Dibang River
 Best for Spiritual Experience: Madhuri Lake, Sangetsar Lake, Tawang Monastery Lakes

Which lake or river excites you the most? Let me know if you need a personalized travel itinerary!