Trek to Glow Lake Arunachal Pradesh, exploration to the legendary lake

Post topic: Trek to Glow Lake, Arunachal Pradesh. India is a vast land, extending in all four directions for hundreds of kilometres. There is diverse geographical regions with intricate flora and fauna. Many of these regions /locations are not accessible by roads. Hence, one needs to trek on foot to cross challenging topography to reach them. One such area that I was fascinated to visit and explore is called Glow Lake. This is located in the Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary of East Arunachal. This post of mine is an account of my Trek to Glow Lake, Arunachal Pradesh. It remains a mystical lake in the forests of East Arunachal.

Arunachal Pradesh, India’s remotest State

Arunachal Pradesh is known as the “Land of Dawn Lit Mountains”. India’s remotest state and the first Indian soil to greet the rising sun. Located on the northeastern tip of India, with its borders touching China, Bhutan and Myanmar, this beautiful land has a dazzling array of flora and fauna bound to amaze any traveller. It is this land that I wanted to visit, and hence, I planned an extensive road trip to East Arunachal. Trek to Glow Lake, Arunachal Pradesh, was a “must-do” activity in the itinerary schedule.

Arunachal is also associated with various legends as the land where sage Parasuram washed away his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, and Lord Krishna married his consort, Devi Rukmani. It is dotted by numerous historical, natural, and archaeological monuments and remains, which testify to its rich cultural heritage. I decided to visit this land situated hundreds of kilometres away from me. The plan was to travel to the eastern sector of this state and, during this road trip, make a stop to undertake the Trek to Glow Lake, Arunachal Pradesh

Kamlang Wild Life Sanctuary

Established in 1989, the Kamlang Wild Sanctuary is the 50th tiger reserve in India and a declared eco-sensitive zone. Rich in flora and fauna, it is situated in the Lohit district and is named after the Kamlang River that flows through it. The Mishmi, Miju, and Digaro indigenous people inhabit this wonderful land.

Treks and Me

There is something about visiting an elusive place; not much is known about it, and it is amidst nature. It can be a natural creation or a historical monument; combinations like these attract me tremendously. As most of these need trekking, I developed a love for hiking/trekking once I realised the other add-ons I could soak in. To me, Trekking is not just about trails and mountains; instead, it is my path to freedom. Views on treks are earned, not given. The climb, most of the time, requires perseverance and not complaints. The mountains reward determination and not distraction. When I hike, I leave behind the world’s noise and tune into my soul’s hymn.

My name is Sumit, and I am a passionate photographer from India. Travel carved all the good things that exist in me today. I went through every emotion possible, giving me perspective over time. I now realise there is much more to travel. So now I choose to go to places where people like me generally don’t go. So I go to places – FAR FROM HOME. Arunachal is one such region.

Trek to Glow Lake, Arunachal Pradesh

Trek to Glow Lake, Arunachal Pradesh, is a part of the accessible portion of the Kamlang sanctuary. Glow Lake is situated at an elevation of 5000 feet, covering an area of 8 sq Km with a circumference of 5 km. The lake is accessible only by steep trekking. Hugged by snowy mountains and densely forested canopies, it lies hidden. The lake remains surrounded by legends & folklore. The Mishmi believe that four girls & boys are the deities residing within the lake and protecting it and all those around it. It is said that no one can drown in the Lake.

The Mishmi people are mainly animists and speak a dialect of the Tibeto-Burmese language. They are known for their artistic sense and traditional clothing. For them, nature is their supreme god and creator. Worshipping the sun, moon, forests, and plants, calling them “Amik Matai,” which means the “Almighty.”

The Glow Lake Trek

To access the region where Glow Lake is situated, one has to base at Wakro town, around 80 km from the border between Arunachal and Assam. A single highway, NH15/13/113 connects the town, frequented by vehicles travelling further inland during the day.

From Wakro, one must drive until the road ends and the Kamlang Sanctuary commences. The forest guards check the permits here, and then one can move ahead.

Do note that a guide is the only way one will have a success rate of staying alive when venturing into the sanctuary. There is no clear-cut, defined trail; it is a very dense jungle. Hence, a guide for reaching the lake is not as essential as it is to ensure that one does not get lost within the vast forests and eventually perish.

The Trek to Glow Lake is a more strenuous hike, climbing uphill for a distance of close to 16-18 km. Various wild animals, including the Havelock Gibbons, inhabit the entire region. Indeed, the call of the gibbons welcomed me once I had penetrated around 3 km into the forest. It was continuous and all around. The Kamlang River is seen on multiple occasions flowing aggressively, cutting through the dense vegetation. Sunlight darted through the thick canopy with giant ferns and moss on ancient gnarled roots of trees, which reminded me of stepping back into some other age & time. Seeing the blue sky between such dense forest cover is a pleasure.

About the Glow Lake Trek

Once, the extremely rickety suspension bridge on the Kamlang River is crossed, which was my first experience with a suspension bridge. Thereafter, the actual steep incline starts into the forest. The legs wince with the effort of each step as one scrambles uphill, navigating the forest floor. The landscape comprises narrow trails, stunning foliage, massive boulders, and ancient trees. One comes across tiny streams rushing downhill to meet the Kamlang. Indeed, it is a world cut off from the present world.

There are sacred spots where the guide offers prayers to the forest gods for safe passage through the forest. This reminded me of the treks in the mountains of Uttarakhand, where the trek guide and head porter offer similar prayers to the Goddess of the mountains for safe passage through her realm. I tell you, one has to be present in the moment to feel the energy and vibe that somehow emanates from nothing.

During the Trek to Glow Lake, Arunachal Pradesh, there is a waypoint/rest stop called “Kalai.” It houses a run-down hunter’s hut where one can stop in case of an emergency requiring shelter. It afforded minimal protection for the night against the elements and animals; however, we just took a break and pushed onward towards our objective.

I had been trekking since 0830 hrs in the morning, and it was close to three, and still, I could not sense where the Lake was. Without any mobile network, signpost, or landmark, I depended on the guide. My guide kept telling me we were almost there, but I have been hearing the same thing for the past 45 minutes. It is agonising to wait to see the lake but not know where it is.

Sighting Glow Lake

Finally, the forest cover had just finished, and it was like I had stepped out through a doorway into another land. The forest line stayed back as I took my steps ahead into a clearing where the jungle had been hacked away to reveal the shimmering beauty—Glow Lake. The gem was right before me, and the effort it had taken me to get here with months of planning made this moment all the more special.

I just sat and looked at the mountains on the horizon, basking in the afternoon light while the forest wilderness reflected in the lake’s still waters. There are two huts at the lake’s edge and one kitchen structure erected on bamboo stilts in traditional Mishmi style. In one of the tents, 04 forest guards remain on duty throughout, while visitors are accommodated in the second hut. There is no electricity or modernity out here.

The remaining daylight was spent gawking at the beauty in front of me, just sitting and hearing the forest’s wild calls and seeing the light change every few minutes as it reflected off the lake waters.

An evening spent in the Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary

Darkness approached quickly, and I went with my guide to gather firewood to light the fire to keep myself warm as it was chilled out there. For dinner, rice, dal, and one vegetable are cooking over the fire. The forest remained alive with creatures for whom the night is the element, so we needed to stay close to the hut and avoid venturing anywhere far.

The following day, the lake appeared like a dream, mist rising upwards like a lover’s kiss while the mountains stood in the background. My heart was overwhelmed with mixed feelings. I was so happy to be here. I was close to this lake about which I had seen just a picture for the first time. Finally, I was here, my passion taking me places I wanted to go. I clicked many pics in the morning as the sun rose higher, and yet another glorious morning in Arunachal welcomed me.

The Journey Back to Wakro

Once again, I write about my explorations and the story of yet another gem of a location in this country for all those who desire to see this land in person or through my words. The journey back is also as strenuous as the onward hike, but I carried my precious memories and a bagful of pictures as well.

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FAQ – Trek to Glow Lake Arunachal Pradesh

The ideal time to visit Glow Lake

October to April are the ideal times to undertake Trek to Glow Lake, Arunachal Pradesh. After April, the monsoons/rains arrive, and access to the lake becomes challenging.

How to reach

The starting point would be the town of Wakro. I have given the homestay details here( Mobile – 8132889099, Ninashi Home Stay); they can arrange a guide and permit. Wakro is 67 km from Namsai town, which is on the border of Assam and Guwahati.

Network connectivity

There is no network connectivity during the trek. However, a mobile network is available at Wakro Airtel and BSNL.

Accommodation

There is no other option. One can pitch tents or sleep in a bamboo hut for the night.

About the hike

The trek to Glow Lake seems easy, considering it is a single-day hike. However, the dense forests, steep incline, lack of signposts, and slippery narrow trails on the slopes of the mountains make the entire trek challenging. It does require stamina and some basic trekking concepts to know where to put the foot ahead. The guides are regular village guys who know the way and are not experienced guides in case there is some injury.

What is my blog all about ?

My blog focuses quite a bit on the ancient history and the art of India, among other places of travel that I keep doing. In addition to travelling and exploring offbeat places, I am also interested in visiting and increasing my awareness of Historical institutions and places within India. Do subscribe to this blog for more content on similar lines.