Glaw Lake Trek, Arunachal Pradesh
Extreme offbeat trek along with visit to easternmost point of India
The Glaw Lake trek is a remote forest trekking experience located inside Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit district. Surrounded by dense forests and untouched natural landscapes, this trek is ideal for travelers seeking a raw and offbeat adventure rather than conventional sightseeing. The Glaw Lake trek focuses on wilderness exploration, slow trekking trails and immersion in nature, making it suitable for experienced trekkers and serious offbeat travelers.
Short Summary
| Starting From | Dibrugarh | Ending at | Dibrugarh |
| No of days | 7 | Number of nights | 6 |
| Night stays at | Wakro (1 night) Walong (2 nights) Wakro (1 night) Glaw Lake (1 night) Wakro (1 night) | ||
Glaw Lake Trek Overview
The Glaw Lake trek is a trek-focused itinerary that involves guided forest trails within Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary. Unlike high-altitude Himalayan treks, this experience emphasizes dense forest landscapes, river systems and wildlife-rich terrain. The trek leads to Glaw Lake, a secluded natural lake hidden deep inside protected forest areas.
Itinerary of Glaw Lake Trek
Day 1: Dibrugarh to Wakro (200 km / 4 hours)
Arrive at Dibrugarh Airport or New Tinsukia Railway Station by 10 AM. Our driver will meet you, and start the drive towards Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh. Visit Golden Pagoda at Namsai, which is the largest monastery in the region. The style of these monasteries in this region are different than the Tibetan monasteries. Here, it resembles more of Thailand / Myanmar style monasteries. After exploring the region, drive further to have lunch by the riverside (on rather on the river). It is a one if its kind experience. Later drive to Wakro. Check-in to a homestay for overnight stay.
Day 2: Wakro - Parashuram Kund - Walong (200 km 7-8 hours)
Today we start early to visit Parashuram Kund. This picturesque small town has huge religious significance, but is also stunningly beautiful. The Turquoise blue water of Lohit River surrounded by high mountains on all sides is a sight to remember! Legend goes that Sage Parashuram killed his mother on his father's orders, and cleansed himself in this “Kund” after taking a dip here. Later, continue our drive by the river to Walong, the first small village of Eastern part of India from where you can see China with naked eye.
Day 3: Walong - China Border - Walong
Today is the day you can explore the easternmost part of India. We start our day by visiting a 1962 War Memorial. This is built at a place where Chinese army had intruded Indian land, but was bravely stopped by Indian Army during the 1962 war. After paying respects, we will visit Tilam Hot Springs. Later we drive to Kaho, which is the first Indian village, right next to the border of China. Explore the town and get a glimpse of China from different parts of the village. Later, drive to Kibithu, another border village. View the water of Lohit River arriving fresh from China. After an exciting day, it's time to drive back to homestay and relax.
Day 4: Trek to witness the first rays of sun in India: Dong Valley
A hectic day today. Wake up midnight and go for a trek (of 2 hours) via the Dong Hanging Bridge. We start our 2-2.5 hour trek from Dong at 2 am, and reach the peak by 4 am. This steep trekking trail can become tiring, take your time but reach the peak before the sunrise. Once you are on the top, set up a bonfire to keep yourself warm until you wait for those first rays of sun. While the peak is surrounded by higher mountains on all sides, you can view the first rays of sun on Indian soil, falling on a mountain exactly opposite of you. If you visit during winters, you can see the snow capped mountains shining in golden colour. As the sun raises slowly, you can trek further to neighbouring hills. Later, trek back to homestay for heavy breakfast. Freshen up, pack your bags and we now drive back all the way to Wakro. Check-in to a homestay.
Day 5: Wakro to Glaw Lake
Post breakfast, drive till Kamlang Tiger Reserve. From there, start your trek to the prestine Glaw Lake. The 10 km trek is moderate to difficult, and will take approx 8 hours depending on your trek speed. Reach by evening and spend a beautiful evening by the lake. At night, stay just next to the lake in a small hut made by the locals.
Day 6: Glaw Lake to Wakro
After an exciting day at Glaw Lake, it is time to trek back to Kamlang Tiger Reserve. From there, your cab will drive you to homestay. Stay overnight at a homestay at Wakro
Day 7: Wakro - Dibrugarh (200 km - 4 hours)
Drive back to Dibrugarh as our awesome trip comes to an end. Get ready to share your story of visiting a unique place with your friends and family as we drop you at Dibrugarh (hotel/airport/railway station).
Where Is Glaw Lake Located?
Glaw Lake is located inside Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve in Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh. The sanctuary lies near Wakro, which acts as the base area for approaching the trek. Due to its protected status and dense forest cover, access to Glaw Lake is possible only through guided trekking routes, making it one of the lesser-known trekking destinations in the state.
Glaw Lake Trek Route and Access
The Glaw Lake trek typically begins near Wakro after road travel through eastern Arunachal Pradesh. From the base area, trekkers proceed on foot through forest trails inside Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary. The trekking route involves moderate forest gradients, river crossings and wildlife-rich surroundings. Since access is regulated, proper planning and local guidance are essential.
Trek Difficulty and Who This Trek Is For
The Glaw Lake trek is suitable for travelers with reasonable fitness and some prior trekking experience. The terrain includes forest paths, uneven trails and natural obstacles, requiring stamina and comfort with outdoor conditions. This trek is recommended for adventure travelers, wildlife enthusiasts and offbeat explorers rather than first-time trekkers or luxury travelers.
Best Time to Do the Glaw Lake Trek
The best time to undertake the Glaw Lake trek depends on forest accessibility, weather conditions and local permissions. Trekking seasons are chosen to ensure safe trail conditions and manageable humidity levels. Seasonal planning plays a key role in determining trek feasibility and overall experience.
Permits and Permissions for the Glaw Lake Trek
Since Glaw Lake lies within Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, travelers require special permissions in addition to the Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit (ILP). Forest entry permissions and local guide arrangements are mandatory. Assistance with permits and permissions is provided as part of the trek planning process.
How the Glaw Lake Trek Fits Into an Arunachal Pradesh Trip
The Glaw Lake trek is best experienced as part of a longer eastern Arunachal Pradesh itinerary rather than as a standalone trip. Since the trek itself typically requires only a couple of days, most travelers choose to combine it with destinations such as Dong Valley or Anini to make the long journey into the region worthwhile. Including the Glaw Lake trek as an extension adds an element of adventure and wilderness exploration to an otherwise scenic road-based itinerary. This combination works well for travelers who want to balance trekking with offbeat sightseeing across eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
Travelers already planning a Dong Valley can add the Glaw Lake trek with minimal changes to the overall itinerary, making it a natural extension for adventure-focused travelers.
Dong Valley & Glaw Lake
Dong Valley is the first village in India where civilians can witness the first rays of Sun. In this trip, you pass through several breathtaking views of Lohit River, and its blue and fresh water. For most part of this trip, you will be cut away from the rest of the world, as there is no mobile signal or internet. While Arunachal Pradesh has identified this as a tourist circuit, this place is rarely visited, and hence it is void of any crowd. This is a perfect place to go to if you want to spend quality time with nature.
Glaw Lake is very rarely visited. If you want to visit some place that is void of the crowd, this tour is perfect for you.
Important Information for Glaw Lake Trek
Dong Valley is a completely offbeat tour. It is not a regular tourist destination. Hence you may not get all the comforts that you are typically used to at other tourist locations
Homestays will be basic but will be neat and clean. There are very minimal homestays, and even lesser good ones. So there is not much of a choice for better homestays. However, you will be amazed by the friendly nature of the hosts.
You will not see the sunrise view from Dong, but you will see the first rays of sunlight falling on Indian land!
You will be out of mobile network for most part of this tour. Please inform your loved ones that you are about to explore the most beautiful part of India, and hence you will not be reachable for few days!
Glaw Lake only has a small hut built by locals. No other place to stay.
