Day1
Drive from Dibrugarh to Roing
Arrive in Dibrugarh. Drive from there to enter Arunachal. Overnight in a nature resort at Roing.
Overview
Seven Untouched Alpine Lakes in the Idu Mishmi Highlands
The Seven Lakes trek near Anini is one of the most demanding and rewarding routes in the Eastern Himalayas. Each lake is etched into your memory through sheer toil and staggering beauty. Starting at the Emuli grasslands beside the Mathu river, the trail ascends relentlessly through temperate forests, sub-alpine meadows, and exposed ridges to reach a cluster of pristine, holy lakes that few outsiders have ever seen.
The trek is hard, steep and slippery terrain, boggy marshland, roped sections, and a total ascent that tests even seasoned trekkers. But the reward is extraordinary: seven untouched alpine lakes nestled beneath grey-brown peaks, surrounded by rhododendron forests, alpine grasslands, and absolute silence. The lakes are sacred to the native Idu Mishmi tribe. Respect for local beliefs is paramount, touching the water, swimming, or drinking from the lakes is strictly prohibited.
Highlights
What Defines This Trek
Seven Untouched Alpine Lakes
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit seven pristine, high-altitude lakes in a rarely visited corner of Arunachal Pradesh, untouched by mass tourism and preserved by local reverence.
Emuli Grasslands & Mathu River
Beautiful vistas of rolling wooded hills and the Mathu river from the jhoom-cultivation grasslands, a popular yet stunning starting point.
Rhododendron & Alpine Forests
Walk through dense temperate forest alive with birds, then emerge into open sub-alpine and alpine grasslands rich with wildflowers and diverse flora.
A True Physical Challenge
Steep ascents, slippery terrain, bogs, rock patches, roped sections, and narrow animal trails demand focus, endurance, and skill from seasoned trekkers.
Starry Nights at High Camp
Zero light pollution at well-equipped forest camps means the night sky is spectacular, a rare treat for stargazers at altitude.
Newly Developed Trail
Pristine, wild, tough, and deeply rewarding, a sense of accomplishment mixed with awe and wonder at every turn.
Itinerary
Day by Day
The full 12-day trip from Dibrugarh to the Seven Lakes and back, a relentless ascent into one of Arunachal's most dramatic landscapes.
Day2
Drive from Roing to Anini
Start early from Roing to reach Anini by late afternoon. Meet the guide and support staff, and do a final gear check.
Day3
Anini to Emuli · Trek to Camp 1
We drive from Anini to Emuli grasslands beside the Mathu river. The walk begins through ferns and wild lavender, steeply climbing through Emuli grasslands, a stunning vista of wooded hills and the river below. Entering the forest, the trail remains relentless, gaining over 1,050 m in just 3.5 km (4–5 hours). Camp Anouk has a hut, platforms, kitchen, staff hut, and toilet, with beautiful valley views and dense forest all around.
Day4
Camp 1 to Camp 2 (3,350 m)
Distance: 6.1 km · Time: 6–7 hrs · Ascent: 1,000 m
Continue through temperate forest of rhododendron, oak, and fir. The forest floor is layered with bamboo, ferns, and shrubs. The path is a hunter's trail established on moisture-laden, boggy soil that sinks underfoot. We gain another 1,000 m to Camp 2 at 3,350 m, a large hut with kitchen, firepit, and toilet, nestled in a depression on the ridge. Stories of bears visiting camp and rich birdlife add to the wild atmosphere.
Day5
Camp 2 to Camp 3 (3,683 m)
Distance: 7 km · Time: 9–10 hrs · Ascent: 820 m · Descent: 560 m · Highest Point: 3,942 m
Absolutely heinous. The trail climbs steeply into the forest, then emerges on the ridge with views of snow-capped peaks. The trail narrows to an animal trail on the ridge, boulders, ladders, and roped sections. After a lunch stop overlooking Lake 1, we climb to the high point (3,940 m) for panoramic views before descending to Camp 3 on the northwestern edge of Lake 2. Eight two-person huts, kitchen, and toilet at camp.
Day6
Exploring Lake 3 & Lake 4
Lake 3: 3,764 m · Lake 4: 3,928 m
Lake 3 sits 20–30 minutes above Lake 2, smaller and darker, surrounded by imposing grey cliffs. From there, an hour's climb brings us to the Lake 4 viewpoint, the most popular and breathtaking spot on the trek. Clear azure blue waters change colour with the light, framed by grey and brown peaks on all sides. A day of awe and photography.
Day7
Exploring Lake 5, 6 & 7
A long day excursion from Base Camp. We skirt Lake 2 and climb north through thick fir and rhodo/juniper forest on a steep, narrow hunter's trail. Views of the distant Chigu and Bruni mountain ranges open up before Lake 5 appears, elongated like a cashew. Continuing below the ridge to a high point of ~3,950 m, we reach the viewpoint for twin Lakes 6 and 7. Lunch with a view, then retrace to camp.
Day8
Base Camp to Camp 2
Distance: ~7 km · Time: 7 hrs · Ascent: 561 m · Descent: 811 m
The trek is far from over. We must safely negotiate the demanding walk back from Camp 3 to Camp 2, a gruelling day of ridge traverses, steep descents, and physical exhaustion.
Day9
Camp 2 to Emuli · Drive to Anini
Camp 2 to Camp 1: 6.1 km, ~3 hrs, descent 1,500 m. Camp 1 to Emuli: 3.5 km, 2.5–3 hrs, descent 3,000 m.
The descent is treacherous through the grassland, straining knees and legs on the steep downhill toward Emuli. Walking sticks are invaluable. From Emuli, we drive back to Anini, exhausted, accomplished, and forever marked by the Seven Lakes.
Day10
Anini
We spend the day in Anini, resting and enjoying the beauty of this town. In case of bad weather or any other delay, this is also our reserve day.
Day11
Drive from Anini to Roing
Start our journey back with a day's drive from Anini to Roing
Day12
Drive from Roing to Dibrugarh
Drive back to Dibrugarh. Trip ends
Dates & Price
Upcoming Departure
Departure Dates
1-12 Oct 2026
Price
₹99,990 + GST per person
Inclusions
- All transfers in a Non-AC vehicle as per the itinerary
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in huts / hotel / homestay
- All meals as mentioned in itinerary & safe drinking water
- All trip logistics
- A knowledgeable and experienced tour leader
- Peak fee / sanctuary fee / royalty / permits where applicable
Exclusions
- GST
- Sleeping bag
- Flights not included in the above-mentioned cost
- Any transfers or meals outside of itinerary
- Bottled water / soft drinks
- Items of personal clothing
- Expenses of any personal nature (laundry / phone calls / alcohol / insurance / etc.)
- Any expense incurred due to force of nature or reasons beyond our control
- Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes
- Tips & gratuities (personal choice)
- Travel & cancellation insurance
- Any other item not mentioned in “Included” section above
Gallery
The Trail in Images
