Phangrei Lake
Phangrei Lake is a serene, high-altitude water body situated in the scenic hills near Phangrei village, often referred to as a picturesque picnic spot that also links to the renowned Shirui Hills. While its name suggests a large lake, it may be a smaller pond or an area of marshy wetland that accumu lates water, particularly after the monsoon. The location is famous among locals and tourists for its breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, characterized by rolling green meadows and a cool, crisp climate. The area is a perfect retreat for a day trip, offering a peaceful environment ideal for picnics, nature photography, and a leisurely stroll away from the hustle of Ukhrul town. The tranquility and the panoramic views of the distant mountain ranges, particularly Shirui Kashong, make it a popular spot for relaxation and quiet contemplation, symbolizing the untouched natural beauty of the Ukhrul highlands. The easy accessibility of Phangrei adds to its appeal as a convenient nature escape.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-3 Hours:Place Type:
Scenic Lake/Picnic Spot, Nature Retreat:Entry Fees:
General Information: There is generally no formal entry fee to visit Phangrei Lake or the surrounding picnic spot as it is an open natural area managed by the community.
Parking Fee: If driving a private vehicle, a nominal parking or road ma...General Information: There is generally no formal entry fee to visit Phangrei Lake or the surrounding picnic spot as it is an open natural area managed by the community.
Parking Fee: If driving a private vehicle, a nominal parking or road maintenance fee (around Rs.20 to Rs.50) may be charged by the local village authority near the main road access point.
Guide Fees: A guide is not necessary unless you plan to venture onto the deeper, unmapped trekking trails towards Shirui Kashong, in which case a local guide should be hired for safety (fee negotiable, Rs.500+).
Litter/Clean-up Fine: To encourage cleanliness, the local council may impose a small fine on anyone caught littering, so be prepared to carry all waste back to Ukhrul.Timing:
Regular Timings: As a natural open space, it is accessible 24 hours, but the recommended time for a visit and for safety is during daylight, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time (Picnic): Late morning to mid-afternoon (11:00 AM to 3:00 ...Regular Timings: As a natural open space, it is accessible 24 hours, but the recommended time for a visit and for safety is during daylight, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time (Picnic): Late morning to mid-afternoon (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) is the most popular time for picnics, making the area more vibrant and active.
Ideal Visit Time (Solitude): Early morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) is the best time for peaceful reflection, photography, and to catch the soft morning mist.
Avoidance Period: Visiting after sunset is not advisable due to the remote location and lack of lighting.Special Events:
Shirui Lily Festival (May-June): This is the biggest special event. While the main festival is on Shirui Kashong Peak, Phangrei Lake, being on the same route, acts as a primary viewpoint, rest stop, or a secondary event location during the festival period.Shirui Lily Festival (May-June): This is the biggest special event. While the main festival is on Shirui Kashong Peak, Phangrei Lake, being on the same route, acts as a primary viewpoint, rest stop, or a secondary event location during the festival period.
Local Village Sporting Events: Local villages like Phangrei sometimes host traditional sporting events or village gatherings on the flat, open ground near the lake, particularly during the dry harvest season (October-November).Best Photo Spots:
The Reflection Spot (Post-Monsoon): The absolute best photo spot is finding the perfect angle to capture the reflection of the surrounding hills and sky in the water, which is only possible when the water level is high (September-November).
The ...The Reflection Spot (Post-Monsoon): The absolute best photo spot is finding the perfect angle to capture the reflection of the surrounding hills and sky in the water, which is only possible when the water level is high (September-November).
The Meadow Foreground: Use the open, grassy meadows, dotted with occasional pine trees, as a wide foreground to frame the distant, majestic mountain peaks like Shirui Kashong, capturing the scale and depth of the landscape.
Picnic Scene/Candid Photography: Capture candid shots of friends or family enjoying the picnic, using the natural beauty as the background for a relaxed, lifestyle-oriented photograph.
Sunset Silhouette: A photo of the sparse pine trees silhouetted against the bright colors of a sunset over the western hills, taken from the lake area, can be stunning.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Photography and Scenery Capture: The primary activity is capturing the wide, panoramic views, the reflections (if the water level is high), and the vibrant colors of the high-altitude meadow landscape.
Family and Group Picnicking: Set up a picnic lunch on the grassy banks, enjoying the cool mountain air and the peaceful ambiance, making sure to carry all trash back with you.
Leisurely Strolls and Nature Walks: Take a quiet walk around the circumference of the lake/pond and the surrounding flat hill area, observing the local birdlife and flora.
Trekking and Hiking: Use Phangrei as a staging point for short hikes towards the base of Shirui Kashong or other nearby ridges to increase your altitude and gain even grander views.
Bird Watchi...Photography and Scenery Capture: The primary activity is capturing the wide, panoramic views, the reflections (if the water level is high), and the vibrant colors of the high-altitude meadow landscape.
Family and Group Picnicking: Set up a picnic lunch on the grassy banks, enjoying the cool mountain air and the peaceful ambiance, making sure to carry all trash back with you.
Leisurely Strolls and Nature Walks: Take a quiet walk around the circumference of the lake/pond and the surrounding flat hill area, observing the local birdlife and flora.
Trekking and Hiking: Use Phangrei as a staging point for short hikes towards the base of Shirui Kashong or other nearby ridges to increase your altitude and gain even grander views.
Bird Watching: The peaceful nature and high elevation attract various high-altitude birds; bringing binoculars is highly recommended for enthusiasts.
Relaxation and Reading: Bring a book and spend a peaceful afternoon simply sitting in the sun, enjoying the quiet isolation.
Sketching/Painting: The clarity of light and the natural composition of the lake and hills are perfect subjects for outdoor sketching and painting.
Information
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Why Famous:
Gateway to Shirui Hills: It is famous for being located on the route to the famous Shirui Kashong Peak, home of the endemic Shirui Lily, making it a natural rest and picnic stop for trekkers heading to the summit.
Local Picnic Haven: The spo...Gateway to Shirui Hills: It is famous for being located on the route to the famous Shirui Kashong Peak, home of the endemic Shirui Lily, making it a natural rest and picnic stop for trekkers heading to the summit.
Local Picnic Haven: The spot is extremely popular with locals from Ukhrul for weekend picnics and family outings due to its combination of scenic beauty, relative proximity, and peaceful, open surroundings.
Highland Landscape Beauty: Its open, rolling meadows and picturesque setting, offering stunning, unobstructed views of the surrounding Ukhrul mountains, embody the classic beauty of the northeastern highlands. -
Architecture:
Natural Catchment Basin: The 'lake' is a natural depression or catchment area, likely a seasonal pond or marshy grassland (a phangrei can refer to a flat hilltop/ridge) where rainwater naturally collects, sustaining local flora and fauna. It is not an engineered reservoir b...Natural Catchment Basin: The 'lake' is a natural depression or catchment area, likely a seasonal pond or marshy grassland (a phangrei can refer to a flat hilltop/ridge) where rainwater naturally collects, sustaining local flora and fauna. It is not an engineered reservoir but a natural topographical feature.
Geographical Elevation: The site is situated on a high ridge or relatively flat hill slope, with an elevation likely above 1,500 meters above sea level, contributing to its cool climate.
Peripheral Landscaping: The surrounding area is characterized by open grasslands and pine trees, with no formal architectural structure other than a few basic picnic shelters, benches, or signboards, with its structure being almost entirely natural and organic.
Dimension of Water Body: The size of the water body will vary significantly by season. In the post-monsoon period (September-October), the lake/pond may be at its largest, potentially spanning an area of 100 x 50 meters, while drying up significantly in the peak winter/summer. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Imphal International Airport (IMF), approximately 106 KM away. From Imphal, hire a taxi to Ukhrul then take a shared/dedicated cab towards Shirui.
By Train: Nearest railhead is Dimapur Railway Station (D...By Air: The nearest major airport is Imphal International Airport (IMF), approximately 106 KM away. From Imphal, hire a taxi to Ukhrul then take a shared/dedicated cab towards Shirui.
By Train: Nearest railhead is Dimapur Railway Station (DMV) in Nagaland (~314 KM). From Dimapur, take a hired cab to Ukhrul (9-10 hours), followed by a local transfer towards the lake.
By Road: From Ukhrul town center (22 KM), hire a dedicated taxi or shared local jeep on the road that leads towards Shirui Kashong Peak. The main road is relatively motorable, but the last approach to the lake may be rough.
By Local Transport: Shared taxis (Sumo/Winger) going towards Shirui village are the most reliable option from the Ukhrul market. Inform the driver that you wish to be dropped at the Phangrei picnic spot/lake. A short walk from the main road may be necessary. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Best Season (Pleasant Weather): October to March (Winter) for clear skies, excellent visibility, and the most comfortable temperatures for picnicking and walking.
Best Season (Highest Water Level): September to November (Post-Monsoon) is whe...Best Season (Pleasant Weather): October to March (Winter) for clear skies, excellent visibility, and the most comfortable temperatures for picnicking and walking.
Best Season (Highest Water Level): September to November (Post-Monsoon) is when the lake will be at its fullest, offering the best reflection photography opportunities.
Best Part of the Day: Midday (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) is ideal for picnics, but the Golden Hours (sunrise/sunset) are best for photography.
Avoidance Period: The dense fog and heavy rainfall during the peak Monsoon (July-August) will ruin the view and make the open ground muddy and unusable for picnics. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Shirui Kashong Peak (5 KM) 2. Shirui Lily Festival Ground (4 KM) 3. Shirui Village (6 KM) 4. Mova Cave (30 KM) 5. Khangkhui Mangsor Cave (40 KM) 6. Ukhrul Town Market (22 KM) 7. Zero Point (20 KM) 8. Ramrei Eco Tourism Park (45 KM) 9. Kachouphung Lake (50 KM) 10. Tandet Art Village (25 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The altitude can cause slight breathlessness; take it slow. Carry basic pain relievers for altitude headaches. Be aware of weather changes, as the weather in the hills can turn quickly.
Packing Essentials: Pack warm cloth...Health & Safety: The altitude can cause slight breathlessness; take it slow. Carry basic pain relievers for altitude headaches. Be aware of weather changes, as the weather in the hills can turn quickly.
Packing Essentials: Pack warm clothing, as the wind chill at this altitude can be strong. Bring a ground sheet or blanket for the picnic, and a thermos of hot tea/coffee.
Accommodation: There are no hotels or guesthouses at Phangrei. All accommodation should be booked in Ukhrul town.
Other Tips (Litter): Adhere strictly to a 'carry in, carry out' policy for all trash to preserve the site's natural beauty and respect the local community's efforts.
Trekking Safety: If planning an extended hike, ensure you have a local guide, water, and emergency contact details.
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