THE MYSTERIOUS NAUNG YANG: “LAKE OF NO RETURN”

THE MYSTERIOUS NAUNG YANG: “LAKE OF NO RETURN”

08 Mar,2022 06:18 PM, by: Manna Mili
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There’s a certain memory association with things like ‘mysterious places’; which may instantly remind you of the Bermuda Triangle or Area 51 in Nevada. But did you know there’s one mysterious destination in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India too? Yes, the land of dawn-lit mountains which is known for its surreal landscapes and exotic natural habitat, is also home to the Naung Yang or Nawang Yang Lake – called the Lake of No Return.

It is located on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar in the Pangsau Pass of Changlang district and is deemed as one of the most mysterious yet most visited places in India. Locals have a popular belief that any person who visits the place, never returns. The irony, however, is that the increasing popularity among travelers has led the ‘lake of no return’ to become a tourist hotspot.

Myths associated with the lake

Due to the several legends and stories surrounding the Naung Yang Lake, it also came to be known as the ‘Lake of No Return’ and has been deemed as the Bermuda Triangle of Arunachal Pradesh.

According to one tale, the crew of an allied force in World War II perished in the lake after using it for a soft emergency landing. It is said that neither the plane nor the pilot ever returned after that. As per another story, in 1942, a troop of British soldiers mysteriously vanished while marching near the lake. Then there’s a story about a group of Japanese soldiers who lost their way upon returning from a battle and arrived at the lake, where they died from Malaria.

Has the mystery been decoded?

Sadly, the mystery about the lake of no return remains unsolved. If we are to believe the stories surrounding it, does it at least have any scientific explanation? According to some researchers, the pilots who used the lake for soft landings of their planes during World War II may have got stuck and drowned in the lake. But no further unearthing of the actual phenomenon is currently available.

Apart from that, not much can be found regarding recent disappearances of people, at least none that we know of.

Visiting the Naung Yang Lake

Despite the eerie legends surrounding it, the Naung Yang Lake is known for its scenic beauty that mesmerizes travelers visiting the place. If you’re someone who is fond of uncovering mysterious places, this place is for you! Many tourists usually come here at the end of the summer or winter season when the picturesque view of the lake is at its peak.

The Naung Yang Lake is located around 15 km away from Nampong village in Changlang district, Arunachal. The nearest points to reach Changlang district are Dibrugarh airport and Tinsukia railway station, after which you can take a route via Stillwell Road, also known as the Ledo Road, which will directly lead you to the lake.

While travelling to the Lake of No Return, caution is always advised. And consulting with local guides is a great way to venture into new destinations for the first time.

Note: Don’t forget to get an inner line permit (ILP) if you are entering Arunachal Pradesh. Also, avoid visiting in the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall causes landslides in the area.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Critical Script or its editor.