Shilloi Lake: Complete Guide to Nagaland’s Most Unique Lake

Located in the Phek district of Nagaland, near Lütsam village in the Meluri sub-division, Shilloi Lake is a remote freshwater lake close to the Indo-Myanmar border. It is known for its natural, foot-shaped formation and is surrounded by hills, pine forests, and small tribal settlements.

For a Nagaland trip, Shilloi Lake is usually included as an offbeat extension from Kohima or Dimapur. It requires a long road journey of around 8–12 hours, so it is best planned as part of a wider itinerary covering southern Nagaland. The lake is accessible by road up to Meluri, after which a high-clearance vehicle is needed for the final stretch.

• Shilloi Lake Location:Lütsam Village, Phokhungri Area, Meluri Sub-division, Phek District, Nagaland, 797114, India
• Permits: Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for all domestic tourists (available at Kohima or Dimapur Nagaland House / online)
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (recommended daytime visit due to remote location)
• Entry Fee:~₹30 per person
• Activities Fees: Boating ~₹100/hour | Fishing ~₹200/day (if available)
• Best Time to Visit: October to April (pleasant weather, winter bird sightings possible)
• Dimapur to Shilloi Lake Distance:~320–350 km | 7–11 hours by road
• Shilloi Lake Distance from Kohima:~280–300 km | 8–12 hours by road
• Road Conditions: Remote, hilly terrain; slow driving required in sections
• Vehicle Type: High-clearance SUV recommended (min. 180mm ground clearance)
• Fuel Tip: Last reliable fuel stop is Meluri (~108 km from lake)
• Is swimming allowed in Shilloi Lake? No, swimming is not allowed in Shilloi Lake due to local sacred beliefs and taboos.

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The best time to visit Shilloi Lake in Nagaland is between October and March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Seasonal Breakdown

• Winter (October – February): Peak season with cool, clear weather. Best for birdwatching as migratory birds like Siberian cranes arrive. The lake looks its calmest and bluest in the morning after the fog lifts.
• Spring (March – May): Pleasant temperatures make it good for camping and trekking in the nearby hills.
• Monsoon (June – September): The lake is at its fullest, but heavy rains make travel difficult due to challenging road conditions. It is still considered a good time for fishing.

To reach Shilloi Lake in Phek district, Nagaland, you first need to get to Dimapur or Kohima, and then continue with a long road journey. Since the lake is in a remote area near the Indo-Myanmar border, the full trip can take around 8–12 hours depending on road conditions. Here’s how to reach Shilloi Lake location:

Step 1: Reach Dimapur or Kohima

You can start your journey by reaching Nagaland via:

• By Air: Fly to Dimapur Airport, connected with cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati
• By Train: Dimapur Railway Station is the main railhead for Nagaland
• By Road: From Dimapur, you can travel to Kohima via bus or shared taxi, which acts as the main hub for onward travel

Step 2: Road Journey to Shilloi Lake

• Dimapur to Shilloi Lake Distance:~320–350 km | 7–11 hours by road
• Shilloi Lake Distance from Kohima:~280–300 km | 8–12 hours by road

From Dimapur or Kohima, continue towards Phek district:

• Private Taxi (best option): Hire an SUV for a more comfortable and safer ride on rough terrain
• Public Transport: Take an NST bus or shared taxi to Phek or Meluri, then another shared ride towards Phokhungri near the lake

Suggested Read: Best Time to Visit Nagaland: A Complete Travel Breakdown

• Boating (₹100/hour):

Take a small boat ride on the calm, foot-shaped lake. It’s the best way to see the clear blue water and the surrounding pine-covered hills up close. The water is extremely still, so the reflections of the mountains look almost perfect on a clear day.

• Birdwatching (Oct–Mar):

One of the top reasons people visit. During winter, migratory birds like Siberian cranes arrive, along with local species like hornbills and flycatchers. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times when the lake is quiet.

• Fishing / Angling (Jun–Sep):

The lake is rich in freshwater fish like Golden Mahseer. This is the best season for fishing as water levels rise during monsoon. A basic permit (~₹200/day) is required for angling activities.

• Photography:

Shilloi’s unique foot-like shape is best captured from nearby elevated points. Mid-morning is ideal because the fog clears, revealing deep blue water surrounded by green hills and pine forests.

• Short hikes nearby:

A small hike to Seymülongcham (Melancholy Stone) near Phokhungri offers wide valley views and sometimes even a “sea of clouds” effect over the hills. It’s short but scenic and worth the effort.

• Village & cultural experience:

Stay or interact in nearby villages like Lütsam and experience Pochury tribal life. Locals also share folklore around the lake, which is deeply tied to spiritual beliefs and traditions.

• Picnics by the lakeside:

The pine forests around the lake make it a peaceful picnic spot. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and perfect for just sitting back and enjoying the natural surroundings.

The sacred stories of Shilloi Lake (earlier known as Lutsam) are deeply rooted in the beliefs of the local Pochury and Chakhesang tribes. The Shilloi Lake story is not just folklore here, but a part of daily identity, where the lake is seen as a spiritual space protected by unseen forces.

The Spirit Queen Legend

One of the most well-known stories speaks about a missing baby girl who was found floating safely in the middle of the lake. Locals believe mysterious hands were seen keeping her afloat. She is now worshipped as the “Queen of the Lake”, believed to still reside within its depths. Because of this legend, it is strongly believed that no one has ever drowned in Shilloi Lake.

The Mother’s Tears Story

Another version of the Shilloi Lake story says the lake was formed from the tears of a grieving mother who lost her son in a tribal war. Her endless sorrow is believed to have created the lake, and even its unique foot-like shape is linked to this origin tale.

Sacred Beliefs & Taboos

Local traditions add to the Shilloi Lake mystery, with strict customs that prevent people from swimming, bathing, or disturbing the water. It is believed that interfering with the lake can bring misfortune, and even attempts to alter it are said to be stopped by unseen forces.

Mystical Nature of the Lake

The Shilloi Lake mystery continues with small but eerie local observations, like leaves sinking after a short time in the water. Surrounded by dense pine forests and still, clear waters, these beliefs make the lake feel almost otherworldly.

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Because Shilloi Lake is very remote, stay options are limited. Most travelers either stay right near the lake or in nearby Lütsam village and Meluri town.

Near the Lake (Best for experience)

• Lake Shilloi Tourist Rest House

Government-run basic stay right beside the lake

Simple rooms, minimal facilities, but best location for sunrise and lake views

• Local lakeside cottages / stays

Small, simple cabins near the lake area

Limited availability, usually arranged via local authorities or guides

Nearby Village Stay (10–20 km)

• Shilloi Lodging, Meluri (~19 km)

Basic lodge used by travelers and locals

Functional stay for breaking the journey

• Angam Hotel, Meluri

Simple town hotel near NST bus station

Basic rooms and amenities

• Homestays in Lütsam village

Best for cultural experience with the Pochury tribe

Simple food and very local stay experience

Stopover Options (before reaching lake)

• Phek Town stays (like Nienu’s Inn)

Comfortable mid-point option with better rooms and facilities

• Kohima hotels / homestays

Best for a proper rest before the long journey

More comfortable and modern compared to remote stays

• Indian travellers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) (online or from Nagaland Houses in major cities)
• Foreign tourists must register with the FRO within 24 hours of arrival
• Roads beyond Akhegwo are rough, so an SUV/high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended
• Meluri is the last fuel point (around 150+ km before the lake), so refuel fully
• Start early from Kohima or Dimapur as the journey can take 8–14 hours depending on conditions
• Carry enough cash (no ATMs near the lake)
• Expect no proper mobile network (Jio often doesn’t work; signals are patchy at best)
• Bring warm clothes, first-aid kit, and basic essentials
• The lake is considered sacred, so avoid swimming, bathing, or littering
• Locals are warm and welcoming, and small gestures like sharing sweets or supplies are appreciated in nearby villages
• Very limited food options on the route. Carry snacks and drinking water for the journey

Shilloi Lake is not a “quick sightseeing stop” and that’s the honest reality. Reaching it takes a long, tiring road journey through remote terrain, with limited food options, weak connectivity, and basic stay facilities. It demands time, planning, and a bit of patience.

But what you get at the end of it is something very different from typical tourist spots in Nagaland. There are no crowds, no commercial setups, and no rush. Just a quiet, isolated lake surrounded by hills and pine forests, where the pace naturally slows down.

It makes sense to include Shilloi Lake in your itinerary if you’re already traveling deeper into Phek district or want to experience something truly offbeat. But it may not be worth a standalone detour if you’re short on time or prefer comfort-focused travel.

In simple terms, Shilloi Lake is for travellers who are okay with the effort it takes to reach it, and value raw, untouched landscapes more than convenience.