Drift across
Loktak Lake
The lake of floating islands.
- Status
- Largest freshwater lake in NE India
- Feature
- Phumdis (floating wetland masses)
- From Imphal
- About 48km
- Park
- Keibul Lamjao on the lake
Loktak, in Bishnupur district about 48km from Imphal, is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and its surface is famously dotted with phumdis, the floating wetland masses that host villages, fishing circles and wildlife.
Boating between the phumdis at dawn, with mist and fisher silhouettes, is the region’s most surreal morning. Keibul Lamjao National Park sits on the lake’s edge.
Quick answers
Loktak Lake at a glance
What are phumdis?
Floating masses of vegetation and soil that drift on Loktak, big enough to carry huts and even wildlife.
How do I visit Loktak?
Day trips from Imphal (about 48km) with boatmen at the ghats; stay on Sendra island for sunset.
Practicals
Permits & season
ILP required for Indian nationals; check the current advisory with us before booking, as ground conditions decide the plan.
October to March is the comfortable window in the Imphal valley; winters are crisp, monsoon months are wet.
When to go
Plan around these months
Nearby
Close enough to combine
Things to do
What you're here for
Phumdi dawn
Mist, circles of fishermen and floating meadows.
Sendra viewpoint
The island-hill view over the whole lake.
Journal
Read before you go
Guide · 4 min
Loktak Lake in December: phumdi mornings
Loktak Lake in December: misty phumdi mornings, winter migratory birds, Keibul Lamjao safari realities…
Guide · 4 min
Ningol Chakkouba: Manipur's Family Festival, Date and Meaning
Ningol Chakkouba explained: the Meitei festival of married daughters and paternal homes, held on…
Explore Loktak Lake
Facts checked against the official Manipur tourism portal · Last verified 2026-09-26