Tezu's topography is transitional, sitting exactly where the expansive floodplains of the Lohit River meet the rugged terrain of the Mishmi Hills. The town itself rests on a relatively flat river terrace at an elevation of approximately 185 meters (606 feet).
Immediately north and east of the town, the elevation rises sharply, forming heavily dissected ridges and valleys. The Lohit River creates a massive braided riverbed composed of silt, sand, and large river stones (boulders). During the monsoon, the river expands dramatically, altering the local topography by carving new channels and depositing heavy sediment. The lowest points are found along the riverbanks, while the highest points in the immediate vicinity are the looming peaks of the lower Himalayas.
