Leh Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is one of the most breathtaking destinations in India. Located in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, the lake stretches for over 135 km with two-thirds of it being in Tibet. The remaining one-third of the lake lies in India, and it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

The lake is located at an altitude of 4,350 meters, which makes it one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. The name "Pangong Tso" means "long, narrow, enchanted lake," and the lake certainly lives up to its name. The lake is known for its mesmerizing beauty, with crystal clear water that changes colors throughout the day.

The lake is situated in a remote location, and getting there is an adventure in itself. The road to Pangong Tso is not for the faint-hearted, with treacherous mountain passes and narrow roads. The journey to Pangong Tso is long and can take anywhere from six to eight hours from the town of Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

The lake is fed by several streams and rivers, but it has no outlet. The water in the lake is saline, but not as salty as the ocean. The water in the lake is crystal clear, and the depth of the lake varies from a few meters to over 100 meters in some places. The beauty of the lake is unparalleled, and visitors can spend hours admiring the stunning landscape. The lake is surrounded by high mountains, with the Changchenmo Range to the north and the Pangong Range to the south. The mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the lake, and the changing light throughout the day makes for an ever-changing scenery.

The lake is also home to several species of birds, including bar-headed geese, brahmini ducks, and brown-headed gulls. The lake is an important breeding ground for these birds, and visitors can see them in large numbers during the breeding season.

One of the most unique features of the lake is the way it changes colors throughout the day. The water in the lake is crystal clear, but the reflection of the sky and the mountains makes it appear differently at different times of the day. The lake appears blue during the day, but as the sun sets, the water changes color, turning various shades of orange, pink, and purple. It is truly a sight to behold, and visitors should plan to spend a night by the lake to witness this breathtaking phenomenon.

The lake is also popular among adventure enthusiasts, with several activities available for visitors. The lake is frozen during the winter months, and visitors can go ice skating or ice fishing on the lake. During the summer months, visitors can go on a boat ride on the lake or take a dip in the crystal clear water. Camping is also a popular activity in Pangong Tso, with several campsites located near the lake. Visitors can stay in traditional Ladakhi tents, with stunning views of the lake and the mountains. Camping by the lake is a unique experience, with the sound of the water and the stunning starry night sky making it an unforgettable experience.

Visitors should note that the lake is situated in a remote location, and there are no facilities available near the lake. Visitors should carry enough food and water and should be prepared for basic facilities. The weather in the region can also be unpredictable, and visitors should carry warm clothing and rain gear.

In conclusion, Pangong Tso is a stunning destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. The lake's beauty is unparalleled, and the changing colors of the water make it a truly magical experience. The lake's remote location and challenging terrain make it an adventure in itself, and visitors should be prepared accordingly.

Where to Stay

Pangong has host of wonderful places to stay - Campsites, Cottages, Guest House, Homestay and few small hotel. The basic amenities are available in most of the places but any kind of luxury is not expected at this high altitude area. Many of the camps and cottages has Lake view rooms.

How to Reach

• Reaching Pangong Tso can be a bit of an adventure as the lake is located in a remote and high-altitude region of Ladakh. The best way to reach the lake is by road, and visitors can take a taxi or hire a private vehicle from the town of Leh, which is the capital of Ladakh. The journey from Leh to Pangong Tso is approximately 150 km and takes around six to eight hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Nearest Airport to reach Pangong Lake is Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport), which is at a distance of 155 Kms. Leh Airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Chandigarh.

Best time to Travel

The route to Pangong Tso is via the Chang La Pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, at an altitude of 5,360 meters. The road to the lake is open from May to September, and visitors should plan their trip accordingly.

The best time to visit Pangong Tso is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the lake is accessible. The temperature during this time ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, and it can get chilly at night.

During the winter months, from October to April, the lake freezes over, and the temperature drops to sub-zero levels. The road to the lake is closed during this time, and the area is not accessible to visitors.

Visitors should also be prepared for the high altitude, and it is advisable to spend atleast two days in Leh to acclimatize before traveling to Pangong Tso. Altitude sickness is a common problem, and visitors should drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity to avoid any health problems.