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Situated at a height of 14,720 feet above sea level, the Pangong Lake is one of the major attractions of India. This lake, situated on the Indo-China border, is one of the highest saltwater lakes on Earth. The stunning blue color of Pangong Lake acts as a major attraction. The lake is surrounded by mountains all around, providing a great scenic view. The flora and fauna around the Lake make it even more attractive. This guide provides all information on Pangong Lake in winter that you need to plan a fun and successful visit.
Location
Photo: Eatcha / Wikimedia Commons
Pangong Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh. It is spread across an area of 699.3 square kilometers at a surface elevation of 4,225 meters. The Pangong Lake is divided into five major sub lakes, which include Pangong Tso, Rum Tso, Nyak Tso, and Tso Nyak.
How To Reach
Photo: Darshan Chudasama / Unsplash
By Air: The nearest airport to Pangong Lake is Leh Airport, situated around 222.8 km. You can take a flight from Delhi, Mumbai, or Srinagar to reach Leh.
By Road: Drive along the road from Leh to reach Pangong Lake. Leh to Pangong Lake is around 180 km, which can take around 5-6 hours to drive. You can take the Leh-Manali highway or Leh-Nubra Valley to reach Pangong Lake.
By Bike: You can rent a bike and ride from Leh to Pangong Lake. Riding offers the reward of navigating challenging mountain terrain and breathtaking scenery.
Things To Do At Pangong Lake
1. Camping
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons
Camping at Pangong Lake, at an elevation of 14,720 feet, offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to Ladakh. The tents are placed near the lakes and are extremely comfortable. Deluxe tents are also available, these come with attached washrooms. The tents have proper bedding and food options so that you don’t have to struggle with the basic amenities.
2. Birdwatching
Photo: TUSHAR KULKARNI / Wikimedia Commons
With its wide-open vistas, Pangong Lake offers superb birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can observe various species, including the Black-necked Crane, Red-crested Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, and Bar-headed Goose.
3. Photography
Photo: Pixels Of Life / Unsplash
Pangong Lake is one of the perfect destinations for photography. From sunrise to sunset and even capturing a photograph of the surrounding mountains or birds, you’ll be mesmerized by the opportunities to photograph things. The surroundings of Pangong Lake offer an excusite sensory experience. It is advisable that your cameras are charged and you have enough batteries or reels to capture the beautiful shots.
4. Learn The Local Culture
Photo: Drashokk / Wikimedia Commons
People in Ladakh are very friendly and have a welcoming culture. Therefore, if you want to learn more about the locals, it is best to connect with them. The local culture around Pangong Lake reflects influences from Kashmir, Tibet, and Nepal. Local farming practices result in unique flavors in the area’s produce. Be sure to not miss out on trying the unique Ladakhi cuisine that will give a burst of flavor in your mouth.
Places To Visit Near Pangong Lake
1. Khardung La Pass
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Khardung La Pass, or Khardung Pass, is one of the major mountain passes in India and is located in the Leh district. It is located in the Ladakh range around the north of Leh. The Khardung La Pass connects the Shyok River valley and the Indus River valley. It is also the gateway for Nubra Valley.
Distance From Lake: 263.9 km
Entry Fee: 9 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: May to September
2. Spangmik Village
Photo: Prateek7676 / Wikimedia Commons
The Spangmik Village is located on the southern bank of the Pangong Lake between Lukun and Man. If you’re visiting Pangong Lake, you must also take a trip to the Spangmik Village. However, it is a sensitive border near the Chinese border, so you must have the necessary permits before you reach this region.
Distance From Lake: 85.1 km
Best Time To Visit: May to September
3. Thiksey Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Thiksey Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. This is a twelve-storey complex that houses a wide range of Buddhist art such as stupa, wall paintings, thangkas, and statues. The Thiksey Gustor festival held here is one of the traditional festivals worth attending. The Maitreya Temple, built in 1970, is one of the major attractions around Thiksey Monastery.
Distance From Lake: 207.5 km
Timing: 7 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: October and November
Where To Stay
Photo: Always urs0509 / Wikimedia Commons
From affordable stays to luxury ones, you can find a wide range of accommodation options near Pangong Lake. Misty Hills Cabin has tents near the Pangong Lake. Pangong Heritage Camp is also located very close to the lake. You can sit outside your cabin/room/tent and admire the beauty of the lake. The Indus Nature Lodge is located around 2.8 km from Pangong Lake, offering a comfortable stay. Some of the hotels near Pangong Lake also offer breakfast options, so you should check them out before you book. However, you may not find accommodations near Pangong Lake in winter.
Where To Eat
Photo: Tabsabs / Wikimedia Commons
There are numerous places to eat near Pangong Lake. From a variety of Indian cuisine to Tibetan cuisine, you can find it all near Pangong Lake. Chaska Maska is a veg-friendly restaurant known for its Indian and Asian cuisine. If you wish to experience the warmth of Tibetan food in cold temperatures around Pangong Lake, you must try The Tibetan Kitchen. The cuisine will offer a burst of flavors in your mouth. Lamayuru Restaurant offers a unique blend of Indian, Asian, and Tibetan cuisines at an affordable range.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Geet Arts / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
A trip to Pangong Lake in winter can range from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per person. This includes transportation (around ₹5,000 to ₹10,000), accommodation (₹3,000 to ₹8,000), meals (₹1,500 to ₹3,000), and permits (approximately ₹500). Depending on the duration and activities, the cost can fluctuate. It’s advisable to book in advance and consider packages that often include transportation and lodging for cost efficiency.
Tips For Travellers
- The temperatures around Pangong Lake can drop significantly. Therefore, it is advisable to keep some woolen clothes handy.
- Altitude sickness is a very common phenomenon among tourists. Therefore, you must keep all the necessary medicines with you.
- The Pangong Lake is located in a restricted region of the Line of Control between India and China. Before visiting, Indian nationals must obtain their Line Permit. As for the foreign tourists, they must get their Protected Area Permit.
- Before exploring Pangong Lake, particularly in winter, rest at your lodge to acclimatize and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Pangong Lake is one of the most beautiful and brackish lakes in the world. The unique geography makes it a must-visit destination. This is the perfect destination to unwind and relax in the lap of nature. You can capture multiple photographs near Pangong Lake in winter and create a lifetime of memories. Plan your trip with TripXL to Pangong Lake so that you can have a magnificent time to relax.
Cover Photo: Vatsal Bhatt / Unsplash
