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Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh is situated in the unspoiled Himalayas and is a gorgeous place with crystal blue waters and stunning mountains around it. This alpine lake at 4,350 meters extends 134 kilometres, a third of which falls in India while the rest flows into Tibet, China. Its otherworldly beauty has made it a popular destination for tourists, adventurers and photographers. The lake shimmers in different colours under the sunlight for a mesmerising experience. Get in touch with the pristine beauty of the region while enjoying the backdrop of beautiful mountains against the captivating lake.
Quick Details About Pangong Tso Lake
Location: Leh district, Ladakh, India; Rutog County, Tibet, China
Surface Area: approx. 700 km2
Surface Elevation: 4,225 metres
Max Depth: 330 ft
Length: Approximately 134 km (with about 60% in Tibet, China)
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Location
Photo: Soumen Gomes / Wikimedia Commons
Located more than countless hours in India, Pangong Tso Lake can be found in the Leh district of Ladakh, Union Territory of India. Located on the Changthang plateau, about 160 km southeast of Leh town, the area is near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The lake goes from India into Tibet, with around 60% of its length becoming Chinese territory. Located at an altitude of 4,350 meters (14,270 feet), Pangong Tso is surrounded by the dry mountains of the Himalayas. A high-altitude pass, the Chang La Pass, precedes this accessible remote lake.
How To Reach
Photo: Narender9 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, which is around 160 km from the lake. Leh is connected to major Indian cities. Taxis and buses are available from Leh.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, 700 km from Leh. You can hire a taxi or bus from Jammu to Leh and then to Pangong Tso.
By Road: There is no better route than the Leh Chang La Pangong Route. Buses, taxis, and rented bicycles are widely available. The drive features breathtaking Himalayan views.
Things To Do
Experience the Bollywood-captured site with your own senses and enjoy many things to do in Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh.
1. Camping By The Lake
Photo: Eatcha / Wikimedia Commons
Nothing beats sleeping in a lakeside camp at Pangong Tso to appreciate its raw beauty. There are also a few tent providers that deliver basic and comfortable stays under the stars and near murmuring waters. Rise to the morning sun spreading golden rays across the lake for you to walk along the shore. Many of these camps also include bonfires and local Ladakhi meals, making for a fuller experience. Find comfort in being in nature and feeling a deep connection to the land and the gentle surroundings.
2. Bird Watching
Photo: CuriousZil / Wikimedia Commons
Especially during summers, migratory birds come to Pangong Tso, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Be on the lookout for rare species like the Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Geese and Brahminy Ducks. The briny waters of the lake and the marshy areas surrounding it provide the perfect environment for these birds. Mornings are the best time to do birdwatching, especially before they get on high levels as you see these awesome creatures from the comfort of your surroundings. Bring binoculars and a camera with a decent zoom to catch the moments without disrupting the tightropes of this ecological wonder.
Places To Visit Near Pangong Tso
Visit the following places before or after staying at Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the region.
1. Spangmik Village
Photo: Prateek7676 / Wikimedia Commons
Spangmik Village is a popular destination for travellers wishing to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Changpa nomadic community firsthand. This quiet village marks the last reach for civilians via the road and ahead lies military-controlled territory. Spangmik is located in a beautiful and quiet area where you can enjoy basic homestay and camping options and wake up to breathtaking views of the glimmering lake. While wandering in Spangmik, you get to interact with people, see their different customs, and enjoy authentic Ladakhi food.
Distance From Lake: 7 km
Best Time to Visit: May to September
2. Chang La Pass
Photo: Narender9 / Wikimedia Commons
The Chang La Pass, which rests at an astonishing height of 5,360 meters (17,590 feet), is an adrenaline-boosting high point on the way to Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh. This, at the same time, is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, packed with adventure thrills for the thrill-seekers. The journey to these high passes can be thrilling and a test for your driving skills as you travel through bottleneck roads, snow-laden tracks, and breathtaking views of the Ladakh mountain range.
Distance From Lake: 75 km
3. Hemis Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis Monastery, an ancient, sacred Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, is famously breathtaking. Built in 1672, it is the largest and richest monastery in the region and part of the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is set in a quiet valley and its architecture combines Tibetan-style designs with Buddhist details. The interiors are decorated with Thangkas, gold statues and murals. The most famous of the events celebrated is the Hemis Festival, held every June or July. Celebrating Guru Padmasambhava, the festival also includes colorful masked dances, Cham, performed by lamas in colourful regalia.
Distance From Lake: 125 km
4. Tso Moriri Lake
Photo: Utsav Chatterjee / Wikimedia Commons
Tso Moriri Lake is another high-altitude lake in Ladakh, located at an elevation of 4,522 meters (14.836 ft). It is within the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and unlike Pangong Tso in Ladakh, it lies fully within Indian territory and there are fewer hotels or generic resorts. The deep blue waters of the lake, surrounded by barren hills and snow-capped mountains, is a good place for birdwatching. Good seasonal migratory birds such as black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese are seen here.
Distance From Lake: 220 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Always urs0509 / Wikimedia Commons
Budget options are available at guest houses and basic camps near Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh. Spangmik, Lukung and Merak villages are the most popular accommodation spots since they have stunning lake views and are right on the shoreline. Wonderland Camp, Pangong Sarai, The Ladakh Camp, Camp Redstart, and other tented camps offer adventure with a touch of comfort. These camps provide attached toilets, running water and hot meals, with prices typically ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per night, based on facility and season.
Where To Eat
Photo: Trista Chen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Dining options near Pangong Tso Lake are sparse, but wholesome and hearty. Most camping spots and homestays come with meals included as part of the accommodation packages. The regular menu consists of local Ladakhi food, Indian food and simple Chinese food. Beverages offered are tea and soft drinks, and the common dishes are dal-chawal (lentils and rice), aloo parathas, Maggi noodles, thukpa (noodle soup), momo and fried rice. Most camps serve buffet style with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Always urs0509 / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
Visiting Pangong Tso Lake can be done on a wide range of budgets. For a 2-day package from Leh on a budget covering transport, food, basic accommodation, and permits, expect to spend anywhere between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000 per person. A mid-range trip with better accommodation and a private taxi can cost ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per person. For a luxury experience with top-notch luxury camps and guided tours, prepare to spend over ₹25,000 per person. Set some extra money aside for emergencies and unexpected costs.
Tips For Travellers
- Head to Pangong Tso after spending a minimum of 1 to 2 days in Leh to get acclimatised to the altitude. This is useful to prevent acute mountain sickness.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Carry a personal medical kit with altitude sickness, headache, and stomach medicines.
- Prepare for the cold by packing thermal layers, a jacket, gloves, and woollen caps, with night temperatures plunging sharply.
- Use sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses to protect against strong, high-altitude UV rays.
- Get the ILP (Inner Line Permit) for Indian tourists or the PAP (Protected Area Permit) for foreign travellers from Leh.
For nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who want to experience a unique cultural experience, Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh is a must-visit place. The enchantingly blue hues of the lake, nestled between jagged peaks, make for a truly remarkable sight. The region caters to every type of traveller, from visiting the villages and temples around to camping and birdwatching. So plan your trip with TripXL and get the most from your visit to this beautiful Himalayan jewel.
Cover Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons
