Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh: How to Reach, Best Time Visit & Weather

The pristine Pangong Lake also known as Pangong Tso it’s a piece of heaven on earth. It is so breathtakingly beautiful and clean that no one could believe that it’s part of India. Situated at an elevation of 14,270 feet that is 4350 meters above sea level. Thereby the lake is a surreal piece of beauty.

Attraction in Pangong Lake:

Pangong Tso Lake is the world’s highest saltwater lake. The lake is completely landlocked and does not drain anywhere like other water bodies that drain in a river or sea, or ocean. Geographically it is said that glacial erosion resulted in the creation of this beauty. Initially, it was a freshwater lake but then gradually converted brackish due to the mineral deposits and this killed the aquatic life in the lake. The depth of this lake was never measured but it’s estimated that it is 300 feet in depth. The lake is salty yet freezes in winter and this adds to its charm. Once the sun is out during the summer season, the rays start to melt the snow from the surrounding peaks that replenish the water supply in the lake.

Geologists have a keen interest in this lake and it offers much to nature lovers also. Ever since it was featured in the Bollywood blockbuster “3 idiots’ it has become a popular tourist place attracting 1000 tourists every day.

Sensitive Disputed Area:

Pangong Lake is located in the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh. It is at a six-hour drive from southwest of the erstwhile capital of Leh. The route crosses the Ladakh Range through Chang La at a dizzying 17,586 feet above sea level. It is the highest motorable road in India and amongst one of the highest motorable roads in the world attracting travelers from all parts of the world. The lake stretches for about 83 miles and is 3.1 miles widest to its broadest point. It is a sensitive disputed area. The Line of Actual Control between India and China cuts through the lake near Khurnak Fort but both countries are in dispute regarding its actual location. One-third of the lake lies in India and the remaining in China-dominated Tibet.

Unlike the other high mountains of the region which close during the winter, the Indian Army keeps the road through Chang La open all through the year. Thus if it’s not snowing too much one can visit the Pangong lake all year round. Tough one could avoid the winter months due to health reasons but the charm of walking on a frozen lake attracts travel enthusiasts from all parts of the world.

Also, during the winter months, there is a shortage of accommodations which are restricted to a few basic homestays. Thereby it is comfortable to visit the area from May to October, June and July months witness thousands of visitors and thus one should avoid these months.

Requirement of Special Permits:

Since Pangong Lake is on the border it will require special permits. Indian tourists will need Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the foreigners (apart from the Burmese) need Protected Area Permit (PAP). CITIZENS FROM Afghanistan, Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and China need permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi for PAP.

How to Reach Pangong Lake:

From Delhi, there are regular flights to Leh. You may book a cab to Pangong Lake after you arrive in Leh. If not, several tour providers are always willing to accompany you on a journey to Pangong Tso, a salty lake.

The vehicle route Delhi-Manali-Jispa-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Pangong is also an option.

Best Time to Visit Pangong Lake:

Summer is the greatest best season in Pangong Lake, which is from May to September because the temperature is hot and the lake is frozen during the winter. Tourists may also take advantage of other main Ladakh attractions during this time.

Accommodation in Pangong Lake:

Tourists visit the Pangong Lake as a part of their day visit from Leh but it is a sheer beauty if you wake up in the area witnessing the cool morning breeze. The sunrises and sunsets in the area are remarkable and a sight to behold. Thus spending a night in the region is advised. There are amazing homestays available that can help you to witness the pure culture and life of people here. Also, some good hotels and resorts are there which help you to enjoy the beauty of the place.

Travel to the Nearby Areas:

There are some other breathtaking beauties situated near Pangong Lake that one ought to visit when they reach here. The Nubra Valley includes the Khardung La, Diskit, Hunder, Turtuk, or the quiet Tso Moriri Lake. Foreigners even in groups should not travel through the Chushul (it is not allowed) when they are heading towards Tso Moriri from Pangong rather they should use the Chumathang route. Importantly if you are going to the Pangong Lake in Leh then visit Ladakh and its beauties are highly recommended. One could enjoy a Yak ride here or spot the migratory birds at Pangong Lake. There is so much to do or not to do while traveling to Pangong Lake.

Lukung Village at the head of Pangong Lake is the entry point and the only village to give a full view of the lake. Thus if you stay here opt for a location near the lake else it will result in long walks.

Another village in the area is Spangmik, it is the most developed village in the area. It houses various resorts and tourists often stay here.

Read Also:

• Diskit Monastery: Things to See, Activities, Entry, How to Reach & Weather
• Tso Moriri Lake: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time Visit & Weather
• Zanskar Valley, Ladakh: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time Visit & Weather

Tips for Travelers for Smooth Visit:

There are private cab drivers who drive the passengers from Leh to Pangong but are a bit high on budget. Therefore for a budget-friendly option, one could use the government buses that ply on the same route. The most vital concern for travelers in this region is altitude sickness. As per records of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it could affect people over 8000 feet above sea level. As the air is thin and gets less oxygen to breathe. Thereby the oxygen levels in blood and tissues reduce. Symptoms could vary from headache to fatigue or even rare condition of fluid buildup in the lungs or brain. Thus acclimatization is of immense importance else could prove fatal.

Importantly with small adjustments one can very easily travel to this area and enjoy the pristine calm beauty of the area. During the winter months, one needs to be extra careful and carry ample winter clothes. For summers the temperature drops dramatically during the night thus layering becomes important. Even the Sun is too harsh thus protecting from the harsh sun is vital.