Pangong Tso in Ladakh is one of the highest salt water lakes. It is located in the northern part of Ladakh in Changthang region. It is known for its crystal clear water. It spans across Tibet and India. It is one of the most breathtaking high-altitude lakes in the world, located in the Ladakh region of India.
Pangong Tso – Where the Sky Meets the Water
“Pangong Tso or Lake” in Tibetan language means “High grassland lake”. It is located on the Indo- Tibetan border. Pangong Tso is located at an altitude of 4350 meters above sea level, this stunning blue colored lake is surrounded by the Himalayas. Witness the alluring shades of the lake and this guide will take you through the prominent details that would be useful if you are planning your trip to Pangong lake in Ladakh. It includes information on how to reach, nearby places, best time and more. Let’s find out what it entails.
Best Time to visit Pangong Tso
May to September (Summer and Monsoon) is the best time to visit Pangong Tso. As the weather remains pleasant, perfect for sightseeing. The lake remains clear and weather pleasant, good for sightseeing. It is ideal for road trips and biking. The road from Leh to Pangong opens after winter snow clears. For pleasant weather and lake views. From March to October, It undergoes a transition phase when the lake begins to freeze in late October and the water begins to melt in March. Pangong lake in summer offers captivating views with a sight to behold.
Nearby attractions at Pangong Tso
Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri is located in the Changthang region of Ladakh, it is a calm and most beautiful salt water lake. Tso Moriri gets frozen during winters, hence summer( May to September) is the best time to visit. Tso Moriri is also known as “mountain lake”. Additionally, Tso Moriri is a paradise for bird lovers. It is surrounded by barren hills and snow capped mountains.
Chang La pass
Chang La Pass is the gateway to Pangong lake. It is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. It is located at an altitude of 17,585 feet (5,360 meters). The approximate distance from Changa pass to Pangong lake is roughly 160 kms. Chang la pass unfurls adventure with its raw beauty and high altitude.
Thiksey Monastery
Visit Thiksey monastery on the way to Pangong lake from Ladakh, it is 20 kms away from Leh, located in the Indus valley. Thiksey monastery is known for its architectural grandeur, it is a 12 story monastery which resembles Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It offers panoramic views of the Indus valley and Himalayas. Thiksey Monastery has a tall statue of Maitrya Buddha. It is the best place to visit for travelers seeking spiritual retreat.
Resangla War Memorial
The memorial is dedicated to 120 Indian soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, the soldiers who fought in 1962 Indo-China war. Witness the historic battlefield surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. It is located 25 kms away from Pangong lake. It is located 15 kms away from Chushul village.
Merak and Man village
Merak village is located on the southern banks of Pangong lake. It is one of the best offbeat places near Pangong lakeMerak village is a charming village located on the southern banks of Pangong Tso. It provides beautiful sunrise and sunset views,
Man village is another peaceful village located on the shore of Pangong lake. You can experience authentic Ladakhi hospitality. It offers mesmerising views, you can take a walk along the lake and witness the changing color of Pangong Tso.
Chushul village
Chushul village is located in Durbuk Tensil, in eastern Ladakh near Indo-China border close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It is known as a historical battlefield. Rezang La war memorial is located near this village. The visit to Chushul village is a perfect way to explore Ladakhi. culture. Chushul is a home to Buddhist and Tibetan communities. Witness the barren mountains, cold desert terrain and high altitude terrains in this scenic village.
How to reach Pangong Tso
In order to reach Pangong lake, you should first come to Leh, which is the heart of Ladakh, (located at the centre of Ladakh). There is an airport in Leh, which is connected to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar. You can reach Leh via flight and then hire a taxi and reach Pangong Tso. There are two routes to reach Pangong lake, one is via Chang La pass, which is the most popular and scenic route.
Leh – Karu – Sakti – Chang La (5,360m) – Durbuk – Tangtse – Pangong Lake.
And the other one is via Shyok. The route follows as:
Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Agham – Shyok – Durbuk – Pangong Lake.
Things to do near Pangong Tso
- Camping under the starry sky: Enjoy the camping by the lake, get amazed by the stunning vistas of the milky way galaxy. Make it more thrilling by bonfire. Capture the ethereal stars and enjoy some time with your loved ones under the starry night. Isn’t it a blissful aura? Where the sky meets the water.
- Witnessing Birdwatching and wildlife: Pangong is a high altitude wetland , it attracts many migratory birds such as bar-headed geese & Brahminy ducks. Moreover, in wild animals you can spot Himalayan Marmot, wild yaks, and kiangs (Tibetan wild asses) in the surrounding areas.
- Photography around the lake: witness the mountain in the crystal clear water of the lake, enjoy the scenic views of the lake and capture nature at its best form that could ever be imagined. In the daytime the lake looks beautiful with the sunrise and sunset views. The changing colors of the Pangong Tso is one of the main reasons that attracts travelers.
Where to stay in Pangong Tso
Ever wondered about staying in a secluded place? It seems too adventurous, No? In Pangong Tso you can stay in camps, homestays, cottages. They are being set up and built near the lake, offering breathtaking views.
Best Itinerary For Pangong Tso
The itinerary takes you through the adventurous journey to Ladakh, covering Nubra valley, Turtuk and Pangong Tso. Here is the brief itinerary for you.
- Day1: Arrival at Leh Airport | Acclimatization Day
- Day 2: Leh Sightseeing Day
- Day 3: Leh to Nubra valley via Khardung La Pass
- Day 4: Nubra to Turtuk (170 Kms) | Last Village of India on Indo-Pak border
- Day 5: Nubra Valley to Pangong Via Diskit Monastery
- Day 6: Pangong to Tso-Moriri
- DAy 7: Tso- Moriri to Leh Via Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery
- Day 8: Departure to Leh Airport | Tour Ends
Click here to read the Detailed Itinerary.
Pangong Lake: The Ultimate Bollywood Dream Destination
Pangong lake’s breathtaking beauty provides a cinematic beauty like no other. The lake changes its colors from turquoise to deep blue. It attracts a lot of film makers because of its picture perfect frame.
Bollywood films shot at Pangong Lake
The blockbuster film 3 Idiots was shot in Pangong lake, the exact shooting location is now known as “3 Idiots Point”, it boosted tourism, the yellow scooter from the film remains a symbol of Bollywood’s deep connection with the lake. Pangong lake in 3 Idiots has forever etched in viewers’ hearts and resulted in the major tourist hotspot.
Apart from this many bollywood films were shot near this lake. Namely, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Bhaag Milkha Bhag, Lakshya, Sanam Re. The lake provided the ideal setting for the shoot of the films.
Travel Tips to Explore the Beauty of Pangong Tso
Pangong lake is located at high altitude and it requires careful packing of essential things. Here are some tips which will help you throughout and ease your travel journey.
- Acclimatize properly: It is really important that you stay for up to 1-2 days at Leh, which is located at lower altitude than Pangong.
- Stay Hydrated: It is advisable to drink a lot of water and take a water bottle along throughout the journey.
- Avoid Alcohol: Try not to consume alcohol during the entire trip because it leads to faster dehydration.
- Book accommodation in advance: In order to avoid last minute hassles, especially during the peak tourist season, it is advisable to pre-book your stay because the accommodation options are extremely limited and in high demand.
- Carry Cash: Do not forget to withdraw cash at Leh, because there are no ATMs in Pangong lake.
- Travel documents and Permits: Traveling to Pangong Lake in Ladakh requires Inner Line Permits(ILP). Permit is mandatory in Pangong Tso. Pangong lake is considered as a restricted area, Inner Line Permit is needed, as it lies close to the Indo-China border in Ladakh. Moreover, carry other important documents such as Valid IDs (Aadhar, Passport, or Driver’s License).
- Carry a lot of snacks for munching: As the lake is located at a high altitude, you may not find enough shops during your journey, so it is advisable to stock up a lot of snacks. And there is a high possibility of getting it at a high price.
Things to Pack for Your Pangong Lake Adventure
Pangong lake is chilly even in summer and freezing in winter. It is advisable to carry few essential things with you.
- Carry thermal innerwear to keep you warm at night.
- A heavy woollen jacket is essential in all seasons.
- Woollen gloves, cap and muffler to protect against wind.
- Carry woollen socks and trekking shoes to keep your feet warm.
- Do not forget to carry sunglasses, to prevent glare from the sun and snow.
- Take along the medicine for altitude sickness.
- Carry sunscreen, lip balm and moisturiser in order to keep your skin nourished.
FAQs
What is Pangong Lake famous for?
Pangong lake in Ladakh is famous for its mesmerising blue waters which is everchanging. Pangong lake is surrounded by mountains. The lake is featured in various bollywood films such as 3 Idiots, Jab Tak hai Jaan. It is a must visit place in Ladakh that offers breathtaking views.
Which lake is in 3 idiots?
Pangong lake in 3 Idiots gained immense popularity. The lake looks so beautiful with its changing hues of blue.
Which month is best to visit Pangong Lake?
The best month to visit Pangong lake is from May to September which is the summer season. It is the best time for better accessibility, pleasant weather and vibrant scenery. Pangong lake’s water appears turquoise and deep blue, temperature during summer ranges from 5 degrees C to 40 degrees C and in winter the temperature ranges from 24 degrees C to -14 degrees C.
Who controls Pangong Lake?
Pangong Tso or lake is stretched to a distance of 134 kms in total, out of which 60% of the lake is in China(eastern part), whereas 40% of the lake(western part) is in India. Pangong Tso is controlled by both India and China, India controls one-third of the lake and two-thirds of the lake is controlled by China. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) passes through the lake.
Is it safe to stay overnight at Pangong Lake?
Yes, staying overnight in Pangong lake is generally safe. Many nearby villages offer comfortable stays in camps, homestays and cottages. But there are some precautions that you should take, such as acclimatizing for 1-2 days in lower altitude region-Leh before reaching Pangong lake.
Plan your escape to Ladakh with JustWravel. The starry sky, peaceful lake views, and sunrise over Pangong make it totally worth it! The experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
