Introduction

Pangong is on the must do list of most travelers to Ladakh. Not without reason! The stark beauty and serenity of the lake has been known to touch a tender chord in even the most hardened traveler. After getting used to the parched landscape of Ladakh, Pangong comes as a breathtaking sight. Often, the haunting play of light and shadow on the hills around the lake greets visitors. And when the clouds clear, sun rays play magic with the crystal clear water imparting colors from aqua to shades of orange. The effect is surreal.

Most travelers to Ladakh do a day trip to Pangong from Leh. An overnight stay is highly recommended though. Given that the two-way drive is over 300 kilometers, it is advisable to stay either by the lake side or at small settlements en route. A lifetime’s experience shouldn’t be rushed through anyways!

If you are travelling by your own vehicle, begin early. The 45 kilometers stretch to Karu along the Leh–Manali highway is good. At Karu you leave the highway for a village called Shakti en route to a very high mountain pass named Chang La. The ascent to Chang La is steep and the road condition often below-par, making it at once challenging and memorable. At 17,800 ft it is the third highest motorable pass in India, after Khardung La and Tang La.

Post Chang La, the descent brings you to Tanksey. Most travelers break journey for lunch here. Those who undertake a leisurely journey, taking in the beauty of the landscape and doing photography en route, check in here for the night. Tanksey to Spangmik is the final leg of the drive. The lake soon comes into the visual frame. The size of the lake and its setting amidst hills is at once appealing. One of the most dramatic images people carry back is the dappled effect of the low hanging clouds on the hills around the lake. Spangmik is right on the edge of the lake, and the ideal place for an overnight stay. Civilians can go no further.

One of the highlights of the drive is the safety signs by the Border Roads Organization. Sample this: ‘Darling I love you, but not so fast.’ A little humor goes a long way in this rugged region.

Located at an altitude of around 14300 feet, Pangong is tucked in a depression between the low, rolling ranges of the Changtang plateau in eastern Ladakh. The 134 kilometers (83 miles) long lake spans across India and China, with the bigger part of the lake being in China. At its widest the lake is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). An endorheic lake, there’s only inflow of water into the lake and no outflow to other water bodies such as a river or an ocean. This salt lake does not support any aquatic life. However, it completely freezes during winter months. Temperature here varies between 20 degree C in summers and -30 during winters. Being a mountain (high altitude) desert, the region around the lake receives very little rain. Most of the water in the lakes comes from melting snow.

Visitors to the lake need an Inner Line permit. Being on a sensitive border, boating is not allowed on the Indian side. Pangong is in the process of being identified under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. Although it is a saltwater lake and has virtually no aquatic life, it supports a variety of fauna that include migratory birds and mammals. The black-necked Siberian crane, bar-headed geese and Brahmini ducks are commonly seen here. It also supports wildlife species such as the Kiang and the Marmot.

Pangong is generally open from late April to late October. This may vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

Special Attributes

It is an endorheic lake. This essentially means there’s only inflow of water into the lake, and no outflow to other water bodies such as a river or an ocean.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

State transport buses and shared taxis

Enjoyed by

Nature lovers and adventure buffs

Exposure

Yes. High levels are there and sunscreen lotion and other appropriate protection like sunglasses etc are suggested.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January, February and March

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Opt for an overnight stay

Type of site

Lake