PANGONG LAKE

The Pangong Lake or the Pangong Tso is one of the highest altitude lakes in the world and is famed for its colour changing water, from blue to red and green. From camping to lakeside bonfire, a wide variety of activities can be enjoyed here. During the winter months, the lake can be seen completely frozen, which is a delightful sight in itself.

Heaven, Peace, Silence, and Tranquility at one place? Come and spend a few hours at Pangong Lake in Ladakh! A pristine place in Ladakh marked by subtle to high peaks around, crystal blue waters and the vast expansion catches the eye so much, so long as if a magic is happening right in front of the eyes. Let our Ladakh holiday packages transport you to this mesmerizing destination, where nature's grandeur unfolds in every corner.

Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, lies calmly at a breathtaking elevation of 14,270 feet. Interestingly, the lake is 12 km long and marks itself between the laps of India and China. Rather, 60% of the portion is stretching in the neighboring nation and this excites every traveler to be here.

The surreal clean blue waters are actually brackish or salty in nature and this feature doesn’t let any aquatic life survive in the same. Moreover, the temperature range between -30 to -10 degrees make even this salty lake freeze with thick ice sheets, which is quite opposite in case of salt ridden water bodies.

This picturesque landscape location enhances its beauty with the arrival of migrating birds every year and attracts many travelers in search of adventure, photographs, bird-watching and chilling experience. Pangong has another unique and catchy feature; when it acts like a chameleon and changes its color from blue to green to even grey at times. The brackish water of Pangong attracts the migratory birds every year during winters in Ladakh.

Highlights

• Marvel at the Pangong Lake, where tall mountains surround clear blue waters, providing a peaceful retreat.
• The Pangong Lake is also famous for being a colour-changing lake as it changes its colours from blue to green & red.
• Being filled with saline water, Pangong Lake is one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, with an elevation of 4350 metres.
• With a total length of 134 KM, most of the part of the lake lies in China, and some of it in Tibet.
• Since the lake has saline water, the availability of micro-vegetation is really low, resulting in less to no marine life.
• The camps and the tents set up around the lake offer a wide variety of facilities and amenities, hence you can easily find stay options besides the lake.
• Capture memorable photographs at the place where the iconic yellow scooter scene was shot in the Bollywood movie "3 Idiots"

Best Time To Visit

It is amazing to experience the beauty of Pangong in the months of May-September. In the rest of the months, winters turn harsh and get a thick coat of frozen sheet. Though the lovers of natural beauty visit the place even in winters to walk over the lake and make their fantasy live.

Other Essential Information

Things to Do at Pangong Lake

1. Camping at Pangong Lake: Experience the tranquility of Pangong Lake by camping along its pristine shores, waking up to breathtaking sunrise views and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings under a starlit sky.

2. Bonfire and Stargazing: Gather around a crackling bonfire by the lake, marveling at the expansive night sky filled with twinkling stars, constellations, and shooting stars, creating unforgettable memories.

3.Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife around Pangong Lake, including migratory birds like bar-headed geese, as well as native species like marmots, foxes, and occasionally, the elusive Tibetan wild ass.

4. Yak and Camel Rides: Go on an adventurous ride atop yaks or camels along the shores of Pangong Lake, experiencing the rugged terrain and stunning scenery from a unique vantage point, adding excitement to your trip.

5. Photography: Capture the stunning natural beauty of Pangong Lake and its surroundings, with its azure waters reflecting the vibrant hues of the sky and surrounding mountains, providing endless opportunities for breathtaking landscape and wildlife photography.

How to reach Pangong Lake from Leh?

Permits: As Pangong lake is settled at a border zone of India and China, Indians need to take Inner Line Permit which can be issued online as well as offline from Tourist Information Center at Leh Market. Foreigners need to take Protected Area Permit which is also available online.

It is said, Journey matters more than the Destination!

Various routes taking towards Pangong to Leh are filled with adventures and excitement. Leh has various mesmerizing places to visit for adventure and thrill junkies both. Check out two possible routes that one can take to reach Pangong from Leh.

 Route 1: Leh to Pangong Tso via Chang La

Leh – Shey – Karu -Sakti – Chang La -Durbuk – Tangste - Lukung – Spangmik – Pangong Tso

This direct and shortest route towards Pangong lake from Leh takes you to 6-7 hour journey via Shey, Karu and Sakti and mid-way to Chang La Pass. Amongst them, Shey is nearly 15 km from Leh and has a major attraction as Shey monastery and Shey Palace which is located nicely at the hilltop. 

Moreover, Shey used to be summer capital of Ladakh in ancient times. Now the palace is lying in ruins but still two festivals take place here every year. At the monastery, one can observe the tall and calm structure of Shakyamuni Buddha along with colorful and catchy murals.

Moving ahead, at a distance of 23 km from here, you get to meet a small village Karu, where small shops, tea stalls and food joints are present. Moving towards Sakti, a drive of mere 9 km has to be done. You can visit Takthok monastery here which attracts even from a faraway distance. A certain sect of Buddhist Lamas reside here and make this gloomy location look livelier.

After this, a major stopover can be recorded at Chang La. Chang La can be reached in another 1 hour drive (34 km) and interestingly, it is third highest motor-able road in the world at an altitude of 17,590 ft. Here, you can take another stopover from your magnificent Ladakh road trip to click pictures and make videos of beautiful scenery around. Enjoy some hot black tea at Army camp here.

From here, the road gets little messy while driving to Durbuk but later on smoothes up. At Tangste, you can find many shops and hotels once again to sip another pack of tea or coffee and calm the body from cold climate. From here, drive for another few hours hours or 58 km to catch Spangmik village. This village is known for multiple camps that offers view of lake very well. Another 1.5-2 hours drive from here makes you reach Pangong where you can relish the beauty of your ultimate destination.

Here's our full guide on Delhi to Leh-Ladakh trip which will help you plan your journey. 

 Route 2: Leh to Pangong Tso via Nubra Valley

This route is not taken by many travelers due to longer driving hours of about 13 hours and tiredness one might get. But enthusiasts who want to add Nubra Valley and other major attractions like Diskit and Tathok in their itinerary during a short snap and manage their time, take this route for sure.

The route has another subdivision:

a. Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Wari La: 

(Diskit / Panamik - Khalsar - Agham - Tangyar - Wari La - Tathok - Sakti - Chang La - Durbuk - Tangste - Lukung - Spangmik)

From Leh, when you take the road to Diskit, you need to drive for at least 4 hours to cover 116 km. Here, Diskit monastery, the oldest and largest of Nubra valley is waiting for you. Surely, it is going to mesmerize anyone with its grandness and beauty of 32 meter tall Buddha, colored wall mural and unique architecture on hilltop.

Pass through small village section named Khalsar, Agham, and Tangyar later and cover another major portion of your journey.

Crossing through Wari La, one of the most difficult passes is an adventure on its own.

Next you will reach Takthok where Takthok monastery will be waving at you from far hillocks. Rest of the route goes the same way as discussed above.

The distance of whole route is not more than 250 km but covering them can be little hectic due to rocky roads, steep paths and lot of breaks one need to play with during the travel hours.

We would suggest that you shall cover this route along with attractions by dividing it a time slot of 2 days.

It is also best advised to start this journey early in the morning, take properly mentioned permits with your name mentioned so Indian Army doesn’t deject you and carry spare fuel as you may not pass any petrol pumps on the way.

 b. Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok: 

Diskit/Panamik - Khalsar - Agham - Shyok Village - Durbuk - Tangste - Lukung - Spangmik)

The route is comparatively shorter than the above-described, of about 175 km, but Shyok road is a dusty and boulder loaded trail which is quite risky and challenging. One must take a calculative risk considering weather, driving experience and readiness for any mishaps.

At this route, you need to take a diversion from Agham village towards Shyok Village. This zone experiences landslides and floods due to Shyok overflow at times. The wet and flowy roads become tricky with sharp stones underneath that are not easily visible.

After crossing safely, you can continue your route via Durbuk, Tangste, Lukung and Spangmik. You will be surely proud on yourself after being safe and looking at majestic Himalayan tips around.

Make sure your plans are made only after knowing prior conditions, before you check-out from your camps in Leh Ladakh. And Cover the best route on Ladakh bike trip only when you have expert driving skills.

Accommodations at Pangong Lake:

The beauty and nature is still intact nicely at Pangong lake and one would not be able to find much of concrete hotels or resorts nearby. Mostly, campsites, cottages and small guest houses would support your stay. Along with the same, you also get to enjoy meals, chit-chat with locals, good services and of course, Pangong lake in front of the eyes.

 1. Alpine Huts: The wooden cottages facing the Pangong lake are very comforting with insulated rooms and snuggly beds. With ample parking space, one can enjoy the comfort of dining, living and delicious food, here at the cottage site. Take a stroll at night around and enjoy stargazing. The best part is, it is an 800m walk from the Pangong lake. If you are drop dead tired after a long hour drive, just hop in the cottage.

Tariffs to stay at Alpine huts begin from Rs. 4000 and above.

2. The Pangong Inn: A deluxe hotel near to the Pangong Lake is ready to welcome you all. Well spaced rooms, awesome views, multiple amenities, dining are all here for a perfect stay. A proper set of hygienic washrooms en-suite and ample parking space are available for luxury. Solar panels can be seen here as well for nature made electricity and they make us realize the worth of nature’s gift to survive in extreme conditions.

Get your bed or room here starting from the price of Rs.3800.

3. Hermitage At Pangong: This place is a Wow to look and stay at! These white cottages are settled near the lake and staying here is like staying in the heaven. It is so as the rooms are loaded with panoramic full-length windows, modern amenities, and plenty of spaces. Park the vehicles near and sip some coffee at the verandah.

The luxury and services at Hermitage can be availed from Rs.13,000 and above.

4. The Kora Pangong: A beautiful campsite beside the blue lake where Tibetan flags welcome all is Kora Pangong. The tents are comfortable and well marked by cozy beds, thick blankets, parking space, clean washrooms and of course, a view never to be forgotten. A night here would make your stay more lovely with a sight of migrating birds and dense clouds up above in the sky. Excellent service is a cherry on the top. A drive of around 2 hours to the camp will make you reach here easy via Pangong Lake road.

From Rs.3300 and above, book a comfortable stay.

5. Camp Whispering Camps: Nestled amidst the bank of Pangong Lake in Spangmik, Camp Whispering Camps has been considered as a heaven for the thrill seekers and the adventurers. Guests get an opportunity to enjoy a spectacular view of mountain range, glittery lake and relish the amenities present while admiring boutique style and decor. Make your camping experience special and perfect with a delightful stay at Whispering camps.

For a comfortable stay, the price range begins from Rs.5700 and above.

6. Camp Redstart: A beautiful site that offers its own garden to chill at is Camp Redstart. One can stay in comforting tents with a perfect 180-degree view of the mountains and the beautiful lake. The happy staff and excellent service will make anyone happy to the core of heart. There are new luxurious and spacious Deluxe Tents with attached bath and plenty of parking space to park your vehicles at.

From a basic price of rs. 4300 and above, you can stay and enjoy at camp Redstart

7. Pangong Retreat: A perfectly settled camp at a platform overlooking the Pangong lake is here. Pangong Retreat offers all an agreeable settlement giving an essential convenience. This enables one to appreciate- the brilliant grass, the nightfalls, the mountains, and the Pangong Lake. 25 liberally dispersed, peaceful and noteworthy tents are present here which require an impeccable excursion.

The approximate price starts from Rs 4000 per person.

8. Camp Martsemik La: 34 carefully numbered tents with joined restrooms welcome all in this eco-camp. One will be able to not only view Himalayan ranges and Pangong lake from here but also enjoy various activities at the open verandah with your group of friends or family. The luxury dining space and comfortable beds with thick blankets are all you need after getting tired from the journey. Dive in the view with Tibetan flags waving at you.

Book this camp at 4500 Rs. per person and chill near Pangong lake.

9. Wonderland Camp: Another one of the best camps around Pangong is located in the heart of little town, Spangmik. The pleasing environment is conjoined by excellent services, staff, 24-hour front work area, and wonderful dining that serves delightful delicacies. The best part about Wonderland camp is amazing unobstructed views it provides of mountain ranges and Pangong lake.

From Rs. 3900 per person, get a camp to stay.

10. 100 Sky Camp: Luxury and Comfort is all here at 100 Sky camp. This waterfront location gives a catchy view of extravagant virgin natural beauty. All the rooms of the camps are very well built and well maintained, attached with bathroom and 24-hour water running facilities. Enjoy your stay at camps that are well built with all the state of art facilities.

Tariffs to stay at 100 Sky camps begin from Rs. 4600 and above.

Essential Info about Pangong Lake:

1. Mobile Connectivity: Mobile connectivity around Pangong Lake is extremely limited due to its remote location and rugged terrain. Visitors should not rely on consistent network coverage in the area. While some cellular networks may have intermittent signals near populated areas or along certain routes, it's advisable to be prepared for the possibility of no mobile reception for most of the journey around the lake.

2. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities around Pangong Lake are limited due to its remote location. Visitors should be prepared with basic first aid supplies and any necessary medications. In case of emergencies, there are some basic medical facilities available in nearby towns like Leh, approximately 5-6 hours away by road

It is hence, best advised to carry a basic medical kit with appropriate medicines, bandages etc. Moreover, carry a good pack of warm clothes with yourself to stay away from fever/cold.

3. ATM's: ATMs are not available near Pangong Lake due to its remote location and sparse population. Visitors should ensure they have sufficient cash before traveling to the area, as there are no banking facilities in the immediate vicinity. It's advisable to withdraw cash in advance from ATMs in larger towns like Leh, which is the nearest major urban center to Pangong Lake.

4. Petrol Pumps: There are no petrol pumps either at Pangong or anywhere near it. Gas filling stations or petrol pumps are only at Leh.So, we would suggest you to keep the petrol tank full and enjoy the unhindered ride to and fro Pangong.

5. Food Joints: All the tents, camp stays, homestays and hotel at Pangong provides meals to its guests at an added cost. One can also get them customized based on the special needs or dietary requirements.

Apart from in-house food joints, you can find small stalls nearby that provide tea/coffee, momos, tulpas, lentils-rice too. If you wish to catch a restaurant, go to P3 which is renowned for delicious Tibetan food with an awesome lake view in front. Chhang is an alcoholic beverage that can be found at nearby locations only on festive occasions. If you are lucky, you can find it the time you visit.

6. Minimum Duration for Visiting Pangong Lake: If you are taking a drive from Leh to Pangong, you need a minimum of 6-7 hours from one side only. Considering your stopover for at least an hour, you can return back by late-night bak to Leh.

So, it takes at least 1 day to cover it. We would recommend you to stay there overnight and enjoy the beauty for at least a full day. Moreover, you will be able to cut out your tiredness as well with a stay and carry the rest of the journey fresh and peacefully.

Suggested Read: Here is a Guide to Rent a Bike in Ladakh