Pangong Lake Ladakh

The Blue clear skies, the blue lake and we….. Pangong Lake had a peaceful and soothing effect on us like blue topaz and motivated us as well. The huge and blue crystal clear waters of Pangong were sufficient to fascinate us and transformed our love for each other. Well, blue has forever been my favorite color….

Pangong Tso is approximately 160 km from Leh. To arrive at the lake you have to cross the world's third top motorable pass, the Chang La (17586 ft) which is secured by the Indian Army as it is very close to China. So, we started our trip at 6.00 AM in the morning from Leh with our driver Kader Bhai. So soft spoken and kind, he was not only our lead but was like a protector towards us.

Later than a drive of an hour or so, we reach Karu village. We can notice a variety of monasteries till here. From Karu, the climbing street begins. Some kilometers from Karu the transportation was good, but as the climb to Chang La began the situation of the roads worsened with potholes and risky curves. The temperature too fell severely and so did the level of oxygen

make us realize that we are fast elevation. Chang La is the third top motorable pass in the world. We can see the royal snow covered range from the Chang La. There is a military settlement at Chang La which serves complimentary tea to anybody who crosses the Chang La. We started our descent after having tea and contact with the army jawans.

The condition of the street was beautifully bad as we descended from the Chang La and at a few spots, there were no roads at all!!! After the descent, the condition of roads improved a lot and so did the land. The barren land was replaced by a scenic meadow with stream flow beside us. The various flora and fauna of Ladakh was also seen here. We saw massive yaks graze as well as the amusing looking marmot. It was now we saw the Royal Enfield Bike team riding towards Pangong Lake.

We were joyfully looking at yaks and marmots when all of a sudden an extent of blue appeared previous to us among some hills. Well, that was the Pangong for us. As our car took turns, the Pangong took turns to play hide and seek with us. A different trip of 15 minutes and then we can see the huge extent of blue waters in front of our eyes. Leh will never fail to mesmerize us. After the Nubra, now it’s the Pangong.

Pangong Lake is shared among India and China. Only 40% of the lake lies in India. Our imagination failed to visualize the real extent of the Pangong. The blue lake bounded by yellow mountains is a heaven to any wanderlust’s eyes. Brahminy ducks were seen in plenty. It is also their heaven…!!! We traveled towards the extent of the lake which had been made so popular by the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots.

We traveled more towards the Spangmik village, the furthest village in Pangong. We had decided to stay the nighttime at Pangong in a tent which was rather comfy and very close to the lake. The lake could be seen just as we came up out of the tent.

The crystal clear waters of the lake polish in a lot of shade of blue depending upon its deepness and with the daylight. At one spot we stare at the lapis lazuli, while the azure waters lap at our feet in the next.

The emerald green shades were also extra to the magic. Sitting in front of the Pangong Lake, we forget all our doubts. All our experienced thought goes into nothingness. We can be glad about the loveliness of nature to the fullest.

As the sun begins to set, the blue waters appear to lighten into a dull color. The night was evenly delightful. The infinite sky was spotted with many stars and the soft lights at the campsites looked wonderful. A campfire at the side of the stunning lake and under the sparkly sky with travelers with their variety of stories finished our day.

Some facts about Pangong Tso:

Location:

Pangong Tso is located 170 Km from Leh city of Ladakh district.

Altitude:

Pangong Tso is one of the top altitude lakes of India at a stunning height of 4350 Meters or 14270 Feet.

General Route:

1.  Leh – Karu – Shakti  – Chang La – Durbuk  – Tangste – Lukung – Spagmik

Accommodation:

Tents are accessible at the lake side. There are hotels at the Spangmik village for staying all night.

 Petrol Pumps and ATMs:

The Nearby petrol pump is at Karu approximately 135 km away from Pangong.

No ATMs are created close to the lake. It is improved to take cash.

Visiting Pangong Tso is an experience itself. The heady combination of the violent and barren Chang La with the peaceful blue waters of the pond next to the background of the mountain is enticing. You should not miss this journey. It is suggested to use up a day here to realize the true beauty of the Spot. Or else, Pangong is doable in one day itself from Leh.