Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake, which means “High Grassland Lake,” is a popular sightseeing destination in Ladakh. At 14,270 feet above sea level, the lake is renowned for changing colors, appearing deep, shimmery blue, green, and red at different times of the day.
The world’s highest saltwater lake Pangong is about 134 km long and extends to the Indo-China border. The major portion of the lake about 75% is situated in China and the remaining 25% lies in India.
It is located about 154 km from Leh and you can reach here by crossing Changla Pass which is the world’s third-highest motorable pass at 17, 586 feet above sea level. The lake is surrounded by snow-clad mountains, stunning views of green valleys, and arid vast landscapes which make most unique to Pangong Lake Tourism.
The lake is also home to various migratory birds which include rare black-necked cranes, Brahmani ducks, bar-headed geese, and some wildlife such as wild ass known as Kiang, and marmot.
The best time to visit this Lake is during the summer season from May to September as the lake remains frozen in winter.
Pangong Lake Tourism Overview
Pangong Lake is a prominent deep blue high-altitude lake located in Ladakh at a height of 4,350 meters above sea level. The lake is perched among snow-capped peaks and scenic valleys where you can enjoy camping, bike treks, and photoshoots. You can set up your tents here for camping or you can enjoy camping in campsites here which provide you with all the basic facilities such as meals, bedding, water, and electricity.
Pangong Lake Height: Located around 154 km from Leh, is perched at an altitude of 14,270 feet (4,350 meters) above sea level. The lake is breathtakingly beautiful with deep blue water and is surrounded by mesmerizing scenic beauty.
Pangong Lake depth: this lake has a depth of around 10 to 16 feet (3 to 5 meters) above sea level. The lake is known for changing colors from blue to green to red.
How to plan a trip to Pangong Lake
Popluar for its beauty and Pangong Lake Tourism it is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions to visit in Ladakh. it is surrounded by majestic mountains whose reflection is visible on the lake’s surface on clear sunny days. The lake gained more popularity after the shooting of a famous Bollywood movie here “Three Idiots”. On your Ladakh trip, visiting Pangong Lake Tourism must be at the top of your list due to its unmatched beauty of serene valleys, mountains, and picture-perfect landscapes. You can plan your trip to Pangong and create lifetime memories by following some simple steps
Choosing the right tour plan: If you are planning a Ladakh tour, then the foremost step is to choose the right plan for making your holiday memorable and enjoyable. There are various Ladakh tour packages. available and the best option is a 6-day plan. On your 5 nights/6 days package, you can enjoy sightseeing at famous tourist attractions of Ladakh such as monasteries, Leh palace, Hall of Fame, scenic valleys, beautiful lakes, etc. Also in this time frame, you can enjoy travel activities such as trekking, camping, rafting, camel safari, etc.
Choose a local cab in Leh City: Choosing a local cab will be the best option for local sightseeing in Ladakh. The local drivers are well versed in the location, geography, and famous places of Ladakh which will help you to save time.
Take a night stay at Camps: if you want to stay overnight at Pangong, then you can choose to stay at camp which will make your holiday more adventurous. The camp stays are well equipped with all the basic amenities such as meals, bedding, spacious rooms, water, and electricity. You can also self-camp here and pitch your tents and enjoy bonfires and stargazing at night.
Things to know before visiting Pangong Lake
Before planning to visit Pangong Lake, there are certain things that you must keep in mind to make your trip safe and enjoyable.
- Acclimatization is necessary as altitude sickness is the most common issue at high altitudes. the medical facilities are limited here, so it’s better to get acclimatized before visiting Pangong Lake.
- There are several accomodations available in Pangong Lake where you can stay overnight and explore the lake. You can stay in hotels, guesthouses, and homestays which are located near the lake. Besides, you can also stay in camps which are available at budget-friendly and luxurious rates.
- It is better to visit in the summer season when the weather is pleasant with a temperature of about 11 to 20 degrees Celsius. During winter, the lake gets frozen with a minimum temperature of about minus 1 to minus 25 degrees Celsius.
- As the temperature always changes due to the high altitude, it is advisable to carry warm clothes with you to stay safe during chilly weather.
- Don’t forget to carry an oxygen cylinder with you on your trip.
Pangong Lake Tourism & Things to Do
While exploring the serene beauty of Pangong Lake, tourists can also enjoy several travel activities here which are mentioned below
Camping: Camping is the best travel activity to enjoy at Pangong Lake. It is a super exciting activity to stay in tents perched at a height of 14,270 feet above sea level. There are camps available and also you can self camp here. These camps provide you with all the basic facilities such as attached washrooms, well-maintained bedding, meals, clean water, and electricity.
Trekking: Trekking at Pangong Lake is a mesmerizing experience offering amazing views of snow-clad mountains and lush valleys. You can enjoy two treks here, one is from Pangong to Spangmik, a short trek offering scenic views of water and mountains. Another trek is Merak to Chushul which is a more challenging one and takes you to offbeat places around the lake.
Photoshoots: Pangong Lake Tourism is a picture-perfect place offering breathtaking shots of deep blue water surrounded by snow-clad peaks. You can also capture here panoramic pictures of sunrise and sunset when red shades take over the blue sky.
Yak riding: Yak riding is another activity that you can enjoy at Pangong Lake. Yaks are well suited to the high altitude and cold weather of Ladakh. Yak riding offers you stunning views of mountains, deep blue water lakes, and clear skies.
Accommodation at Pangong Lake
The accommodation options at Pangong Lake are limited such as homestays, hotels, and camps. One of the most thrilling options is to stay at camps in Pangong Lake. The scenic beauty, makes it a perfect spot for enjoying a camping adventure.
You can stay at camps which are available there or you can pitch your tent and enjoy the adventure. The tents here are clean, cozy, and comfortable with spacious rooms, attached bathrooms, tasty meals, clean water, and lighting.
You can choose budget-friendly and luxury camps as per your budget and choices. Camping alongside the beautiful lake is a must activity for every traveler. It is one of the most thrilling experiences to camp at a height of 14,270 feet. From tasty foods, warm hospitality, and scenic vistas, camping at Pangong Lake is a wonderful experience.
Permit for Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is located at the line of control between China and India. So, it is necessary to get a permit as it is a sensitive area. Indian tourists need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) at the DC office. The foreign national requires a Protected Area permit to visit Pangong Lake. Don’t forget to carry photocopies of your original documents with you in case of any emergency.
Phone and internet services at Pangong Lake
There is no mobile phone connectivity or internet at Pangong lake. Being located at such a high altitude of 14, 270 feet, the network here is zero. Even BSNL and MTNL do not work in the region. The internet works well in Leh but, there is zero phone and internet facility.
Weather in Pangong Lake
The weather in Pangong Lake varies according to seasons. During the summer season, the temperature is between 1 to 20 degrees Celsius with warm and sunny weather. From May to September, the lake remains beautiful with deep shimmery blue water which is surrounded by snow-clad hills, vast landscapes, and lush green valleys.
This season allows you to enjoy the scenic view and some adventurous activities such as trekking, camping, yak riding, and photoshoots. During winter, the lake remains frozen with temperatures dipping to as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius.
Nearby places
Hemis Monastery: it is one of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh which you can visit during your trip to Pangong Lake. It is located 45 km from Leh and is famous for its two-day annual Hemis festival.
Changla Pass: It is another travel destination of Ladakh which lies amidst snow-capped hills, and green valleys. The pass is the third highest motorable pass in the world and is situated around 35 km from Leh.
Chemrey Monastery: it is a stunning Buddhist monastery about 35 km from Leh and was built by Lama Tagspa in the early 17th century. The monastery houses a statue of Guru Padmasambhava and various other Buddhist deities.
Tangtse village: it is the nearest village to Pangong lake. Tangtse Monastery resides in this village adding more charm to the place. The monastery belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect of Buddhism and was founded by Skyoba Jigsten Gombo.
Explore The Nearby places
Hemis Monastery: it is one of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh which you can visit during your trip to Pangong Lake. It is located 45 km from Leh and is famous for its two-day annual Hemis festival.
Changla Pass: It is another travel destination of Ladakh which lies amidst snow-capped hills, and green valleys. The pass is the third-highest motorable pass in the world and is situated around 35 km from Leh.
Chemrey Monastery: it is a stunning Buddhist monastery about 35 km from Leh and was built by Lama Tagspa in the early 17th century. The monastery houses a statue of Guru Padmasambhava and various other Buddhist deities.
Tangtse village: it is the nearest village to Pangong lake. Tangtse Monastery resides in this village adding more charm to the place. The monastery belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect of Buddhism and was founded by Skyoba Jigsten Gombo.
The best time to visit Pangong Lake
Summer: May to September is the best time to visit Pangong Lake. During this period, the weather remains pleasant and favorable with a maximum temperature of about 25 degree Celsius. This is the time when tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and take part in several travel activities.
Monsoon: From October to November, the temperature remains around 15 degree Celsius which is also suitable for travelling.
How to reach Pangong lake
You can reach Pangong via any means such as by flight, train or by road.
By road: you can reach Pangong lake via road via Changla pass which is around 297 km away. The journey takes about 8 hours to reach Pangong lake.
By flight: The nearest airport to reach Pangong lake is Leh airport. After reaching the airport, you can book a taxi to reach Pangong lake which is 154 km away.
By train: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway line to reach Pangong lake in Leh.
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Frequently asked questions
Are there any petrol pumps at Pangong Lake?
There is no fuel pump at the lake and you can fill your vehicle tank in Karu which is located on the way from Leh to Pangong.
Are there any ATM facilities or banks at Pangong Lake?
No, there is no bank or ATM facility in Pangong Lake.
Is swimming allowed?
Due to the extremely cold temperature of the lake, swimming is not allowed.
What is the depth of The Lake?
The depth of Pangong lake is around 100 metres.