On day 8 of our 12-day road trip to Ladakh, our destination was Pangong Tso. You wouldn’t hear of a trip to Ladakh, without the mention of Pangong Tso – a lake that 40% in India and 60% in China. Another unique fact about the lake is that it there is no outflow of the water. Its saline water freezes in winters and in the summers, it lets people feel the beauty.
Beyond the mountains and towards the end of the 134-kilometer lake is the Republic of China. The proximity to the international border also makes the place well guarded and connected to the country.
The journey to Pangong Tso was via the Chang La and at a height of ~17,585 feet. The landscape changed colors, the skies were bright and by the time we reached Chang La, the air was crisp. Our plan was to stay at Tangtse so we crossed the village to reach the lake and drove back for a night halt.
Enroute Tangtse
At ~17,000+ feet altitude, Chang La and the surroundings.
At this place on the way, the traffic was stopped to complete road repairs. I couldn’t be happier.
The commercial look of Pangong Tso. After 3 idiots, this lake has been bustling with tourists.
And then the lake and its serene waters. Most tourists do not go towards Spangmik and miss out on the other part of the lake.
Some tips if you travel to Pangong Tso:
- The camps to stay at the lake sound lucrative but know that the high altitude could make you sick.
- Drive towards Spangmik and see water change colors.
- If possible, try to catch a sunrise at the lake.
- Do not litter.
- Do not step into the water. Respect nature.
The beauty of the lake will leave an undying impression on your heart and soul. Travel does that to you and more so one to Ladakh.
This August, VT and I took a 12-day road trip to Ladakh. Check out this space for all photos and posts about our trip. Writing for Day 3 of Write Tribe Problogger Challenge.
happiness and food 
Such tranquility! ❤ fabulous pictures Parul! Especially the Road to happiness and the pebbles against the lake backdrop 🙂 Quite amused to find the rancho cafe 😛 hehe
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You will be amazed to see what all is there from the movie. It’s pretty commercialized. Thank you, Divsi ❤
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well described beauty of pangong lake and pictures are very beautiful. Keep writing
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Thank you Swikriti 🙂
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Parul, few days ago, I was discussing with a fellow travel blogger when he mentioned that Ladakh now is commercialized and no more attractive to visit. This was a feedback from a person who has been visiting Ladakh for last few years. I feel Ladakh needs to be visited when it is devoid of tourists…that’s when you will get to enjoy its real essence. So…someday!
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I agree with you and also disagree. For someone who would have seen things change, it’s a fair thing to say. Think of someone who has never been to the Himalayas. Attempts a trip in declining season, it was just perfect. 🙂 That was us. I loved Ladakh and I can go back again. Would you not agree that most tourist places are crowded? The story isn’t different.
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The pictures and the narration is beautiful Parul. So good that you could make the trip.
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Thank you Lata!
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Beatiful pics and details about the trip. Loved the lake and stones pic. Yes, travel leaves an unique impression on our minds.
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It does. Thanks Ramya!
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you actually took me on a trip…. its on my check list now
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Thanks Nidhi!
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It is breathtaking and looks completely unspoilt. I’m glad you mentioned that bit about no littering. I was reading somewhere that the trash in Leh-Laddakh has taken on worrying proportions specially since Three Idiots turned Pamgong Lake into a much favoured tourist destination.
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Really? I didn’t know that. Also, I felt that the place is pretty clean but yes, cos of tourists the seasons have started changing.
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Very wonderful and useful information! I especially love the 3 Idiots eatery! 🙂
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The name is so popular Rashmi. Thanks!
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Parul, I loved your pictures. I adored everything about Ladakh. The lake was breathtaking. I didn’t take the mandatory picture on Kareena’s scooter from 3 Idiots by the lake 🙂
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I did not take that too, Sulekha! Thank you 🙂
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This is beautiful. SO wanted to visit. Now after having a kid I think these travel plans need to wait a little.
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Thanks Anchal. Take kids along and make memories for them 🙂
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Wow! The lake looks so beautiful! Makes me want to visit it.
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If you get a chance, you should. Thanks Reema.
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Breathtaking! The pictures are so gorgeous. You had a wonderful time there, I’m sure. 😀
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I did. Thanks Vinitha.
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This is a lovely post of a beautiful place. Serene, peaceful and calm.
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Thanks Nupur!
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It looks beautiful, and so serene. 🙂 I thought I recognized it from the photos. Guess I was right. 😀 Hope to visit there one day!
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May your wish come true, Vinay. Thank you!
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Wow, the photographs are spectacular! Thank you for the virtual tour!
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Wow! Just wow! These pictures tell me how satisfying this trip would have been to you. Commercialization of such beautiful places is something that’s sad. I just hope that people are sensible enough to not litter and spoil the beauty of nature.
The man has been wanting to make a trip to Ladakh since many years now. Hopefully he is able to visit sometime soon with his school group. I can’t travel to high altitudes as my nose bleeds. The farthest I have travelled is to Rohtang Pass and I had to be rushed back within five minutes of reaching.
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Fantastic photos. Ladakh looks so different from the rest of India.
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The place is indeed unique in a lot of ways.
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Simply awesome! Your post took me back a couple of years to our visit to the Pangong Tso… Thanks for sharing 🙂
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My pleasure 🙂
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My favourite photograph is the one of you looking out at the landscape. Your joy is palpable.
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It’s such a gorgeous lake. Ok, I didn’t know about this one. Is it the one shown in the last scenes of 3 idiots? The landscape looks so unique, like painting 😀 beautiful captures 😀
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