Pangong Tso – more than a lake

Posted on by Parul Thakur

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. 

37 thoughts on “Pangong Tso – more than a lake”

  3. 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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    1. 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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  7. 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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  9. 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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  16. 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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  20. 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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  21. Pingback: A 12 day road trip to Ladakh - happiness and food

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