Pangong Lake Travel Guide

One of the prominent sightseeing spots in Ladakh, the Pangong Lake acts as a teaser of Mother Nature’s fine craftsmanship. The name translates to a high grassland lake. This beautiful ocean-like salt lake is set at a breath-taking elevation of 14,270 feet. It is an absolute miracle as it is completely landlocked and does not drain into any sea or other water body. The snow-capped peaks, panoramic views of steep valleys and arid landscape are the scenic attractions of this place.

This spot has been of great interest to geologists. It is known to change colours across the season and even slightly through the day from blue to green and also grey. Being one of the world’s highest saltwater lakes, it is always swamped with tourists. That is why this ultimate Pangong Lake travel guide will help you to understand how to make most of your trip to the Tso. The beauty here cannot be described in words and awaits for you to behold.

That is why the travel experts at Eladakh Tourism have carefully crafted this Pangong Lake tourism guide wherein every aspect of its offerings is tried and covered. So go ahead, read on and know everything before you go!

How to reach the Pangong Lake

In this travel guide for Pangong Lake, we have listed three routes via which you can make it to the Tso.

If you are travelling from Leh :

The drive to the lake from Leh is thrilling in its own sense, as you will have to cross the Chang La Pass. It is the third-highest motorable road in the world and it serves as a gateway to the Pangong Tso. Take the Manali-Leh highway and driving till you make it to Karu, after which you turn left towards Sakti and head straight towards Chang La. There are regular bus services that are run by the J&K SRTC- state road transport corporation. If you do not have a private car, you can also opt for taxis that can be hired.

Total kilometres: approximately 175 kilometres

Route: Leh – Shey – Karu – Shakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Spangmik – Pangong Tso

Approximate duration: 6-7 hours

If you are travelling from Nubra Valley :

If you wish to explore Nubra valley and Pangong without having to return back to Leh, then this is a vice option. There are two ways from Nubra valley- one via the high altitude pass of Wari La and the other is next to Shyok river. Both these routes are extremely challenging and remote.

Total kilometres: approximately 250 kilometres

Route: Diskit / Panamik – Khalsar – Agham – Tangyar – Wari La – Tathok – Sakti Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Spangmik – Pangong Tso Diskit/Panamik – Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste – Spangmik – Pangong Tso

Approximate duration: 8-10 hours

If you are travelling from Tso Moriri :

It is not the best route to take usually, however, if you wish to explore both these pristine lakesides without going back to Leh, then you can go from Tso Moriri to Pangong Tso via Chusul. Cross the Mahe bridge till you cross Noma and reach Loma. Then head towards Hanle and keep left until you reach Chushul.

Total kilometres: approximately 220 kilometres

Route: Karzok (Tso Moriri) – Sumdo – Mahe – Nyoma – Loma – Tsaga Village – Tsaga La – Chushul – Merak – Man – Spangmik – Pangong Tso

Approximate duration: 12-14 hours

Best time to visit the Pangong Lake

Choose the perfect season to plan your trip with the help of this exclusive travel guide for Pangong Lake.

Unfortunately, Ladakh is not an all-year-round destination. The months of summer commencing from May right up to September is the best time to visit Pangong Tso Lake. The weather in winter is extremely harsh and the lake is completely frozen along with heavy snowfall in most parts of Ladakh. The snow would have all melted giving the region a good greenery look. All the passes, mountain routes and the trekking trails that were shut down because of blanket snow will open up from May. Moreover, the lake would be clear and it would be safe and easy to camp near it. You will also have ni trouble finding for help, accommodation and transport facility since it is the season of tourism. That is why summer is suggested as the best time for travel under this best guide for Pangong Lake sightseeing so you can enjoy all the attractions and that too in a mild weather.

Top things to do at the Pangong Lake:

The beauty of Pangong Lake is quite a reason enough to plan for a sightseeing trip. However, there are other things to do at Pangong Tso that we have covered under this ultimate travel guide for Pangong Lake that will keep you excited during the duration of your stay here.

Camping

Camping at the lakeside is a must-do for every traveller to Ladakh. It is an enthralling experience to stay in the tents pitched at 14,270 feet. They make for the most scenic vista and also provide you with unparalleled comfort. They boast of deluxe tents with attached washrooms that are equipped with bedding. From great food to impeccable views and hospitality, camping here has everything to tickle your wanderlust.

Stargazing

Explore universe’s vastness when in Ladakh. Pangong Lake offers the clearest night skies for those wishing to engage in stargazing. The high altitude of the lake adds to the advantage of pollution-free clear skies. Surrounded by ice peaked hills, the experience is even more enhanced with a bonfire. Make sure you capture breathtaking photographs of the mesmerising Milky Way. The apt time to encounter a clear sky is in the months of April, May, September and October.

Birdwatching

Satiate your love for nature as the Pangong Lake is a paradise for birders and wildlife photographers. The visibility scope is large and you can watch wild birds fly from one peak to another. Some of the most interesting species to spot here is the Great Crested Grebe, Red Crested Pochard, the rare Black Necked Crane, Bar Headed Goose, etc.

Connect with the locals

The locals settled here are culturally, linguistically and racially very different from that of the rest of the country. They are known for their warm hospitality. Their cultures and way of life are unique as they reflect the crossroads of exchange between Nepal, Kashmir and Tibet. They cultivate most of their own grains and vegetables and you must try local Ladakhi cuisine when you visit and spend time with the locals at Pangong lake.

Photograph the sunset and sunrise

Photographing the beautiful skies at Pangong lake has become an extremely popular activity. It will take you through a sensory experience. You must carry extra batteries for your camera as you will witness breath-taking scenery during sunset and sunrise when red flames take over the blue skies.

Tips for visiting the Pangong Lake

Since the temperature of this region is quite fluctuating, it is advisable to keep extra woollen clothes and also sweaters handy.

Altitude sickness is a very common problem and you must have basic medicines on you. The medical facilities up there are scarce so it is must to have access to a medical kit. The nearest medical help can be availed only in Tangste Village, which is approximately 50 km away from Spangmik village.

The roads in Ladakh are generally bumpy and uneven. Make sure you are travelling in an SUV or jeep or any similar sturdy vehicles only.

The Pangong Lake is located at the Line of Control between China and India. For Indians, obtaining an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is necessary and the foreigners must obtain a Protected Area Permit. Keep adequate photocopies of all your documents with you always.

It is absolutely essential to get some rest so that your body gets acclimatized.

The lakeside is an ecological place and littering is strictly prohibited. Avoid using plastic bags here.

FAQ about Zanskar Valley

This complete guide for Pangong Lake tourism also answers some of the most frequently asked questions.

Where to Stay at Pangong Lake?

The stay options near Pangong Lake is limited to camps, tents and homestays. The only cemented hotel here is The Pangong Camp Resort. Run by the government, this hotel has decently spacious rooms and good food service. The only thing to remember is to book the rooms well in advance as it gets sold out in no time. It is set at a walking distance from the lake and provides for mesmerising views. The average tariff per night is approximately INR 3000-4000 for a double occupancy room. Tents are also laid out at the Pangong Lake that has a sleeping capacity of 2 to 4 people per tent. These charges approximately INR 1500-2000 per person inclusive of meals as well.

What To Eat at Pangong Lake?

At such a high altitude, you must stick to the kind of food that is nutritious and healthy. There are no diners at or near the Pangong Lake and you will small shops selling Maggi and different hot soups. It is always advisable to carry your own food, dry fruits and some light snack perhaps.

Are there any petrol pumps at Pangong Tso?

There is no petrol pump at or near Pangong Lake. The nearest petrol bunk is at Karu that is located on the way from Leh to Pangong. Usually, a round trip can be completed from Leh to Pangong and back to Leh in a full tank. Fuel can also be found at the Chadar tents, but for almost double the price.

What about the mobile network and data connectivity at Pangong Tso?

There is no cell phone reception in the entire area. Data connectivity at Pangong Tso is null including that of MTNl and BSNL services.

Are there any banks or ATM facility at Pangong Lake?

There is no bank or even an ATM at or on the way to the lake. No hotels and restaurants accept debit or credit cards so it is advisable that you carry sufficient cash with you before leaving for Pangong.

We at Eladakh Tourism hope that this complete tourism guide on Pangong Lake helps you plan a well-rounded holiday. It is a beautiful destination to explore and will be etched in your mind for a long, long time.

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