Pangong Lake, the most popular tourist attraction in Ladakh

 

Pangong Lake, the most popular tourist attraction in Ladakh, is an endorheic (landlocked) lake located at an altitude of 4350 metres. Also known as Pangong Tso, it is 12 kilometres long and stretches from India to Tibet. Almost 60% of Lake Pangong lies in the Tibet Autonomous Region. A special feature of the lake is that it does not stay blue all year round, but changes colour from azure to light blue to green and grey! It is known among tourists as Ladakh Lake, the place where the Bollywood film "3 Idiots" was shot.

Since the fascinating Pangong Lake lies on the actual China-India Line of Control, a permit for the inner line is required to visit it. Indian nationals can easily obtain an individual permit, while other foreign nationals need a group permit for at least 3 people accompanied by an accredited guide. You can get the permit for a small fee at the tourist office in Leh. Due to its altitude, the temperature of Lake Pangong varies between -5°C and 10°C, so it freezes completely in winter despite its salinity.

Food points at Lake Pangong

There are a few eateries and stalls around the lake selling popular local produce, maggi and tea. However, it is advisable to bring your own food for a trip to the lake. The choice of food at Lake Pangong is limited, but you will find popular and local preparations such as thukpa, a noodle soup, tsampa, known in Ladakhi as ngamphe (roasted barley flour), and skyu, a heavy noodle dish with lots of vegetables, as well as the very popular and delicious momos, steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat.

Pangong Lake Camping

Camping at the lake is no longer allowed. The ideal place to stay is 32 kilometres from Lake Pangong in a place called Tangste. There is also accommodation in and around Lukung, which is also nearby and provides eco-huts. However, you can also settle in Leh, where there are many accommodation options, and take a day trip to the lake

Flora and fauna at Pangong Lake

Due to the salty water, Pangong Tso is home to no aquatic life other than some sea beetles, which oceanographers call crustaceans. Lake Pangong is home to many migratory birds in summer, and numerous ducks and gulls can be seen "surfing". The stunning lake is not only a haven for these birds, but also an important breeding ground for birds such as Brahmani ducks and gulls. Some are lucky enough to see a kiang, a wild ass, or a marmot, a brownish rodent native to Ladakh that can grow to the size of a small dog.

Lake Pangong in winter

In winter, the landscape of Pangong transforms into a shimmering and snow-covered extravaganza. The mountains show a kaleidoscopic contrast, with sand dominating one side and snow on the other. The Pangong Tso freezes to an absolute turquoise, and you can even walk across this frozen beauty. The sun does not show itself often and fog shrouds the landscape. However, the temperature here reaches a minimum of -14°C, so be sure to pack plenty of woollies!

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