Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters above sea level, Pangong Lake lies in the northeast of Leh. This famous blue blackish lake of Pangong is 5-6 km wide and over 144 km long with half of it running to the other side of the Indo-China border.
The 160-km trip to Pangong Lake from Leh is an experience of its own. The first stop on the way is Thiksey village famous for its huge monasteries, which cover an entire mountain ridge. Beyond this remote village, there is nothing but the extreme mountain ranges for company. The second stop is the Changla Pass (17,350 ft.), which could test ones lungs, for the lack of oxygen.
At Darbuk village near Tangste Valley stands a chain of war memorials with regimental insignias in commemoration of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo-China war of 1962. Some of the army bunkers and trenches are still in use. Villagers can be seen here along with their large herds of Pashmina sheep and long-tailed yaks.
The placid Pangong Lake is not just a tourist's paradise but a geologist's domain too.
Travelers can enjoy the solitude for a day or two, zoom their cameras to shoot the black-necked Siberian crane around the Mahe marshes which are the only breeding ground for these migratory birds. At times, they are seen swarming in the cool colorful water of the lake.
The long and narrow lake lies in the neighborhood of the famous Chushul Mountains. The size of the lake is best inferred from the probable etymology of its name, Pangong, which means extensive concavity. The mirror-calm water is cold, clear, and extremely salty, holding sufficient quantity of lime to form a calcareous deposit, which cements the pebbles together in patches of concrete on its bank. It is believed that there is a large amount of minerals in the basin of the lake, which result from the melting of the snow. The water sparkles in distinct shades of blue, green, purple, and violet, being transparent to a good depth. With ease, one can pick pebbles from under the water, and if one is lucky enough, a fossil shell in the clay deposits may be a rewarding find.
Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is a sparkling blue lake situated in the Himalayas and perched at an altitude of about 4,350 m. It is the biggest high altitude salt lake in the world. In the winter, the lake freezes completely and hard enough to drive a car on it. The road above Chang La is kept open in winters by the Indian Army. So Pangong Lake is accessible throughout the year and it looks like a winter wonderland.
The best time to visit Pangong Lake is during summers i.e. from May to September as weather during winter is intense and the lake would be frozen. It is the best time for tourists to enjoy other major attractions of Ladakh as well.
Pangong Lake is a remote place and accommodation options are good in a number. Camps at Pangong Lake are undoubtedly the most popular accommodation choice. The guest house at Pangong Lake is also a great choice to stay for both comfortable and not costly as well. There is no guest house at Spangmik, if you are looking for a guest house you have to stay at Tangtse which is about 35 Km from Pangong. Homestay at Pangong Lake is also popular among tourists, these are small neat houses with clean washrooms and with quite friendly people. In case you like booking in advance, you may do so but I would recommend against it.
Ladakh Summer Pangong Camp is one of the best place to stay nearby Pangong Lake. These camps comprises of luxurious and capacious deluxe tents with an effaced bath will make your stay comfortable at Pangong Lake. Experience camping set facing nearby the splendid Pangong Lake with striking panoramic views of nature’s gifted backdrop. The camp has all the facilities for a relaxed stay. It includes 24-hour front desk and room service with scrumptious food which can be pampered by the guests during the stay. The camp offers you a comfy stay and allowing you to enjoy a unique experience with nature. It is truly a paradise!
Regular flights go to Leh from Delhi. Once in Leh, one can hire a taxi to Pangong Lake. Otherwise, one can make arrangements with some travel agencies, which are ever ready to take one on a trip to the saltwater lake of Pangong Tso.
One can also take the motor route of Delhi-Manali-Jispa-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Pangong.
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