Where the air celebrates the sheer joy of living. Where the surroundings whisper in your ears, that this, is the reason for your existence. Where suddenly life takes on a new meaning, that land for us is Ladakh. Have you felt your heartbeats quicken at the mere mention of a place? that place could be Ladakh if you have been there. Once you are smitten with the beauty of Ladakh, you are hooked for life. We were there to attend the Naropa festival, an extravaganza of spirituality and culture in the dramatic backdrop of the landscapes of Leh. We were blessed with the opportunity to road trip across the region and immerse ourselves in the otherworldly beauty that it exudes around every bend in the road. We soaked ourselves in the spiritual and mystical aura emanated by monasteries like the Alchi Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, and Basgo Monastery, among others. But the one road trip that had us spellbound was the road trip from Leh to Pangong Lake.
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Leh to Pangong Lake – Day trip to Pangong Lake from Leh, Ladakh
Keep reading to relive with us the bewitching moments that we experienced during our day trip to Pangong Lake from Leh. Yes, this Pangong Lake blog post is going to be an encomium to the enchanting land of Ladakh and Pangong Lake, but apart from that you can also expect information that would be mundane in comparison but yet necessary like Pangong Lake weather, Leh to Pangong lake distance, Pangong hotels, the best time to visit Pangong Lake, and much more. We would also be answering questions you may have about network connectivity in the Ladakh region, the risk of AMS, and also touching other relevant topics that would stand you in good stead when you plan your own Leh Ladakh trip. We do hope that this serves as a travel guide to Pangong Lake.
So off we go on a road trip of a lifetime, covering a distance from Leh to Pangong lake of about 223 kilometers.
Leh to Pangong Lake Map
The day trip to Pangong Lake from Leh
The charm is more in the journey than the destination itself. Cliched phrases like these come alive when you travel from Leh to Pangong Lake, but in this case, the beauty of the destination too is climactic in nature.
It was still dark when we woke up in our hotel in Leh. We had already spent a few days in Leh which is at an altitude of 3,524 meters and hence got acclimatized to the high altitude. We got ready and checked our mobiles, the signal bars indicated that we were connected to the Airtel network, so we finished some of our social media assignments, had cups of hot tea which instilled some warmth in our bodies, and looked forward with excitement as we hugged our warm clothes closer and got into the bus that would take us to our destination. We looked forward eagerly to a panoramic journey from Leh to Pangong Tso, and we were not disappointed.
It took us about six hours to reach the destination, Pangong Tso and those six hours remain embedded in our hearts and minds forever.
Surreal Landscapes That Bewitch
Have you ever experienced the feeling of Deja Vu? We experienced it with a difference as we traveled from Leh to Pangong Lake. The difference was that we felt as if we were reliving a dream and had to pinch ourselves to ensure that we were indeed in a waking state and this was really happening!
The drive starts with clinging to a rugged and winding road that hugs the mountains for dear life. You climb, climb, and climb more, till you see deep ravines to one side and the sheer mountain face on the other. You are struck by the wilderness of the arid and cold desert landscapes of the Ladakh region. An undulating carpet of brown seems to stretch endlessly as you weave from one mountain pass to another.
The land of Ladakh is an enigmatic tapestry of changing landscapes. Nature seems to have used a palette with special colors to paint the rugged landscapes of Ladakh. Vast swathes of brown suddenly change into emerald hues, the sky envelops the snowy white peaks in sapphire hues. As the bus drives through this land of undiluted beauty, the heart soars like a bird freed from its monotonous existence, engulfed in waves of unfathomable ecstasy.
We pass by a herd of black horses grazing in the midst of nowhere, reveling in their freedom.
A stream, part flowing and partly frozen compel us to halt and get out to breathe in the fresh mountain air and just live this heavenly moment. Further on we spot minuscule dark moving spots far below the road, only to realize that these were herds of Yak grazing on the mountain slopes.
Listening To the Whispers Of The Clouds At Changla Pass
One of the highlights of the Leh to Pangong road trip is Changla Pass. which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. There is a temple here and also basic restroom facilities. This is a point manned by the Indian Army. We stopped here for about 10 minutes to take in the view of the snow-clad mountains that towered all around. It is not advisable to linger here for long owing to the paucity of oxygen. There is a stall run by the Indian Army that welcomes visitors with cups of hot tea which is gratis. the tea is indeed welcome as Changla Pass is not only thrilling but also chilling.
Tea With The Indian Army At Tsol Tak
After leaving the Changla Pass, the descent begins. It is remarkable to note that the nature of the surrounding landscapes changes after crossing Changla Pass. The arid and barren terrain gives way to more greener terrain. After descending for about 7 kilometers we came across another Army Camp.
“We lead by example, live by chance, love by choice and kill by profession”, says an inscription. This is Tsol Tak, another Indian Army post at an altitude of 17,000 feet. Again helpful personnel from the Indian Army offer hot, black tea to travelers. There are restroom facilities here too. We spent some time here on our way back to Leh. It was evening and we could feel the chill reaching our bones. The kindly Army Officer got milk tea specially made for us and chatted with us. He said that he had been here for a few months now and was scheduled to move in about a fortnight. The camp is literally in the middle of nowhere and spending months together in the deadly cold is indeed a task that only the brave personnel of the Indian Army can do. Our hearts reached out to this friendly officer and others who man the borders in such harsh conditions and punishing terrain.
Rendezvous With The Himalayan Marmot
We had a lovely encounter with the cute Himalayan Marmots on the road to Pangong Tso. We stopped near a massive stretch of land framed by mountains. The land was full of borrows and the little Marmots peeped out with curiosity. They started to get a little bolder and even posed for pictures. We were careful not to touch or go too near them in order not to traumatize them. But surprisingly they snuggled close to us. The Marmots are omnivores and feed grass, flowers, insects, and eggs of birds. They have been classified as one of the, “least endangered” species as they thrive in large numbers. But care should be taken not to touch or harm the Marmots or feed them. Their antics should be experienced from a reasonable distance without disturbing them. Also, avoid the use of plastic and littering of the same anywhere in the vicinity or Ladakh or even your home cities.
We were shocked to read a recent news report about a biker from Bengaluru who on a road trip to Pangong Lake, spotted a Marmot nibbling on a used and discarded baby diaper by a callous tourist with no disregard for the environment.
This sad incident prompted Zoheb, the biker to personally pick up trash from a 10 kilometer stretch of road. Read the full report of this incident in The Times of India.
The First Glimpse of The Pangong Lake
As we neared our destination, our heartbeats became faster, the extraordinary and tiring journey that lay behind us had not dampened our spirits. In fact, they rose to a crescendo as we spotted the first glimpse of the Pangong Lake. It was as if we had walked into a painting. The blue waters of the lake shimmered as the rays of the afternoon sun fell on them. The blue of the sky seemed to be a natural extension of the lake itself. Even the white fluffy clouds that had gathered around the peaks that framed the lake were reflected in it.
We were awestruck by what can only be described as the divine beauty of the lake. We never knew that these kinds of lakes could exist outside the realms of fairy tales, the beauty of the lake was far, far away from the realms of our own imagination.
As we gazed transfixed at the hypnotic beauty of the Pangong lake, the immortal words of Emperor Jehangir rang in our ears, “If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here!”
Time Stands Still At The Pangong Lake
We drove past the main hub of the Pangong Lake which was full of tourists. On one side of the road were many eateries that sold cold drinks and snacks including the ubiquitous Maggi noodles. We went further ahead driving parallel to the lake to reach a totally secluded part of the lake. We then walked about 500 meters from where our vehicle was parked to reach the edge of the lake.
As we stood in front of the lake it was as if we were in front of a giant painting. The Pangong lake looked ethereal and the mountains surrounding it and the white clouds in the sky made it a moment of sheer magic. We were speechless and lost ourselves in the fathomless beauty of the moment. We had to break away from the magic web that the lake had weaved around us and break away from the inertia that had gripped us. After all, we did want to capture these spectacular moments in our phones and cameras. Our family and friends always looked forward to our travel updates and this was definitely something really special. We would be sharing the images and videos with them, thanks to our reliable Airtel mobile network.
When at the Pangong Lake you would not want to do anything else apart from simply meditate in its beauty. We gazed for a long time at the crystal clear waters and touched it with our fingers to feel the chill of the water. We were hesitant to even touch the water with our feet, not because of the cold, but because of the sheer reverence the grandeur of the lake evoked in us. We felt that would be desecrating the purity of this lovely water body even by touching it with our feet.
It would have been great to have camped overnight near the Pangong Lake, we could well imagine how magical the lake would be when the stars came out. But we had to return back as this was only a day trip from Leh to Pangong Lake that we were doing. So after spending quite some time lost in the ethereal beauty of the moment we made our way back towards our vehicle to begin the journey from Pangong Lake to Leh. We glanced back, hoping to fill our eyes and minds with as many images of the beautiful place as possible. Images that would transform into memories to cherish and relive again and again.
About Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso in Tibetan means, “High Grassland Lake”. The lake is endorheic in nature which means that the waters of the lake do not flow out to any other water body like a river or sea. The lake is completely land-locked and its water is brackish which means that the water is salty, but not as salty as seawater.
Pangong Lake stands at an altitude of about 14,270 feet and is about 134 kilometers long. The lake has a maximum width of about 5 kilometers and covers an area of approximately 604 square kilometers. Almost 60 % of Pangong Lake is in Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
In terms of flora and fauna, the brackish water does not support any major aquatic life and hence there are no fishes in the waters of the Pangong Lake. However, the water body is a good breeding ground for migratory birds including the Brahminy Duck. We did spot a few Brahminy Ducks skimming the surface of the lake.
Pangong Lake And The Bollywood Connection
Considering the pristine beauty of Pangong Lake it comes as no surprise that Bollywood has used it as a location. It came into prominence as the 3 Idiots lake after the Aamir Khan starrer was shot there. Some of the other Bollywood movies that have been shot here are the Shahrukh Khan and Anushka Sharma starrer, “Jab Tak Hain Jaan”, Sanam Re, and Waqt – The Race against Time.
Ironically it seems like the race against time has begun for the Pangong Lake too as it struggles to retain its pristine nature in the wake of over-tourism. The Pangong lake 3 Idiots is a classic case of what turning the spotlight on a destination can do to it. One part of the banks of this ethereal lake is choc a bloc with stalls that have idiotic props to pose with like the ones above. We did not spend much time here and moved far away to that part of the lake that still retained its virginal and untouched aura. We would urge our readers to plan a Pangong Lake tour and experience some moments in paradise before the place gets killed by the ills of over-tourism and one is only left with Pangong lake images and videos. We also hope that the authorities take measures for the balanced growth of the region, ensuring sustainable growth in tandem with the preservation of the pristine lake. We would also like to appeal to all visitors to treat the lake like a place of sanctity.
Getting To Pangong Lake
- Pangong Lake is located in Ladakh, a Union Territory of India
- Leh to Pangong distance is about 223 kilometers
- The nearest airport to Pangong Tso is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh
- The most convenient option to get to Pangong Lake from Leh is by private taxi, the Leh to Pangong lake taxi fare may cost around INR 10,000
- There is a public bus service from Leh which connects it to the villages near Pangong Lake, like Spangmik, Chusul, and Merak, however, the catch is that these buses operate only twice in a week
- Nubra Valley to Pangong lake distance is about 274 kilometers
Book cheap flights here to reach Leh or Srinagar.
Ladakh Tourism – Leh Ladakh tour
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Mobile Network Connectivity At Pangong and Ladakh
We were told that there would be a mobile network issue when traveling in Ladakh. But being the subscriber to one of the best networks, Airtel, we were not unduly worried. Of course, Ladakh is a remote region and also being close to the border and sensitive Military installations network connectivity may not be seamless in the remote areas. However, Bharti Airtel is one of the four cellular operators that have their own network in the region of Ladakh. We were able to experience the good service of Airtel Network in Leh and the vicinity. It is also important to note that only Post Paid mobile connections work in Ladakh. Prepaid mobile connections from outside the region will not work in Ladakh.
Where To Stay At Pangong Tso Lake
One can stay at a hotel in Leh and do a day trip from Leh to Pangong and back like how we did. However, if you want to experience the Pangong lake stay one can stay in any of the hotels near Pangong Lake. The Pangong Tso hotels are located near some of the villages like Spangmik. The Pangong lake stay options include hotels at Pangong Tso lake, Pangong camp resorts, and Pangong lake tents.
Hotels in Pangong lake Ladakh / Hotels in Pangong Tso Ladakh / Pangong lake hotels
You can book the best hotels in Pangong Lake here:
For the best hotels or best accommodation in Leh or Pangong, we suggest checking out our favorite sites to book here. We always use these sites to book our stay. Hotel booking in Leh or Pangong can be done through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Booking.com to save huge and get the best deals on booking your stay.
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Where To Eat At Pangong Lake, Ladakh
When you are at the Pangong Lake, you are so filled with its beauty that mundane feelings like hunger do not assail you. However all the travel had tired us out and after feasting our eyes on the natural beauty all around, we set about assuaging our baser instinct of hunger. When in Ladakh some of the best vegetarian options are Maggi Noodles, Vegetable Fried Rice, Momos, and Thupka. So that is what we had. There are plenty of eateries near the lake where one can satisfy ones’ hunger pangs.
Permit and Permission – Inner Line Permit (ILP) For Visiting Pangong Tso
The Inner Line Permit is required for visiting Pangong Tso. The application can be done online at the official Government website.
Tips For Visiting Pangong Lake
- The Pangong temperature will be quiet low and hence be dressed warmly depending on the time and month you are visiting
- Take all necessary precautions against AMS and also ensure that you have acclimatized to the high altitude before traveling to Pangong lake, especially as you ascend to an altitude of about 5360 meters at Changla Pass from Leh’s altitude of about 3500 meters and then descend to Pangong lake height of about 4250 meters
- If you are staying overnight make sure you are fully equipped with warm clothes as the Pangong lake temperature will fall during the night
- Do note that the Pangong weather can be unpredictable, freezing cold at one moment and the harsh sun beating down the next
Pangong Lake, Ladakh FAQ
- Is there accommodation at Pangong lake?
- Yes there are many hotels in Pangong lake Ladakh as well as Pangong resorts to choose from
- What is the Pangong lake to Leh distance?
- It is about 223 Kilometers
- Is Pangong lake night stay advisable?
- Though it would be a good experience it depends on the time of the year when you are visiting, do check on night temperature at Pangong before planning
- When is Pangong lake frozen?
- Pangong Lake in winter freezes despite its water being salty.
- What is the best time to visit Pangong lake?
- The best time to visit is between the months of May to September
- Is there Pangong lake boating available?
- No there is no boating
- Why is Pangong lake salty?
- The waters of the Pangong Lake are brackish, not fresh like river water, but also not as salty as seawater, as the waters are landlocked and do not empty into any other water body
- Why is Pangong lake blue?
- One of the most interesting facts about Pangong lake is its changing hues that depend on the light at that time
- Where is Pangong lake situated?
- Pangong Lake is located in the Union Territory of Ladakh in India
- What happens when Pangong lake freezes?
- One can even walk on the Pangong Lake when it freezes
- Can we take a bath in Pangong Lake?
- Swimming is not allowed in the freezing cold waters of Pangong Lake
- Are there fishes in Pangong Lake?
- There are no fishes except small Crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, etc.
- How long is Pangong Lake?
- It is about 134 kilometers long
- How deep is the water in Pangong Lake?
- The maximum depth of Pangong Lake is estimated to be around 100 meters
- How do I get from Leh to Pangong Lake?
- The most convenient way is to hire a taxi from Leh
- What does Pangong mean?
- Pangong means ‘high grassland’
We hope you have liked reading this Pangong lake travel blog as much as we have enjoyed our experience of the lake and writing about it. We look forward to your thoughts and suggestions about this post and also hope it inspires you to pack your bags and embark on your own Ladakh tour. Ladakh in general and the Pangong Lake, in particular, await your footfalls with a smile and the sweet notes of, “Juley”.
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A road trip that is over 5 hours in one direction is an ambitious day trip plan. It was a good thing there was charm in the journey. We do love mountain roads so I am sure that clinging to the side of mountains would be a great rush. Good to know that there is a rest stop at Changia Pass. With hot tea! But I am sure that first view of Pangong Lake made the whole trip feel worth it. I can see why you wish you had camped by the lake.
What a beautiful lake and ideal location for breath-taking views! Pangong lake sounds like a journey of a lifetime and one worth the trip to see the outdoors. I enjoyed the story of the biker who took the time to help the environment and clean up the area to preserve its beauty.
Great information here. Pangong Lake looks so beautiful. It is a shame that many beautiful places these days have issues with over-tourism. Your photos do look like paintings. I just can’t imagine what it is like to be there ane enjoying such a beautiful location.
It really looks like you are standing in a big painting. Very relaxing and peaceful place. I wonder how it feels to stay there overnight with the environment like this and the weather at night, the huge night sky view this is worth it.
The lake view is so beautiful. Would love to visit there when ever will get a chance.
Day trip to Pangong Lake from Leh really looks like dream type of trip with full of nature surrounding us. It is great that Pangong lake has good Bollywood connection. I was knowing about only 3 Idiots film shot here but it is great that some of the other Bollywood movies that have been shot here “Jab Tak Hain Jaan”, Sanam Re, and Waqt. Taking precautions for higher altitude is a great tip.
Yikes! That road up the mountain looks intense, pretty, but intense. I have never seen a Yak, not even at a zoo, seeing a herd of them would be incredible. And the Marmot is so cute! I love that the Indian Army provides tea at Changla Pass. The blue of Pangong Lake is a gorgeous contrast against the brown mountains.
You got me so hooked buddy. Will undoubtedly love to visit it the soonest possible
All the clicks are so beautiful. I would love to visit here sometime its one of my favorite destination to visit
Looks so beautiful and tranquil there. I didn’t know much about this area at all before reading this. I love the marmot and the fact that the lake has such an interesting connection to Bollywood. It always makes visiting more fun when you recognise the place somehow.
Wow so beautiful the lake, the mountains, the cute marmot. I have always heard of the unparalleled beauty of Kashmir and this is such a comprehensive posts, showing us the diverse terrain. It is however, with mixed emotion as I read this, when you look at nature’s gifts to this beautiful land and think of how combative the region has been for so many years! Regardless, I would love to get to visit one day!
These pictures are so beautiful😍 that place is also breath taking. Definitely I would love to go there.
This post has evolved wanderlust in me as I read through every line! I really like the details and the images. That bit abt Marmot was important mention I feel.
I am yet to cover this part of India but your detailed post and itinerary is inspiring me to go soon!
This place in on my bucket list for the long time now. And whenever I see these pics it feels like I am missing on some very beautiful moments in life. Your detailed post will help me in planning my trip. Thank you for sharing this post.
What a detailed travel.article!! I have not been to Leh but it is on my wishlist. Love your photos.
This was one of the most memorable trip for us while in Leh, the varied landscapes are a pleasure to witness.
I first saw this lake in movie 3 idiots and after that it’s in my travel wishlist, today after reading your post and seeing all this breath taking pics I felt that I am there , must say you well expressed your tour to leh.
I am bookmarking this link. This is on our bucket list for a while. Much thanks for such an informative most.
Leh Ladhakh is my dream destination. And Panong lake is one of the major attraction there… loved your post..
I loved my Leh Ladakh trip too.The irresponsible behaviour of throwing trash everywhere irritates me a lot.Balanced tourism.is important.
Leh has become such a iconic tourist spot,thanks to the movies. It’s in my wishlist too
The scenetic view from leg to Pangong Lake looks so magical and dreamy. This place has so many things to offer
The lake is so beautiful… Wow… I would love to visit… Thank you for explaining everything in details…
Also, we all should keep the environment clean… I hope people learn and don’t throw trash everywhere!
Leh has been my most favourite destination to visit and explore. It is a beautiful place and most astonishing experience. You shared about it beautifully.
Such a heaven!!! I have been wanting to visit this for the longest time. Let’s see when I manage to go… Great itinerary to follow ..