At the breathtaking altitude of 4,350 meters above sea level in the Himalayas, lies an azure jewel: the Pangong Tso Lake. This is among the most fascinating places to visit in India, culturally, aesthetically as well as historically. So here is a thorough Pangong Lake travel guide for you!
Known for being one of the highest brackish water lakes in the world, Pangong Tso is surrounded by a distinctive arid beauty that is unique to Leh and Ladakh. But! Don’t be fooled by the word ‘lake’! This humongous body of water stretches across 134 kilometers (km) and crosses into China. No wonder it’s the longest lake in the Himalayas!
Best Time To Visit Pangong Lake
Peak Season: May To September
May to September is the peak tourist season for Pangong Lake. If you want a pleasant coolness, the best time to visit is June. The temperatures drop to a chilling 5° C. Moreover, the water of the lake is such a shocking blue colour, you’ll think somebody has poured paint in it! The roads, too, are open, so getting around is relatively easy.
Winter Season: October To April
Now, we don’t recommend visiting Pangong Lake in the winter if your tolerance for cold is not particularly high. The temperature drops to a bone-chilling -23°. However, if you can tolerate extremely cold temperatures, the view awaiting you here is among the most memorable and breathtaking that you’ll ever behold in your lifetime; we can guarantee that. The lake freezes over and offers an unforgettable cold stillness that is not easily found elsewhere in the country.
Transition Months: Late September Onwards
If you’re not a fan of crowds and want to avoid visiting in the peak tourist season while still avoiding the harsh cold of winter, September is the perfect time for you to visit. There are fewer tourists, and because winter hasn’t fully set in, you can still move about without the cold getting in the way of your fun.
How To Reach Pangong From Leh
Leh To Pangong Via Chang La
This is the most popular route to Pangong. You start from Leh towards the Karu village. Then, you proceed to ascend the Chang La Pass. This particular pass is at an altitude of 5,360 meters, making it one of the highest passes in the world. Altitude sickness entering the chat? Don’t worry. From here, you descend to Durbuk and journey to Tangtse. Finally, from Tangtse, you can reach Pangong Lake.
Route: Leh->Karu Village->Chang La->Durbuk->Tangtse->Pangong
Distance: 160 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Leh To Nubra Valley To Pangong Via Shyok
Now, this alternate route can be a shortcut for many tourists. However, there is a catch. In order for you to be able to use this route, the water level of the Shyok River should be low. You start from Leh and then head to Diskit. From there, you move towards Agham and then to the Shyok village. From Shyok, you can cross into Durbuk and then to Pangong.
Route: Diskit->Agham->Shyok Village->Durbuk->Pangong
Distance: 140 km
Time: 5 hours
Stay Options At Pangong Lake
1. Snow Pine Luxury Wooden Cottage
This stay is the perfect option for you to cozy up in. The rustic wooden cottages offer a comforting warmth that will drive away the weariness of your day’s travels. Equipped with all the basic amenities, Snow Pine has struck a balance between comfort and opulence.
Cost Per Night: INR 3,678
2. Alpine Cottage Pangong
If you’re looking for attentive service along with a view of the Pangong, Alpine Cottage is a great option for you. The staff provides a bucket of hot water per person, and electricity can be availed till 11 PM.
Cost Per Night: INR 3,360
3. Blue Chill Cottage Pangong
If you’re looking for an even more affordable stay, Blue Chill is for you. It offers a peaceful and homely atmosphere and comes equipped with basic amenities. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. They’ll ensure that your stay is comfortable and memorable.
Cost Per Night: INR 2,074
Pro-Tips
- Driving during day time is best.
- Make sure you use lower gears when the terrain is steep.
- Make sure you don’t stop at the top of Chang La for more than 15-20 mins to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Before heading to Pangong Lake, get your body acquainted with the altitude for at least 48 hours in Leh.
- Make sure you get the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in advance.
FAQs
Is Pangong Lake Frozen In May?
No. The ice begins to melt, and the water takes on a vibrant blue hue.
What’s the best time for photography at Pangong Tso?
Late June to July is the best time for photography at Pangong Lake.
What’s the distance from Leh to Pangong Tso by bike?
140 – 170 km.
