Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake is situated near Leh-Ladakh in the Himalayas. This popular sparkling blue lake is at the height of 4350 meters and is 134 kilometres long. The lake extends from India to Tibet. The two third part of the lake is in Tibet. The lake is approx 140 km from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. The name Pangong was taken from a Tibetan word Banggong Co that means a narrow and enchanted lake.

The Lake has its unique feature. It changes color throughout the year or even the day. I changes the color from azure to light blue to green and grey. This is the reason this lake is popular among tourists. Not just tourist attraction, this place is also a hot spot for movie shooting. Remember the scene of movie 3 Idiots where Kareena Kapoor goes to meet Aamir Khan riding a scooter? That was shot at Pangong Lake. The lake was also featured in Dil Se, Heroes, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Sanam Re, Waqt and Tashan movies.

The temperature on the place ranges from -5 degree C to 10 degree C The lake freezes completely during winters.

The best time ti visit the place is summers. If you are planning, go from the month of June to the month of September.

All you need to do is to take a drive from Leh to reach Pangong Lake. It takes around 5 hours to reach Pangong Lake from Leh. You will have to pass through Ladakh and drive over the world's third highest motorable mountain pass called the Chang La. Make sure you have enough fuel in your vehicle because there are no petrol pumps in Pangong.

As the Pangong Lake falls on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control, you ned to get Inner Line permission. There is also a limitation to explore the lake. You are only allowed to visit up to Spangmik village.

Restaurants Nearby

There are no big restaurants but few stalls selling popular local items, Maggi and tea. You can also fins few stalls selling pasta, tea, coffee, beer and Chang which is an alcoholic beverage.