Pangong Tso (Tso means lake) or Pangong Lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes of India.
Being lucky going to this lake more than 12 times during my regular Photo-tours to Ladakh. I went there first time on a motor-bike and it was an amazing experience. Read about the experience here.
How to go to Pangong Lake from Leh
Leh to Spangmik village Pangong is a distance of 156 kilometers. It goes via Choglamsar, Shey, Thiksey, Stakna, Hemis Sakti Zingral, the Chang La pass, Tangtse, Durbok.
It’s a 5 hours drive from Leh to reach Pangong Tso through a rough and dramatic mountain road.
1/3rd part of the lake lies in India while the remaining 2/3rd lies in a region controlled by China.
Army controls this area and passes from the deputy commissioner of Leh is required to enter.
Pangong Lake Temperature
Pangong Lake Temperature in May, June, and July
Day temperatures will be around 25 degrees celsius but night temperatures can go about zero.
Please note, its the windchill that kills. Make sure you carry a good windproof jacket.
Pangong Lake Temperature in December, January, and February
In winter the temperatures range from -20°C to 10°C.
During the winter season, this area is immersed in freezing temperatures. The lake surface becomes so solid that no one can walk over it. A gala festival of ice skating is organized on the surface of the frozen lake, where a large number of skiers and ice skaters from several parts of the world participate. As a tourist, you can also get to see the local culture of the native people
An inner line permit is required for Indian nationalities/tourists to visit Pangong Lake. People of foreign nationality must have group permits (for a minimum of 3 people) accompanied by an accredited guide. The permit is issued by a tourist office in Leh for a small fee.
Accommodation in Pangong Tso
You will get all kinds of accommodation in Pangong from luxury tents to basic homestays. All these are on the way to the village - Spangmik.
June to September is the best time to travel to Pangong Tso.
Join me for a Photography Tour to Ladakh
Tips for photographers
1. The best time to be there is in the evening and early morning. If you are doing a day trip, you are surely not there at the best time.
2. Carry all your warm clothes, it's very cold and windy out there.
3. Carry a torch if you want to do some night photography. You can shoot the milky way.
4. A normal zoom like an 18-55 is good enough. If you have a wide-angle and telephoto, you have more possibilities.
5. Carry your tripod.
Thanksgiving
Thanks to all the participants who join me for my tours over the last 10 years.All rights reserved. No copying without permission of the author Saurabh Chatterjee