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"Pangong Tso", meaning "High grassland lake" in Tibetan, is a huge salt-water lake situated at 4,350m altitude, at the border between India and China. To visit the lake from Leh, the best it to take at least 2 days as it takes 6 to 8 hours drive/ride to reach Pangong. The road passes through beautiful scenery, and through the world's -allegedly- 2nd highest pass: Changla Pass, at 5,360m. The road is generally good but there are some spots which have claimed many lives in the past. The still carcasses of car / trucks and vans down the cliffs are reminders of the dangers of these roads and motivation for greater concentration. The deep-blue lake is 134 km long - 60% of which belongs to China- and 5km wide. There are good sleeping facilities near the lake, and in June, it is possible to swim! The lake is only accessible during summer, and in winter, is actually completely frozen up (despite being salt-water!). Wildlife at the lake is incredible, with beautiful birds ruling the sky, and the possibility to spot some Himalayan marmot on the grasslands surrounding the lake! Migratory Ducks, Brown-head Seagulls, |
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There are alot of monasteries on the way to Pangong Lake, especially in the region of Karu. It is worth hiring a bike to explore the location in 1 or 2 days. |
Hemis, the "hidden" monastery, is one of the biggest complex of monastery built within the mountains in Ladakh. In the past, its hidden location allowed it to escape the sacking of the Moguls emperor Aurengzeb. |
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The location of river beds is made very obvious by all the beautiful greenery escorting it through the very arid land. |
There are many areas on the way where carcasses of cars, vans and trucks can be seen, along with the scars on the mountains left by rock falls or avalanches. |
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On top of Chang La, the third highest motorable road! |
Upon approaching the lake, water streams converging towards it have allowed grasslands to form. |
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And grasslands is what Himalayan marmots love! |
After a few hours of drive from Leh, the turquoise lake appears in a magical moment! |
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The salt water Lake is shared by India and China. |
If the season is right, it is possible to admire beautiful Brahminy Ducks with their brown color and very long wings. |
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There are also a lot of black headed seagulls. |
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Cranes flying on the surface of the water |
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Thank you!I hope you enjoyed this Story! |
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