Pangong - Blue Black Lake

Pangong - Blue Black Lake

Lies in the northeast of Leh, Pangong Lake is located at an elevation of 4,350 metres above sea level. This popular blue blackish lake is 5-6 km wide and around 144 km long with half of it running to the another side of the Indo-China border.

The 160-km travel to Pangong Lake from Leh is a different experience altogether. The first halt on the way is at Thiksey village, known for its ancient monasteries that cover a whole mountain ridge.

Beyond this isolated village, there is extreme mountain range. The second halt is the Changla Pass (17,350 ft.) that could test one's lungs, for the scarcity of oxygen.

Tourist Attractions

Near Tangste Valley at Darbuk village, there lies a chain of war memorials with regimental insignias in remembrance of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Indo-China war of 1962.

Few of the army bunkers and trenches are still used. Tourists can see villagers here along with the huge herds of Pashmina sheep and long-tailed yaks.

The peaceful Pangong Lake is not only a tourist's paradise but also a geologist's domain. Tourists can enjoy the solitude here. Siberian crane around the marshes are the only breeding ground for migratory birds that can be seen swarming in the colourful water of the lake. The long and narrow lake is in the vicinity of the famous Chushul Mountains.

Pangong means extensive and the lake justifies it. The still water is cold, salty and hods ample amount of lime to create a calcareous deposit. It is believed that the large number of minerals can be seen in the basin of the lake.

The water sparkles in different shades of green, blue, purple and violet. You can pick pebbles from under the water. If you are lucky, a fossil shell in the clay can also be rewarding for you.

Reaching There

From Delhi, you can go to Leh by regular flights. On reaching Leh, you can hire a taxi to Pangong Lake.

Tourists can also follow the motor route of Delhi-Manali-Jispa-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Pangong.