Pangong Lake
Blue Black Lake

Pangong Tso - Blue Black Lake

Pangong Tso meaning lake is a 134 km long beautiful endorheic lake that extends from India to China. It is the world?s highest salt water lake at a height of 4350 m, whose beauty has attracted people from all over India and world. Pangong Tso Lake is a peaceful paradise that is thronged by Siberian cranes that have chosen its marshes as their breeding ground. Water of this lake is so clean that one can actually see the reflection of the clear sky as well as the brown mountains that surround it. Birdwatchers can view migratory birds like brahmini ducks and bar headed goose alongwith many other species. Pangong Lake Ladakh is a place that should be visited atleast once in a lifetime. Banks of this lake have plethora of options for camping that are availed by camping enthusiasts from all over the world.

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.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ladakh is between May to September. Pangong Tso Lake freezes during Winter months of October to February.

How to Reach

By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the nearest to Ladakh. From airport, a visitor can reach the Pangong Tso by hiring a taxi.

By Rail: Closest railroad station is Jammu Tawi (700 km from Ladakh). It connects Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. One has to book a taxi or JKSRTC bus to reach the railhead from this point. Pathankot and Chandigarh are the nearest railroad stations to Leh that need a three day journey.

By Road: Motorist tourists can also follow the motor route of Delhi-Manali-Jispa-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Pangong.

Tourists can also follow the route from Delhi to Leh and explore the mythical Shangri La.