About Pangong Lake

Pangong Tso (Lake) is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world. Stretching 134 km from Ladakh, India into Tibet, China, only about 60 km of the lake lies in Indian territory. The lake sits at 4,350 m and its water shifts colour throughout the day from deep sapphire to turquoise to silver, depending on the sky and season. Despite its beauty, Pangong is a saline water lake in which no aquatic life can survive. The surrounding barren mountains create a dramatic contrast with the brilliant blue water. The lake became internationally famous after the blockbuster Bollywood film 3 Idiots was filmed on its shores. Overnight camping is available at Spangmik village on the lake's banks.

Highlights

Travel Tips

• 1Inner Line Permit is mandatory — obtain it in Leh before travel.
• 2The road via Chang La (5,360 m) is one of the world's highest motorable passes.
• 3Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and windproof clothing — UV radiation is intense at this altitude.
• 4Book campsites in advance during peak season (Jul–Aug).