Mesmerizing Ladakh – Part 3: The Enchanting Pangong Lake

Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is the most beautiful lake in Ladakh, with its enchanting blue colour and the picturesque landscape surrounding it. Pangong Tso, literally meaning “enchanted lake”. It is located 175 km from Leh and can be reached in a five hour drive from Leh. This rough and dramatic mountain road traverses the Chang La, one of the highest passes in Ladakh at an elevation of 17586 feet. Chang La literally means “Pass towards the South”. But many claim that it is named after Changla Baba a sadhu, in whose name a small temple is dedicated at the pass. Most of the travelers visit the temple to have the blessings of the baba for a safe passage.

The maximum length of the lake is 134 km and extends from India to China. Approximately 60% of the length of the lake lies in China. The lake is 5 km wide at its broadest point. All together it covers 604 km2 . During the winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.

There is no accommodation available at the lake. However there is camping facility available and you can book in advance one of the tents. We had booked in one of these tents for a night. Make sure you have enough warm clothes as the night winds are freezing.

A picturesque meadow on the way to Leh to Pangong Lake

A picturesque meadow on the way to Leh to Pangong Lake

A picturesque meadow on the way to Leh to Pangong Lake

A picturesque meadow on the way to Leh to Pangong Lake

On the way to Pangong Lake

On the way to Pangong Lake

On the way to Pangong Lake

At Chang La Pass

Chang La Top

The Tibetan prayer flags at the pass

Temple of Changla Baba

Temple of Changla Baba

Temple of Changla Baba

Temple of Changla Baba

Temple of Changla Baba

Stones by the Indian Army

Stones by the Indian Army

Stones by the Indian Army

Snow caped mountains – view from Chang La Pass

Snow caped mountains – view from Chang La Pass

Wild flowers

Gracing sheep and Pashmina goats

Gracing sheep and Pashmina goats

We met him on the road side and was happy to share with him some chocolates and juice

Camping facilities at the lake

Camping facilities at the lake – our tent

Camping facilities at the lake – mess hall

Camping facilities at the lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake