When exploring Ladakh, be a traveller not tourist.

What is the lure of India ? For me, of course, it’s my home, sweet home. However, beyond that is the magnificent array of colour, geography, ethnicity, history, wildlife, adventure, culture and lakes….

The beautiful Pangong Lake situated in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Location:-

Amidst one of the most beautiful natural sceneries ,The Pangong Lake is 150 km away from Leh in between the brown coloured hills of Pangong & Chang -Chelmo at about 4267 m higher from the sea level .

By road : Manali -Leh; regular & frequent bus services by Himachal Pradesh Tourism— HRTC, J&KSRTC —both deluxe & ordinary buses usually run from Kargil.

Between Leh-Srinagar: Cars & jeeps are also available.

It is to be noted that no out sided cars or jeeps to be allowed for sightseeing & all sightseeing cars should be hired locally.

By train: Pathankot, Chandigarh & Kalka are the closest railway station & you have to hire a cab from there to reach Leh.

Rules about Foreign travellers regarding car hiring: Much better if you apply for the permit in Leh.

Necessities: Permission from Deputy commissioner. Indian passport holders should carry their passport or any other authentic identity (original) along with two passport size photographs.

Foreigners should carry their passports and visa along with two passport size photographs which is mandatory.

You should take sufficient woollen garments including gloves, socks & caps.

Leh to Pangong Lake: 1- day itenerary:-

First you must go to Tagste from Leh which is about 116 km away. On the way you must cross the checkpoint at Karu through the Ladakh’s 3rd highest pass at 17350 ft by the side of Althak Lake. You will reach the village Tagste.

Tagste: It is a small village of Changpas— the name of the community living here. The village has PWD bungalow, hotel, shops & gumphas. You may stay here for one night & can enjoy beautiful sunrise & sunset.

If you are not staying here, then can have a short break & continue the journey for another 34 km to reach The Pangong Lake by crossing the checkpoint at Lukung.

By bus this it will take almost 3 days to complete the journey from Leh to Pangong Lake.

What to expect: On a beautiful sunny day there is an amalgamation of pristine blue with emerald green water looking magnificent by the reflection of sunlight.The water is clear & transparent wtih the different coloured pebbles you can see the reflection of the sky over the water. It’s truly a divine beauty. Pintails, seagulls, divers are seen here. The weather is chilly cold & windy— resembling the typical cold desert weather.

Where to stay: There are several tents beside the lake & there is also a VIP guest house of army officers which is situated 2 km from here to Lukung.

I hope this will help you. Keep travelling!