
Pangong Lake Ladakh
Pangong Tso (or Pangong Lake; Tso: Ladakhi for lake) is an endorheic
lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,270
ft). It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to
China. 60% of the length of the lake lies in China. The lake is 5 km
(3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point. During winter, the lake freezes
completely, despite being saline water.
The lake is in the process of being
identified under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international
importance. This will be the first trans-boundary wetland in
South Asia under the convention.
Getting to Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso can be reached in a five-hour drive from Leh, most of it
on a rough and dramatic mountain road. The road crosses the villages of
Shey and Gya and traverses the third-highest pass in
the world, the Changla pass, where army sentries and a small teahouse
greet visitors. Road down from Changla Pass leads through Tangste and
other smaller villages, crossing river called Pagal Naala
or "The Crazy Stream". The spectacular lakeside is open during the
tourist season, from May to September.
Inner Line Permit Pangong Lake
An Inner Line Permit is required to visit the lake as it lies on the
Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control. While Indian nationals can obtain
individual permits, others must have group permits (with
a minimum of four persons) accompanied by an accredited guide; the
tourist office in Leh issues the permits for a small fee. For security
reasons, India does not permit boating.
Pangong Lake
Max. length 134 km (83 mi)
Max. width 5 km (3.1 mi)
Surface area 700 km2 (270 sq mi)
Surface elevation 4,250 metres (13,940 ft)
Frozen During winter