North India · Ladakh
Pangong Lake, Ladakh
About Pangong Lake
- Mountains
- Lakeside
Where it is
Pangong Lake, or Pangong Tso, is a long high-altitude lake in eastern Ladakh, India, at about 4,225 m, reached from Leh by road over the Chang La pass; its eastern part lies in Tibet.
History
The lake lies on old routes of the Changthang plateau used by nomadic herders. It has been open to visitors from Leh since the late 20th century, with an inner line permit required for the area.
People
The few villages by the lake are home to Changpa and Ladakhi families who herd pashmina goats and yaks. Most visitors stay in camps and homestays that open for the summer months.
Known for
- Water that changes colour through the day
- The shore at Spangmik and Lukung
- Migratory birds in summer
- The drive over Chang La
Did you know?
Pangong Lake is a saltwater lake, yet it freezes over completely in winter.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.