Pangong Tso, A Very Special Lake In The Himalayas
One of the most popular tourist destinations for lovers of photography, nature and hiking is Pangong Tso Lake. In the Himalayas, at more than 4000 meters high, we can enjoy the magical and overwhelming views of the lake and even, if we are a little daring, take a dip.
In this article we want to discover this natural corner and offer you some tips to make the most of your trip. Pangong Tso Lake may be an option to consider if we are looking for a place to feel at peace with the planet.
Pangong Tso Lake
This lake is located in the Himalayas, at no less than 4250 meters high. It stretches from India to Tibet, for 134 kilometers. As a peculiarity, say that two thirds of the lake is within the territory of China. As for its width, it reaches five kilometers at its widest point. It is, therefore, the largest saltwater lake in the world.
Due to the height at which it is located, its salty waters are always cold, freezing during the winter. However, during the summer season, and even a couple months before, the lake offers a unique image. It is an inhospitable place considered by many one of the most incredible landscapes in the world.
Its crystalline waters change color between blue and deep green, offering a strong contrast with the high mountains. In addition, due to the salty water, we will find a place to observe some species of migratory birds. But because of its waters, the vegetation around the lake is quite scarce and we will not find fish or aquatic plants either.
Discovering Pangong Tso Lake
During the tour, a maximum trip of five hours by vehicle, we will cross different mountain passes until we reach our destination. The best known is the Changla pass, which is no less than 5360 meters above sea level and is one of the highest in the world.
At our destination, we will be left breathless by the spectacular scenery that Pangong Tso Lake offers. Its crystal clear waters reflect the mountains that surround it like a mirror. Without a doubt, it is worth spending some time photographing the area. We can also take unique photos in some of its various viewpoints located near the shore.
During the summer months camping areas are enabled where we can enjoy the color changes of its waters due to the incidence of the sun, but also the silence and peace transmitted by its nights. In addition, if we decide to visit it at the beginning of May we can find traces of snow, so it is very important to wear warm clothing and safety shoes.
Useful tips for the trip
If we want to get to the lake, we can do it by our own vehicle. The lake is five hours from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Even so, we must remember that the state of the road that will take us to our destination is not in the best condition and that it also has a complicated route.
However, and despite the fact that the route is not suitable for all types of travelers unless you have an adventurous spirit, it has become one of the favorite pilgrimages for both international tourists and the country’s own inhabitants.
We must also remember that the lake can only be visited from May to September. In addition, a special permit is necessary to access it and groups of less than four people are not allowed to enter.
We will not find rest areas near the lake, or hotels or other services. However, during the summer season, we will be able to spend the night in some of the campsites that surround the lake.
Another option to spend the night or spend several days in the area is to stop in the town of Spangmik. This one, which is also several hours’ drive from Pangong Tso Lake, offers a traditional rural atmosphere and spectacular views of the mountains.
