Day 5 and 6: The Mighty Pangong Tso

Trip to the Pangong Tso was an overnighter Day 5 & 6 from Leh. The route we took from Leh  was through the Chang La - The world's second highest pass.

Like the previous days of the trip, every bit of the journey was worth the wait - Monasteries, mountains, roads, no roads, more mountains, valleys, huge vastness - it was a great ride as we progressed through the Chang La. 

Monastery

One of the valleys

Chang La

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Random water body enroute

Us

Pangong is a beautiful high-altitude lake located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India and shares border with India and China. It is one of the largest and highest saltwater lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of 14,000+ feet above sea level. The lake is around 134 km long, with nearly two-thirds of its length located in China. AND its a SALT water lake.

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Pangong Tso is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters that reflect the surrounding mountains, giving it a surreal and serene appearance. It has some mystic scenery all throughout daylight and during the night once can hear the waves of lake like its an ocean. 

Roaring Waves

To what one can see with an eye, I was able to see different shades of the color blue in the lake. And yet again one more time I felt the camera can't do justice to this place - you have to see it and experience it. 

The Bollywood movie "3 Idiots" gave this lake a lot of fame and has helped popularize the lake as a tourist destination, drawing visitors from across the world.

Compulsory click

One of the unique features of Pangong Tso is that it changes color throughout the day, depending on the angle of the sun and the surrounding environment. It is an experience like no other to witness the lake change from a brilliant blue to a deep green or even brown, depending on the time of day.

One of my favourite pics of the Pangong Tso

In conclusion, Pangong Tso is a natural wonder that must be seen to be believed. Its stunning beauty and unique characteristics make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone seeking a tranquil escape, Pangong Tso is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

And again, you cant cover it all in a trip and something is left for the next time - until we go there again!

Glimpse of the Fauna that we came across during the trip

Hemis Monastry on our way back to Leh

The best time to visit Pangong Tso is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the lake is not frozen. The lake is accessible by road, with a journey from Leh taking around 5-6 hours. Visitors can also opt to camp near the lake to experience its beauty at its fullest.