Pangong Earth, Sky and Water
Ladakh is a place where beautiful lakes are available for the admiration. These Ladakh lakes sometimes show the emerald green color and sometimes the midnight blue pool color. As peak winter temperature hovers near, everything in Ladakh freezes; the lakes freeze to a depth of several meters. The main lakes in Ladakh region are Pangong Lake which is the gateway to Kashmir valley and Tsomoriri Lake.
Pangong Lake
Situated at a height of about 13,900 ft, Pangong is a derivative of Tibetan word meaning long, narrow enchanted lake. One third of the lake is in India while the remaining is in Tibet. The most notable feature of the lake is the ever changing hues of the lake. The 160 km trip to Pangong Lake from Leh is an experience of its own. The first stop on the Pangong Lake travel is Thiksey village famous for its huge monasteries which cover an entire mountain range. Beyond this village there is nothing but the extreme mountain ranges. The road to this lake known as the paagal naala or €The Crazy Stream€ passes through Chang La, world's third highest motor able roads. During winter the lake freezes completely despite being saline water. Mountains of the Changchenmo range offer a spectacular view with its reflection shimmering in the water. The lake acts as an important breeding ground for migratory birds. One can also spot Ladakhi Marmots; rodents like creatures.
Spangmik is the farthest permitted point in Pangong lake tour. Major tourist attraction here is at Darbuk village near Tangste valley stands a chain of war memorials in commemoration of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo China war. Once this lake was the channel to Shyok River, but due to natural calamities it is blocked now. The first glimpse of the serene, bright blue waters and rocky lakeshore remains beautifully etched in the memories. There is a narrow ramp like formation of land running into the lake which is a favorite with the tourists. Pangong lies on the Sino Indian line of actual control hence require an Inner Line Permit. Most of the lake is in Chinese controlled territory. For hardcore adventure lovers, the place is a haven with various activities like mountaineering and trekking. The place is extremely harsh and difficult to survive. Pangong is under consideration for inclusion in Ramsar convention for the conservation of wetlands. The lake has become a star attraction after being featured in the blockbuster film three idiots.
Pangong Lake
Situated at a height of about 13,900 ft, Pangong is a derivative of Tibetan word meaning long, narrow enchanted lake. One third of the lake is in India while the remaining is in Tibet. The most notable feature of the lake is the ever changing hues of the lake. The 160 km trip to Pangong Lake from Leh is an experience of its own. The first stop on the Pangong Lake travel is Thiksey village famous for its huge monasteries which cover an entire mountain range. Beyond this village there is nothing but the extreme mountain ranges. The road to this lake known as the paagal naala or €The Crazy Stream€ passes through Chang La, world's third highest motor able roads. During winter the lake freezes completely despite being saline water. Mountains of the Changchenmo range offer a spectacular view with its reflection shimmering in the water. The lake acts as an important breeding ground for migratory birds. One can also spot Ladakhi Marmots; rodents like creatures.
Spangmik is the farthest permitted point in Pangong lake tour. Major tourist attraction here is at Darbuk village near Tangste valley stands a chain of war memorials in commemoration of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo China war. Once this lake was the channel to Shyok River, but due to natural calamities it is blocked now. The first glimpse of the serene, bright blue waters and rocky lakeshore remains beautifully etched in the memories. There is a narrow ramp like formation of land running into the lake which is a favorite with the tourists. Pangong lies on the Sino Indian line of actual control hence require an Inner Line Permit. Most of the lake is in Chinese controlled territory. For hardcore adventure lovers, the place is a haven with various activities like mountaineering and trekking. The place is extremely harsh and difficult to survive. Pangong is under consideration for inclusion in Ramsar convention for the conservation of wetlands. The lake has become a star attraction after being featured in the blockbuster film three idiots.
