During our trip in Ladakh, after visiting Nubra Valley and staying overnight, our next destination was the world-famous Pangong Tso. In the local language of Ladakh, “Tso” means lake. The distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso is approximately 275 kilometers. We had all heard about this lake in the context of the India-China dispute. Additionally, this lake was also featured in the famous Bollywood film “3 Idiots” starring Aamir Khan.
When we set out from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso, we found out that the route along the Shyok River was closed due to excessive water flow causing the road to break. Our driver, Phunchok Angchok, reassured us that there was no need to worry and that we would take an alternative route to Pangong Tso.
The new route to Pangong Tso was 80 kilometers longer and passed through extremely rugged mountains compared to the old route. At one point, we stopped to eat Thukpa, a local Ladakhi dish that resembled a soup made with noodles and vegetables. After about 4 hours of travel, we passed through the Wari La pass. The temperature here was very low.
The melting snow from the mountains formed small streams that flowed onto the road. After a brief stop at Wari La, we moved on. Along the way, we saw many yaks grazing near the river. In some places, we also spotted large wild dogs searching for prey. Near the river, we saw groups of young people camping in tents.
After a long but adventurous 10-hour journey from Nubra Valley, we reached the famous Pangong Tso in Ladakh. The blue waters of this lake were visible from a distance. As soon as we saw Pangong Tso, our fatigue began to fade, and we were filled with enthusiasm. Pangong Tso is a 134-kilometer-long, boomerang-shaped saltwater lake, with one-third of it in India and the rest under Chinese control. There were tents lined up along the shore of the lake.
Tonight, we were to stay in these tents by Pangong Tso. After placing all our belongings in our pre-designated tent, we went to explore the lake. The water of this lake was very clean and transparent. Due to the cloudless sky, it looked very blue. The clear blue sky made Pangong Tso appear deep blue as well. It is because of this unique color that the lake is popular worldwide. There are high mountains on the other side of the lake.
At Pangong Tso, we ventured a bit into the water. The lake was so transparent that we could clearly see the bottom from a distance. The water of Pangong Tso was very cold, making it difficult to stand in it for long. Within seconds, it felt like our feet had gone numb. We sat by the shore of the lake for a long time and took a lot of photos. There was also the famous scooter from the film “3 Idiots” on the shore, and we took pictures sitting on it.
As evening approached, light rain started, and everyone began heading towards their tents. At night, the temperature near Pangong Tso drops significantly. We put on warm clothes and went for dinner. Afterward, we stayed outside our tent, chatting in the cold breeze under the light of the large moon.
When we started feeling sleepy, we went to sleep in our tent. The tents were very good and warm, making it difficult to tell what the weather was like outside. We slept very well in the warm and comfortable bed.
In the morning, after getting ready, we once again went to the shore of Pangong Tso. Gazing at its beauty was very soothing to the eyes. Indeed, this lake is very beautiful. We saw Indian Army helicopters patrolling in the sky. We walked along the distant shores of Pangong Tso. Local people told us that in winter, the lake freezes. After spending a wonderful time there for a long while, it was time to leave Pangong Tso.
We felt very fortunate to have had the chance to see Pangong Tso. We then began our journey back to Leh. At one point, we saw the very famous Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal. We took a photo with him. This was like a beautiful gift marking the end of our trip to Pangong Tso.
The journey from Pangong Tso to Leh was difficult in many ways but very adventurous. In several places, strong streams of water from melting snow in the mountains were flowing over the road. This caused the road to break and become uneven, causing the vehicles’ tires to get stuck.
This happened 2-3 times on this route. However, everyone helped push the vehicles across these streams. After some time, we crossed another mountain pass, Chang La, and reached Leh.
The approximately 225-kilometer distance from Pangong Tso to Leh took us 6 hours to cover. After the long road trip from Pangong Tso, we arrived at our pre-booked hotel in Leh.
Visiting Pangong Tso in Ladakh was a dream come true for us. I had never seen such a beautiful lake before. Surrounded by rocky mountains, this lake is truly magnificent. Sitting by the shore of Pangong Tso and gazing at it was an unforgettable moment.
Its beauty can only be truly appreciated by being here. The lake was even more beautiful than what I had read in books or seen in videos. You must visit this place at least once in your lifetime.
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➜ Things not to miss at Pangong Tso: Spending a night in a tent at Pangong Tso, sitting under the clear blue sky and watching the lake, photography.
➜ How to reach Pangong Tso: To visit Pangong Tso, you need to come to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The nearest airport is in Leh. There are two road routes to reach Ladakh. One can come to Ladakh from Srinagar via National Highway 1 (NH-1). The other route is from Manali to Ladakh. Both routes are very beautiful and full of adventure. Ladakh is not yet connected by rail.
➜ Best time to visit Pangong Tso: The best time to visit Pangong Tso in Ladakh is during the summer from April to July.
➜ Duration to visit Pangong Tso: 2 days / 1 night.
Information Source: Authentic information sources available on internet, Various Articles and books on the subject & Interaction with local public.
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