Pangong Lake is a renowned brackish-water lake located on the border between India and Tibet. Pangong is the most established and prominent lake in the Trans Himalayas. The route to reach Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley is challenging to navigate. It takes about 6-7 hours to reach Pangong Lake, depending on road conditions. Tourists consider late summer the best time to visit Pangong Lake because the route to Leh remains clear and free from climatic disturbances. The lake looks spirited after sunrise, and the perfect blue colour produced by the reflection of the empyrean strikes a beautiful glow in the surroundings.
The best time to visit Pangong Lake is from July to September.
The best time to visit Pangong Lake is from July to September. The road to reach Pangong Lake is closed for most of the year due to landslides and adverse climatic conditions. Travelers typically plan their trips after thorough research, taking local meteorological conditions into account. Travelers cannot see the lake in winter or spring. The temperature around the lake remains low, and the lake completely freezes during the winter.
How to reach Pangong Lake?
- Travelers can reach Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley.
Travelers can reach Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley via the Shyok Boulevard, the preferred route. The road to Pangong Lake is fantastic and evokes a sense of a lifetime adventure. Along the way, tourists pass through green fields and alpine meadows.
- Travelers can also reach the lake via Chang La Pass.
Travelers can also reach Pangong Lake via the Chang La circuit. Travelers prefer to reach Pangong Lake is via Chang La Pass on the return to Leh. Reaching Pangong Lake from Leh takes approximately six hours via the Chang La Pass. This route is more dangerous due to the narrow, convoluted road and requires masterful driving to navigate the artery and overcome the challenges.
Pangong Lake appears different at different times of day, including morning, afternoon, and evening.
The lake’s colour keeps changing due to the reflection of the empyrean. The lake seems splendid at dusk, momentarily changing from green to a blackish hue. This colour, however, is temporary and changes throughout the day until twilight. Some people may find it conventional, but he is blessed if an individual understands the hidden wisdom and charm of traversing around Pangong Lake.
How is the view from Pangong Lake?
- Small alpine glaciers can be seen near Pangong and around Chang La Pass, but they have shrunk in size and shape. Surface albedo is the primary driver of melting in these small glaciers, which in turn influences their shape and appearance. Snow accumulation also contributed very little to the volume and composition of these glaciers. These glaciers typically occur in clusters, and their mass balance and volume have decreased considerably due to extreme climate change in the region.
- There are mountains encircling the Pangong Lake that have remained unconquered for decades. The mountains are primarily brownish and blackish, but some are chocolate brown or orangish.
PANGONG LAKE FAQ
The weather at Pangong Lake varies, but the temperature remains mostly below 10 degrees.
Tourists wishing to stay near Pangong Lake can spend the night in tents. These tents have all the basic facilities, so tourists should not worry about accommodation.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee is the nearest airport to Pangong Tso.
There is a daily bus service from Leh to Pangong Lake.
Taxi fares from Leh to Pangong range between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000.
July is the best time to visit Pangong Lake.
Pangong Lake freezes during the winter.
CONCLUSION
Pangong Lake is famous for its breathtaking mountains, stunning landscapes, and crystal-clear blue water. Tourists can plan a trip and reach Pangong Lake from Leh. They can rent reserved vehicles from Leh and reach the lake in 6-7 hours.