Do you remember the iconic ending scene of the film ‘3 idiots’? Or the bikini scene of Anushka Sharma in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’? Well the fabulous place which has all these moments captured in its midst is the Pangong Tso- one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. Apart from these popular movies a lot of other songs and scenes have been shot here which include Dil Haara song from ‘Tashan’ and the movie ‘Heroes’.
The last scene of ‘3 Idiots’
Picture credits: worldsmarthelp.wordpress.com |
It is situated 4,250 meters high and is far away in a rough terrain on the Changtang plateau in eastern Ladakh. The lake spreads over 100 km across the borders of India and China. You can take a drive from Leh which is the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir and takes about 5 hours. There are no petrol pumps on the route so make sure you carry enough petrol to get back as well.
The following are driving directions from Leh to Pangong Tso:
Leh – Karu (45 kms) – Chang La (35 kms) – Tangtse (40 kms) – Spangmik (40 kms) – Pangong Tso.
The vibrant shades of blue at Pangong Tso
Picture credits: KennyOMG/ Wikipedia |
It is a dreamy location where people head over to experience the artistic display of Mother Nature. The crystal clear waters, gigantic valleys, and clouds touching the peaks make Pangong Tso a fantasy that exists. One-third part of the lake lies in India while the rest is in Tibet which is controlled by China.
The rays of the sun create a palette of different shades of blue. In winter the area of the lake freezes to solid enough for a person to walk over it. Hence, a gala festival of ice skating is organized here. Many ice skating enthusiasts come over from all around the world to participate in this fest. Since the area comes under army control you will need a pass from the Deputy Commissioner of Leh. The place also has a mountaineering school which provides training in various aspects of rock climbing. The best time to visit here is from June to September.
The frozen lake ready for ice skating festival.
Picture credits: Amareshwara Sainadh/ Wikipedia |
The lake being salty, you will not find much vegetation here or any kind of aquatic life underwater. Kiang and the Marmot are the wildlife species found here. The lake is a breeding ground for many migratory birds. The Bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks are some common species of birds at Pangong Tso.
The inner line permit is given to Indian nationalities whereas people of foreign nationality must have group permits which need to have minimum of 3 people accompanied by an accredited guide.
If you’re planning for a stay, the only option available is tents. You need to carry your own food and water supplies since there aren’t any eating joints here. The locals are warm and welcoming who also offer cooked food in good quantity. Lukung is located near Pangong Tso which offers camping facilities in Eco huts. There is only one hotel called Spangmik which offers luxury tents and rooms if you really need that extra comfort.
Tourists flocking at the banks of Pangong Tso
Picture credits: Sidharthkochar/ Wikipedia |
The lake is in the process of being identified under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. This will be the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia under the convention.
Pagal Nala is another option which you can choose to visit while you’re here. The name is given due to its changing size during the day. It is advisable to cross Pagal Nala before 12 on your way to Pangong Tso.
Pangong Tso being a heavenly creation, Free Press Journal requests all our readers to take the initiative of keeping it clean and stop anyone from littering as well.
Story compiled with inputs from:
http://www.thrillophilia.com/blog/pangong-lake-in-ladakh/
http://www.lehladakhindia.com/pangong-tso-lake/
If you have any of your travel experiences to share, send them to us at webeditor@fpj.co.in
