Pangong Tso is a long, narrow lake at the eastern edge of Ladakh, known for changing from blue to green through the day. It is shared with Tibet, and the part you can visit lies in Leh district.
Pangong Lake at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | About 4,300 m |
| Length | About 134 km, shared between India and Tibet |
| Width | Up to about 5 km |
| Where | Leh district, Ladakh, east of Leh |
| From Leh | About 160 km over Chang La, 6 to 7 hours |
| From Nubra | About 160 km by Diskit, Shyok, Durbuk and Tangtse, 6 to 7 hours |
| Best time | May to September |
| In winter | The lake freezes |
How to reach Pangong Lake
From Leh the road climbs over Chang La and descends through Tangtse to the lake. From Nubra the route runs by Diskit, Shyok and Durbuk, and joins the same road at Tangtse. Both are long days, so most trips camp at the lake and return the next day.
Best time to visit Pangong Lake
May to September, when the roads are open and the camps are running. The lake is frozen in winter. Colour and crowds change by month: June and September are quieter, and July and August are busiest.
The camp night at Pangong
Camps at the lake are basic and very cold at night, even in summer, and mobile networks are limited, so expect to be offline. Arriving in the afternoon gives you the colour change, and a sunrise the next morning.
- Bring a warm jacket and thermals, even in July
- Carry cash and a postpaid SIM, because networks are limited
- Rest and drink water, because the camp is higher than Leh
Permits
An Inner Line Permit is required for Pangong Lake. On our trips the permits are arranged and included.
Our trips that visit Pangong Lake
The Leh Ladakh bike trip camps at the lake on day 4 and returns to Leh over Chang La on day 5. The Ladakh Moon Land tour by SUV also visits.
Questions
How high is Pangong Lake?
About 4,300 m, or about 14,100 ft, above sea level.
How long is Pangong Lake?
About 134 km, and at most about 5 km wide. It is shared between India and Tibet.
How far is Pangong Lake from Leh?
About 160 km by the Chang La road, around 6 to 7 hours.
When is the best time to visit Pangong Lake?
May to September. The lake freezes in winter.
Do I need a permit for Pangong Lake?
Yes. An Inner Line Permit is needed, and it is included in our tours.
Can I stay overnight at Pangong Lake?
Yes, in lakeside camps. They are basic and very cold at night.
Is there mobile network at Pangong Lake?
Very limited. Postpaid SIMs work best, and you should expect to be offline.
