In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the Pangong Lake. Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso) is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in India. Located in the union territory of Ladakh, it is a high-altitude lake situated at an elevation of about 4,350 meters (14,270 feet) above sea level.
| About: | Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh and West Tibet situated at an elevation of 4,350 m. It is 134 km (83 mi) long and divided into five sublakes, called Pangong Tso, Tso Nyak, Rum Tso (twin lakes) and Nyak Tso. Approximately 50% of the length of the overall lake lies within Tibet administered by China, 40% in Indian-administered Ladakh, and the remaining 10% is disputed and is a de facto buffer zone between India and China. At its widest point, the lake measures 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) across, covering nearly 700 square kilometers in total. In winter, the lake freezes completely, even though it contains saline water. It has a land-locked basin that is separated from the Indus River basin by a small elevated ridge, but it is thought to have been part of the Indus basin in prehistoric times. Pangong Lake is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times. If you have decided to go on a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, don’t forget to visit the Pangong Lake. The beauty which awaits you there cannot be described in words. It has to be seen, felt and absorbed within yourself |
| History: | Pangong Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. |
| Geography: | Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Its water, which seems to be dyed in blue, stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it. Extending to almost 160km, one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China. Pangong Tso is surrounded by three mountain ranges: Changchenmo Range and Pangong Range sub-ranges of Karakoram Range, and Kailash Range (Gangdise Shan range). The Changchenmo Range stretches along the eastern and northern shores of Pangong Tso, featuring spurs known as Finger-1 to Finger-8. Meanwhile, the Pangong Range runs along the southern shore, extending from Tangtse in the west to Chushul, which is near the center of the southern bank of the lake. According to Britannica, both the Changchenmo and Pangong Ranges are sometimes regarded as the easternmost parts of the Karakoram Range. The Kailash Range also runs along the southern bank of Pangong Tso, starting from the center of the lake at Lukung and extending westward to Phursook Bay and Mount Kailash. |
| Country : | India |
| Location: | Leh district, Rutog County |
| Max. length: | 134 km |
| Max. width: | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Surface elevation: | 4,350 metres |
| How to Reach : | By Air: The nearest airport is at Kusho Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh-Ladakh. By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi at Jammu. By Road: Srinagar-Leh National Highway No. 1D from Srinagar. Manali-Leh National Highway from Manali. Tourists can avail of and taxi from both these places and reach the lake in a short while. |
