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Ladakh

Pangong Lake

A 134 km high-altitude lake that changes colour through the day.

Best time: May to September Altitude: 4,350 m
Pangong Tso sits at 4,350 m and runs east into Tibet — only about a third of it is in India. The colour shifts through the day from pale turquoise to deep blue, and it is worth staying the night to see it at both ends of the day.

Nights are cold year-round and accommodation is basic camps and homestays at Spangmik and Merak. Not recommended as the first night after arriving in Ladakh.

Main attractions

  • Pangong Tso
  • Spangmik village
  • Merak & Man villages
  • Chang La Pass

Things to do

  • Stay overnight in a lakeside camp
  • Watch sunrise over the lake
  • Cross Chang La at 5,360 m

Nearby

More in Ladakh

Leh, Ladakh Ladakh Leh Ladakh’s capital — monasteries, a walkable old town, and the base for everything beyond. Explore Nubra Valley, Ladakh Ladakh Nubra Valley Cold desert dunes, double-humped camels and the green ribbon of the Shyok river. Explore Khardung La, Ladakh Ladakh Khardung La One of the world’s highest motorable passes, on the road from Leh to Nubra. Explore Tso Moriri, Ladakh Ladakh Tso Moriri A quieter, higher lake in the Changthang plateau, well away from the crowds. Explore