Pangong Tso

Infobox lake
lake_name = Pangong Tso
image_lake = Pangong Tso lake.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Rutog County, Tibet, People's Republic of China
coords = coord|33|43|04.59|N|78|53|48.48|E|type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type = salt lake
inflow =
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = China, India
length = 134 km (83.3 mi)
width = 5 km (3 mi)
area =
depth =
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = 4,250 m (13,900 ft)
islands =
cities =
frozen = in winter

Pangong Tso (or Pangong Lake; "Tso": Ladakhi for lake) is a lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,250 m (13,900 ft). It is 134 km (83.3 mi) long and extends from India to China. Two thirds of the length of this lake lies in China. The lake is 5 km (3 mi) wide at its broadest point. In winter, the lake surface freezes completely despite being salt water.

Pangong Tso can be reached in a five-hour drive from Leh, most of it on a rough and dramatic mountain road. The road traverses the third-highest pass in the world, the Changla pass, where army sentries and a small teahouse greet visitors. The spectacular lakeside is open during the tourist season, from May to September. A special permit is required to visit the lake. While Indian nationals can obtain individual permits, others must have group permits (with a minimum of four persons) accompanied by an accredited guide; the tourist office in Leh issues the permits for a small fee. For security reasons, India does not permit boating. There is a 7 room J&K Tourism Guest House which also houses a campsite, at Spangmik, the only village on the banks of lake. Most of its inhabitants herd sheep and goats and have quite recently given up nomadic ways. A significant temple stands below the peaks overlooking the village and the lake.

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.

Flora and fauna

The brackish water of the lake is devoid of any micro-vegetation. Guides report that there is no acquatic life in the lake, no fish or crustaceans. On the other hand, visitors see numerous ducks and gulls over and on the lake surface. There are some species of scrub and perennial herbs that grow in the marshes around the lake. The lake acts as an important breeding ground for a variety of birds including a number of migratory birds. During summer, the Bar-headed goose and Brahmini ducks are commonly seen here. The region around the lake supports a number of species of wildlife including the kiang and the Marmot.

Getting to Pangong Tso

Inner Line permits are required to reach the Lake as it lies about 50 (approx) km from Indo-China Border. The closest town to start for Pangong Tso is Kharu (or Karu). It is 36 Kms away from Leh. Most tourist would hire a car / jeep to visit the lake. The road from Leh to Pangong Tso crosses the villages of Shey and Gya and then the military installation of Kharu. From Kharu the roads leads upto the another mountain pass called Chang-La. Indian Armed forces maintain the roads in this region and have done commendable job to upkeeping these roads. The climb to Chang-la is tough and upon reaching the top, you are greeted with a Sign that says "You have reached the Mighty ChangLa". The road Down from Chang-La is very good and passes though Tangste and other smaller villages. The final hurdle on this road is called Pagal Naala or "The Crazy Stream". Its known for wiping away truck and other bigger vehicles in its flow. Crossing it is at times difficult. Once your cross the Stream you are welcomed by the first View of Pangong Tso. Accomodation in this area is mainly in cottages and tents. Though one can book rooms in the Pangong Tso Resort in Spangmik.

ee also

*Tso Moriri
*Tilicho lake

External links

* [http://www.bcmtouring.com/travel-guides/ladakh-travel-guide/leh-pangong-tso-travel-guide.html Pangong Tso route details ]
* [http://www.kiranc.com/?album=20060928-Pangong%20Tso Pangong Tso, Travelogue and pictures ]