5N/6DLadakhLeh Ladakh Classic
2N Leh · 1N Nubra · 1N Pangong · 1N Leh- Hotels
- Meals
- Transfers
- Sightseeing
Starts from
₹18,900
per person
Pangong Tso, Spangmik
A long high-altitude lake that changes colour through the day
- Type
- Lake
- Location
- Spangmik, Ladakh
- Time needed
- 1 night, or a long day trip from Leh
- Best time to visit
- May to September. The lake freezes from around December to March, and Chang La can get snow even in spring and autumn.
About Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso lies at about 4,250 m in eastern Ladakh. The lake is long and narrow, and the larger part of it lies across the border in Tibet. On a clear day the water shifts from pale turquoise near the shore to deep blue further out, and the colours change as the light moves.
The drive from Leh crosses Chang La, a pass of about 5,360 m, and takes most of a day. The road passes the villages of Tangtse and Lukung before reaching the lake. Most camps and homestays are at Spangmik and nearby villages along the shore. The lake became widely known after the film 3 Idiots was shot here, and the spot is still popular for photos.
Staying one night lets you see the lake at sunset and early morning, which are the best times. It is higher than Leh and the night can be very cold, with basic facilities and limited power. The water is brackish, and the lake freezes over in winter.
Things to do at Pangong Tso
- Watch the colours of the lake change from morning to evening
- Stay overnight in a lakeside camp or homestay at Spangmik
- Look out for marmots on the drive and birds near the shore in summer
- Stop at Chang La on the way for photos, briefly
- Visit the shooting spot from the film 3 Idiots near the lake
How to reach Pangong Tso
- By road from Leh: about 160 km over Chang La, about 5 to 6 hours by car.
- From Nubra Valley: via the Shyok river road through Agham, about 6 to 7 hours, when the road is open.
Tips before you go
- Go to Pangong only after at least two nights in Leh. Do not sleep at the lake on your first or second night in Ladakh
- Carry the permit for the Pangong area and several photocopies of your ID. They are checked on the way
- Pack thermals, a down jacket, gloves and a cap even in summer, as nights are close to freezing
- Do not stay long at Chang La. Spend 15 to 20 minutes and drive on
Packages that cover Pangong Tso
5N/6DLadakhView
6N/7DLadakhLeh Ladakh Explorer with Turtuk
2N Leh · 2N Nubra · 1N Pangong · 1N Leh- Hotels
- Meals
- Transfers
- Sightseeing
Starts from
₹22,900
per person
8N/9DLadakhKashmir and Ladakh Road Trip
2N Srinagar · 1N Kargil · 2N Leh · 1N Nubra · 1N Pangong · 1N Leh- Hotels
- Meals
- Transfers
- Sightseeing
Starts from
₹34,900
per person
Nearby places to visit
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Time needed: 2 to 3 days, split between the start and end of the tripRead more →Must visit
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Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hoursRead more →Pangong Tso: FAQs
Can I do Pangong Lake as a day trip from Leh?
Yes, but it is a long day of about 10 to 12 hours on the road. Staying one night is easier on the body and lets you see the lake at sunrise and sunset.
Is a permit needed for Pangong Tso?
Yes. A permit and an environment fee are required for the Pangong area. Your travel operator can arrange it in Leh with your ID details, and it is checked at posts on the way.
Does Pangong Lake freeze in winter?
Yes. The lake usually freezes over from around December to March. Winter visits are possible but very cold, and facilities are limited.