Leh to Pangong Lake Road Trip: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Pangong Lake is really one of the main attractions of Ladakh and a must-visit destination for travellers. To truly witness the beauty of Ladakh, a road trip from Leh to Pangong Lake is essential. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information on planning your trip to Pangong Lake from Leh, including routes, accommodation options, public transport, the best time to visit, and other important tips.

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Routes

The most common and popular route to reach Pangong Lake from Leh is via the Chang La Pass. The Leh to Pangong Lake road trip covers roughly 160 kilometres and takes around 5- 6 hours, depending on the road conditions and weather. The route offers stirring views of the girding geographies and mountains, making it a memorable experience. It’s judicious to start at dawn to have ample time to explore Pangong Lake and return to Leh before nightfall.

Also Read: Places to visit in Ladakh & Things to do in Ladakh

Leh to Pangong Lake via Chang La

• This is the most direct and generally travelled route from Leh to Pangong Tso
• The route is as follows Leh – Shey – Karu – Shakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik – Pangong Tso
• The total distance is roughly 160 kilometres, which can be covered in 6- 7 hours
• Highlights along the route include the Chang La Pass, an army base, and beautiful scenery
• Accommodation options are available in the form of Chadar tents, camps, guesthouses, and homestays

Leh to Pangong Lake by Bus

• There’s a regular bus service that operates between Leh and Pangong Tso
• The bus leaves Leh every Saturday and Sunday at 6.00 am, reaches Pangong by late afternoon, halts there for the night, and returns to Leh the coming day
• The fare per person is Rs. 250 one way

Leh to Pangong Lake by Shared Taxi

• Shared taxis are available from the Leh Bus Stand every morning between 6.00 am to 8.00 am
• The fare per person for a drop at the lake is around Rs. 500
• Shared taxicabs for the return trip can be set up in the morning from Pangong to Leh

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok

• This route allows you to directly travel between Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso without returning to Leh
• The route is as follows Nubra Valley – Khalsar – Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik
• The total distance covered is 165 kilometres and can be covered in 5- 6 hours
• This route offers smooth roads and is manageable indeed for hatchbacks or sedans

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Wari La

• This route takes you over Wari La Pass, which is a gruelling pass in Ladakh
• The route is as follows Nubra Valley – Khalsar – Agham – Tangyar – Wari La – Tathok – Sakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Lukung – Spangmik
• The total distance covered is close to 250 kilometres and can take 10- 12 hours
•  This route of the Leh to Pangong Lake road trip is recommended for those looking to add another pass to their itinerary and requires an early start from Nubra Valley
• Wari La pass opens in late June or early July, so it’s important to check the road’s status before planning your trip
• Extra fuel arrangements are necessary as there are no other gas stations along the route

Also Read: Fuel availability in Leh Ladakh

Tso Moriri to Pangong Tso

• This route allows you to explore both Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso without returning to Leh
• The route can be travelled in either direction, but most people go from Pangong to Tso Moriri
• The route includes Karzok (Tso Moriri) – Sumdo – Mahe – Nyoma – Loma – Tsaga Village – Tsaga La – Chushul – Merak – Man – Spangmik
• The total distance is around 250 kilometres and can take over 12- 14 hours
• This route is less visited by excursionists and offers a more fun and adventurous experience
• The road conditions can be gruelling, with rough patches and river crossings
• It’s judicious to carry extra fuel and supplies as there are limited installations along the route
• Permits are needed for the Leh to Pangong Lake road trip in the confined areas of Chushul and Tsaga Village, which can be attained in Leh
• Accommodation options are limited along this route, and camping is the most common choice

Leh to Pangong Lake via Man- Merak

• This route takes you through the remote townlets of Man and Merak before reaching Pangong Tso
• The route is as follows Leh – Karu – Shakti – Chang La – Durbuk – Tangste – Man – Merak – Spangmik
• The total distance covered is roughly 175 kilometres and can be completed in 7- 8 hours
• This route offers stunning views of the lake and a chance to explore the lower-known townlets
• Accommodation options in Man and Merak are limited, but homestays and campsites are available

Pangong Tso to Tso Kar

• This route allows you to travel from Pangong Tso to another beautiful lake, Tso Kar
• The route is as follows Spangmik – Merak – Chushul – Tsaga Village – Tsaga La – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Puga – Tso Kar
• The total distance covered is roughly 220 kilometres and can take 9- 10 hours
• The road conditions can be gruelling, and river crossings are involved
• Tso Kar is known for its scenic beauty and abundant birdlife
• Accommodation options near Tso Kar are limited, with tented camps being the most common choice

Make sure to check the rainfall conditions, road closures, and permits needed before embarking on any of these routes. It’s also essential to carry sufficient food, water, warm apparel, and emergency inventories during your trip.

Accommodation

There are limited accommodation options available near Pangong Lake, substantially conforming to camps and guesthouses. It’s recommended to bespeak your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak sightseer season, to ensure vacuity. The campgrounds near the lake offer a unique experience of staying amidst nature, but they may have basic facilities. Guesthouses give fairly more comfortable lodges with better amenities. Do note that the vacuity and installations may vary, so it’s judicious to explore and book in advance.

Public Transport

Public transport options on the Leh to Pangong Lake road trip route are limited. Shared taxis or private taxicabs are the most accessible modes of transportation for this trip. You can hire a taxi or join a shared taxi from Leh, which can be arranged through travel agencies, hotels, or taxi stands. It’s important to negotiate the fare in advance and confirm the availability of return transport as well.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pangong Lake is during the summer months, from May to September when the rainfall is affable and the lake is accessible. During this period, the temperature is fairly moderate, ranging from 10 °C to 25 °C (50 °F to 77 °F) during the day. still, it can get colder at night, so carrying warm apparel is judicious. The lake remains frozen during the winter months, making it inapproachable and infelicitous for visits.

Important Tips

Adaptation – It’s pivotal to acclimatize to the high altitude of Ladakh before embarking on the Leh to Pangong Lake road trip. Spend a couple of days in Leh to acclimate to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
Permits – Gain the necessary permits for visiting Pangong Lake from the sightseer office in Leh. This is obligatory for all callers, including Indian citizens.
Packing Essentials – Carry warm apparel, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first aid tackle. It’s also judicious to carry enough drinking water and snacks for the trip, as installations might be limited along the route.
Photography and Wildlife – Pangong Lake offers stunning photography openings. Admire the original ecosystem and wildlife while landing on the beauty of the lake. Don’t disturb or harm any wildlife species you may encounter.
Waste Management – Ladakh is an ecologically sensitive region. Dispose of your waste responsibly and avoid littering. Carry a separate bag to collect any trash and dispose of it appropriately.

Suggested Read: Checklist for things to carry for Ladakh Trip

Leh to Pangong Lake Permit

To visit Pangong Lake, you need to gain an Inner Line Permit, as it’s considered a part of the inner line area closer to the border. There are two ways to gain the permit in person from the DM office in Leh or online. For detailed information on the procedure and affiliated charges, please relate to the companion on How to obtain an Inner Line Permit for Ladakh.

For foreign citizens, a Protected Area Permit is needed before travelling from Leh to Pangong Tso. This permit must be attained through a listed travel agent, even if applying online.

It’s important to note that these permits are obligatory. There’s a check-post in Sakti, just before the ascent of Chang La pass, where you’ll be needed to submit a photocopy of your permit. Without the permit, you won’t be allowed to proceed further and will be transferred back.

Petrol Pump near Pangong Lake

There’s no petrol pump either at Pangong Lake or on the way. The only gas station available is in Leh. generally, a round trip from Leh to Pangong Tso can be fluently done on a tank full of energy unless your vehicle consumes redundant energy or has a lower tank.

Still, if you plan to continue your trip from Pangong to Tso Moriri or Nubra Valley, you’ll need to make arrangements for fuel. You may be able to buy petrol from the dhabas (roadside eateries) and chadar tents at the lake but be apprehensive that the price will be high, and the quality of the fuel cannot be guaranteed.

Mobile Network at Pangong

There’s no cell phone reception or data connectivity at Pangong Tso, regardless of the network you’re using. Sometimes, you may get a network with a BSNL post-paid connection, but it’ll be extremely rare. Indeed, if you do manage to get a network, the voice clarity will be so poor that having a discussion will be nearly insolvable.

Banks or ATMs

There are no banks or ATMs near Pangong Lake or along the route. lodges, guesthouses, and campgrounds in the area don’t have the installation to accept debit or credit card payments. With no cell phone reception, you will not be able to use mobile payment apps like Google Pay or PayTM moreover. thus, it’s pivotal to withdraw enough cash before leaving Leh and carry sufficient cash on you.

Medical Assistance

There’s no immediate medical backing available at Pangong Tso. The nearest place where you can anticipate finding some basic medicines or a doctor is Tangtse village, which is about 50 kilometres from the lake. In case of a medical emergency, you can seek help at the nearest army base.

It’s important to note that due to the high altitude of Pangong, numerous people suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS) in this area. However, it’s recommended not to spend the night at the lake and return to Leh as soon as possible, If you witness symptoms or feel bad.

Pangong Tso Weather

The weather at Pangong Tso is generally cold. During summer days, the temperature can be relatively warm, but you’ll still need a jacket due to the cold winds. At night, the temperature may drop several degrees below freezing.
In winter, the lake freezes fully, and the temperature can drop as low as-25 degrees Celsius. It’s essential to pack applicable clothes that can handle cold rainfall and winds.

Leh to Pangong Lake in Winter

During the winter months, the lake remains accessible, but changing accommodations can be a challenge. Campsites aren’t available, so you’ll need to look for guesthouses or homestays in Spangmik, Man, or Merak.
Please note that the weather near the lake gets extremely cold during winter, enough to freeze the lake fully. It’s pivotal to decide whether or not you want to spend a night here, and if not, consider making it a day trip from Leh and returning after a few hours.

Other Tips

• Pangong Lake is located at an altitude of 4,350 measures (14,270 ft)
• To reach Pangong Lake from Delhi, you’ll first need to reach Leh, which can be done either by travelling via Srinagar to Leh or taking the Manali- Leh route. Alternatively, you can take a flight directly to Leh if you have limited time.
• To reach Pangong Lake from Manali, the best way is to travel on the Manali- Leh Highway. You’ll first reach Leh, arrange the needed permits, and also do to Pangong Lake the coming day.

Pangong Lake in Ladakh is a mesmerizing destination that attracts travellers from around the world. To fully witness the beauty of Ladakh, a road trip from Leh to Pangong Lake is largely recommended. The most common route is via the Chang La Pass, offering stunning views and taking around 5- 6 hours to cover the roughly 160-kilometre distance. Other routes, similar as from Nubra Valley or Tso Moriri, give indispensable options for disquisition.

Accommodation near Pangong Lake is limited, with camps and guesthouses being the primary options. It’s judicious to bespeak in advance, especially during peak sightseer seasons. Public transport options are limited and participated hacks or private hacks are the most accessible modes of transportation. Make sure to negotiate fares and confirm return transport arrangements.

The best time to visit Pangong Lake is during the summer months from May to September when the weather is affable and the lake is accessible. Adaptation to the high altitude of Ladakh is pivotal, and permits are needed to visit Pangong Lake. It is essential to pack applicable apparel, carry sufficient inventories, and dispose of waste responsibly on your Leh to Pangong Lake road trip.

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