Location:
154-km Southeast of Leh, Ladakh
Region, J&K
Altitude: 4,267m
Main Attraction: Jeep Safari
Significance: One Of The Largest
Salt-Water Lakes In Asia
Pangong Tso, 154-km to the southeast of Leh , is one of the largest
salt-water lakes in Asia, a long narrow strip of water stretching from
Ladakh east into Tibet. Only a quarter of the 130-km-long lake is in
Ladakh, and the Indian army, who experienced bitter losses along its
shores in the war against China in 1962, guard their side of the
frontier.
An On Guard Area
Until the mid 1990s, it was off bounds to visitors, and tourists still
need a permit to come here. The lake, at an altitude of 4267m, with
the dramatic glacier clad Pangong range to its south and the
Changchenmo range reflected in its deep blue green waters to the
north, measures 4-km across at its widest point.
Bitter winds float across the brackish water making it one of the
coldest places in Ladakh; visitors, who are usually glad to see the
back of it. Still the lake provides a tantalizing view of Tibet in the
distance, which, along with its proximity to Leh is the main draw for
tourists.
Jeep Safari
There is little habitation in the region and even less transport.
Occasional buses go as far as Tangse, but from there four wheel
vehicles are required, which is why the easiest way to get here is on
a two or three day Jeep Safari organized by one of the many tour
operators based in Leh .
Visitors are restricted by the army from staying at Spangmik for
longer than a couple of hours, and the usual itinerary involves
camping at Lukung 15-km before the lake. Tour operators provide all
the necessary facilities including tents and food and will arrange
your permit.
How To Get
There
Road: After
going through Chemrey and Thak Thok, the road to Pangong Tso crosses
the 5,475m-high Chang-la pass, and then continues to Tangse where
there is a small Gompa, which used to be on a vital trade route.
Despite the height of the Chang la, the road, which is of strategic
importance to the army, is open throughout the year except when
clogged by the occasional winter snowstorm.
Day
1: Delhi
Flight: Arrive Delhi. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel for
overnight stay.
Day
2:Delhi/Leh:-
IC Flight: Transfer to domestic airport in time to board flight
for Leh(3500 m ), the capital of Ladakh and is situated on the banks
of the river Indus. Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel. Day rest for
acclimatization. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day
3:Leh/Chumathang:-
Car/Jeep: Morning after breakfast drive to the hot water spring at
Chumathang(3965 m) by covering 140 kms in 4 hrs. Overnight stay in
tents.
Day
4:Chumathang/Tsomoriri:-
Car/Jeep: Morning leave camp by crossing over Maya bridge and drive
upto Tsomoriri(4555 m) through Puga Valley by covering 80 kms in 3
hrs. This valley, approx 25 km from Tsomoriri is known for its sulphur
and borax deposits. Arrive for overnight stay in tents.
Day
5:Tsomoriri:-
Full day excursion around Lake and Karzok monastery which
belongs to the yellow sect. Tsomoriri or "Mountain Lake" is
situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu surrounded by
6000 m peaks which completely surrounds the lake. This valley is
inhabited by a small scattered population of "Changpas"
nomadic shepherds who also engage in trade and work in caravans in
Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti. The Area is rich in wildlife including the
"Kyang" (wild ass), red fox and the rare, highly endangered,
snow leopard. Black necked cranes and geese flock to the lakeside for
breeding during the summer months. Also visit the 350 years old Karzok
monastery which has about 33 resident monks. Overnight stay in tents.
Day
6:Tsomoriri/Hemis:-
Car/Jeep: Morning drive to Tsokar by covering 120 kms. in 4 hrs.
Tsokar Lake is approximately 45 kms northwest of the Tsomoriri Lake at
a height of 4485 m. It is also called "White Lake" because
of salt deposited around it. Since these are all drainage basins with
no outlet their water is brackish. The water of Tsokar is so salty
that salt is procured from its banks and sold all over Ladakh and
Kashmir by the Rupsu Chang. Tsokar is partly fade by a channel from a
smaller fresh water lake. All the lakes are breeding grounds for a
variety of birds among them the bar-headed goose, the great crested
grebe, the brahmin duck and the brown headed gull. Drive to Hemis via
Tanglang La (5224 m), about 75 kms from Tsokar. Overnight stay in
tents.
Day
7:Hemis/Leh:-
Car/Jeep:
Morning visit the Hemis Monastery for sighseeing. After lunch drive to
Leh by covering 150 kms in 5 hrs enroute visiting Thiksey and Shey
Monasteries. Arrive Leh and check into hotel for overnight stay.
Day
8:Leh/Delhi:-
IC Flight: Transfer to domestic
airport in time to board flight for Delhi. Arrive and transfer to
international airport in time to board flight for onwards destination.
