A handy guide on how to visit the famous Pangong Lake in Ladakh

Pangong Tso is one of the highest saltwater lakes and a rare one at that, because there is no drainage around the lake unlike other waterbodies. About one-third of the lake is located in India, while the remaining part is situated in the territory of China-dominated Tibet.

While several high mountain passes remain closed in winter, the Indian Army keeps the road through Chang La pass open all year round. This means Pangong Lake can be visited throughout the year. You will have to do adequate preparations for the harsh winter as well as get necessary security clearances as well.

Local government buses run between Leh and Pangong Lake. The bus fare is about INR 250 or so per passenger for a one-way trip. However, the services are available on certain days of the week only.

There are enough travel agents in Leh offering tours to Pangong Lake. Tourists can choose to do bookings after reaching Leh, and thus save money by negotiating tour prices. For solo or independent travellers, hiring a taxi from Leh to Pangong Lake is a good option for a one-day return trip.

Ideally, a trip to Pangong Lake is reserved for a day outing from Leh; some tourists prefer an overnight stay to enjoy the star-lit sky at night and a sunrise in the morning. Also, Pangong Lake can also be a part of a broader itinerary featuring the Nubra Valley (Khardung La, Hunder, Diskit, Turtuk) or Tso Moriri. Foreigners are not permitted to visit Tso Moriri from Pangong Lake through Chushul, they must go via the traditional road via Chumathang.

Pangong Lake is located on the Indo-China border, therefore, tourists need special permits to visit it. Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for visiting Pangong Lake, while foreigners need (except for Bhutanese citizens) need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Online permits are also available. Indian tourists can visit the Tourist Information Center near Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Main Bazaar of Leh to get ILPs.