Colors of Pangong Tso in Ladakh
Imagine seeing a 135km long deep blue stretch of water trapped in the middle of a stark mountain landscape at an altitude of 4300m ! Despite having seen it in pictures, having read a great deal about the landscape of the region and fully knowing what to expect, its expanse and beauty still takes everyone by awe and surprise
The word Pangong is derived from the Ladakhi word Baggong which means “narrow and enchanted”. Pangong Tso, an endorheic lake ( without drainage) is an enigmatic wonder of nature, famous for its ever-changing exquisite colors. Its a high altitude salt-water lake about 160Kms from Leh city of Ladakh is situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,270 ft), and running 134 km (83 mi) long extending from Ladakh in India to Tibet in China. In fact, the mountain ranges you see on the opposite side of the water belongs to China. The line of control between China and India actually passes through the middle of the lake.
1. Length : 134 Km (Approximately 60% of the length of Pangong Lake lies in Tibet.) The line of control between China and India actually passes through the middle of the lake.
2. Max Width : 5 Km
3. Type of lake : Endorheic lake ( without drainage).Though it’s a saline water lake, it freezes completely during winters.
4. Vegetation and life : The brackish water of Pangong Lake has very low micro-vegetation. Reportedly, there is no fish or any aquatic life in the lake, except very small crustaceans.
5. The lake is in the process of being identified as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It will be a first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia under convention!
6. 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.
Nearest Airport : Leh Airport (230 km / 6 hrs)
Best time to visit and Climate :
Pangong looks magnificent in every season. Sometimes the blues of the lake mesmerizes, sometimes the nearby peaks covered with snow adds to the magnificence and in winter its a frozen wonderland.
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