P A N G O N G . T S O

How to reach there?

Pangong Tso, is the largest brackish water lake in Asia. Situated at quite a height, the lake is about 114 kilometres in length and only a several km in breadth (about 7 km). The absolutely amazing and the captivating lake can be reached after crossing Chang La, more than 18000 metres above sea level.One third of the lake belongs to India while the rest two thirds of the lake belong to Tibet. Most of the streams feeding the lake are on the Tibetan side.

There is one main problem in going to Pangong Tso. There are a few streams, en route, (one just after descending from Chang La and others just before reaching Pangong Tso), which have to be crossed to and fro before mid afternoon. As the sun rises, the streams start to get more and more water due to melting of snow. By mid noon, the water level and force may increase to such an extent, that, it may be impossible to cross the stream. So one should leave for Pangong Tso by around 4 o'clock in the morning, reach there by around 10:30 A.M, spend a few hours there, and start back by at least 1 O'clock in the noon. If this routine is followed, there won't be much of a problem.

Now for some description. The turn for Chang La is at Karu. You pass by a village called Shakti or something. As the road winds up and up, with a series of hair pin bends and other turns, one reaches Chang La. Chang La, though at such an altitude, remains open even till late winter. After a photo session at Chang La, start to descend and after half hour comes the stream which in the morning is dry and one is surprised that how can this stream become so overflowed as the day passes. The road passes through the arid desert which can hardly support some flora or fauna. Some villages come in between where one can have refreshments. Finally, the last two streams are worth seeing. You vehicle will literally wobble while negotiating those streams. And they are really wide enough.

The first glimpse of Pangong Tso is going to cause excitement. At the starting of the lake, your passes will be checked. Then the first thing to catch your attention is the length of the lake. It seems never ending. The crystal clear water of the lake, the desert sand mountains in the background, some herons swimming around, and above all, the absolute virginity of the lake, not disturbed by any human settlements (except, of course, of the Army, as this is a border area) and no littering or any form of garbage. The turquoise blue to dark blue colour of the water depending on the sky conditions, the hazy reflection of the mountains, and the glittering of sunlight in the water of the lake. There is so much to see. The lake is a wonder by itself. One can drive upto some 300 metres from the beginning. After that, there is no proper road, and only the Shaktimaan, The Tata and The Ashok Leyland vehicles of the Indian Army will be seen going beyond, right upto the border which is another 55 km from here. One of the few types of the birds that may be seen here is the Black Necked Heron, a rare species. They are usually to be seen at around the beginning of the lake. The environs of the Lake is usually calm, not much of a wind blowing, as compared to Tso Moriri, where strong winds are a rule. Both the lakes have their own charm. You can sit at the banks and admire and see along the length of the lake, where the mountains appear gradually diminishing in size, the the lake appears never ending.

After you have braced yourself, and enjoyed the beauty of the lake, time has flied, and the hours you may have spent at the lake seem only minutes. But remember to return soon, before the flooding of the streams increases.