People love to get captured in their cameras and post them online to show their Bollywood love. In fact, now a days many TV commercials and famous bloggers from around the world love to showcase the natural beauty of Pangong through their camera lenses. People also love to visit places where Phunsukh Wangdu from 3 idiots showed his intelligence and love for education. Click here to check best homestay accomodations in Leh Ladakh. The Lake in Winters During May-September, you can see water with slight ripples and when the sun shines above it, it literally glitters.
As the winter arrives, the temperature in Ladakh drops down quick with an extreme of to degrees at times. This makes the lake go freeze like a thick hard sheet which turns white from its turquoise green color. The lake is not easily accessible in winters due to heavy snowfall that blocks the roads connecting the location. But army vehicles or local jeeps that travel to connecting towns can drop you nearby. The beauty of Pangong lake in winters is a worth to look at and click some pictures around.
During the month of mid-January to mid-February, the lake becomes a perfect setting to play cricket or enjoy the chit chat while walking over the surface. It is actually typical to find anyone here in such harsh winters. But you never know, adventurers can wander any place, any time in search of right solace and perfect peace at the end. Essential Info about Pangong Lake 1. And No! There is no mobile network available at Pangong lake; even if it is a postpaid connection.
And this is rather the best way you can spend some of the best time in heaven. Medical Facilities: The answer is again a big NO! You will not find any doctor or in-house medical facility at Pangong. The only way to reach the nearest medical option is Tangtse village which is km from here. You need to drive at least 2 hours or more to reach for any quick medical session. It is hence, best advised to carry a basic medical kit with appropriate medicines, bandages etc.
ATM's: No! And a No! You won't be able to find any ATM either at Pangong lake or nearby to a good distance. From moderate camps to luxury hotels, you will not be able to dispense any money. Even, none of them accept credit or debit cards. We recommend you to plan the itinerary and carry extra cash beforehand, apart from the planned one.
This is one of the most important task you must keep in mind. Though there are ATMs present in Leh, so you have another option to take your cash from. Petrol Pumps: Well, you will be disappointed here as well.
There are no petrol pumps either at Pangong or anywhere near it. Gas filling stations or petrol pumps are only at Leh. So, we would suggest you to keep the petrol tank full and enjoy the unhindered ride to and fro Pangong.
Food Joints: All the tents, campstays, homestays and hotel at Pangong provides meals to its guests at an added cost.
One can also get them customized based on the special needs or dietary requirements. If you wish to catch a restaurant, go to P3 which is renowned for delicious Tibetan food with an awesome lake view in front. Chhang is an alcoholic beverage that can be found at nearby locations only on festive occasions. If you are lucky, you can find it the time you visit. Minimum Duration for Visiting Pangong Lake: If you are taking a drive from Leh to Pangong, you need a minimum of hours from one side only.
Considering your stopover for at least a hour, you can return back by late night bak to Leh. So, it takes at least 1 day to cover it. We would recommend you to stay there overnight and enjoy the beauty for at least a full day. Moreover, you will be able to cut out your tiredness as well with a stay and carry the rest of the journey fresh and peacefully. Frequently Asked Questions : 1. Why is Pangong Lake Blue? This Endorheic lake that cannot drain anywhere out has a color of blue due to few atmospheric reasons.
When the sun shine, the wavelength strikes as well. Amongst all the colors, red gets absorbed fast due to longer wavelength but blue scatters. This is the basic law of Physics. So, when white light from the sun enters the ocean, it is mostly the blue that gets returned back, making the color look deep blue.
What is the depth of Pangong Lake? Around feet or m is the depth of Pangong lake. Why Pangong lake is salty? Pangong lake is endorheic in nature which means that water cannot move out of the lake due to a very low drainage basin. This property has let the salts evolved in water since the time unknown. So, presence of salts, slight evaporation and almost no-drainage has given Pagong a salty nature. Why is Pangong Lake a famous tourist attractions? Set amidst beautiful mountain ranges, the blue waters of Pangong are attracting thousands of tourists every year.
It is situated at an altitude of m and has an extension towards China. Hence, the beauty, serenity, nationality, adventure, calmness; all drive one towards the Pangong. Is camping famous around Pangong Lake?
Oh Yes! There is a lot of scope of camping around the lake. From basic to luxury tents, cottages to nearby resort camps, one can find variety of camps with different amenities. The only thing common among them is breathtaking view, comfortable rooms, snuggly beds and amazing aura outside windows. Nature can be closely felt without the walls and hence, camps are perfect and famous around Pangong Lake.
Can I visit the Lake during winters? Well, Yes! The lake gets completely frozen with thick surface at the top during winters and is a worth to look at. The only issue you may face is blockage of roads due to snowfall. But you can still reach here by catching flight to Leh and travel with the help of locals or army or hire a safe vehicle which you are expert at to reach Pangong. Pangong Tso is Tibetan for? The lake shares its boundaries with China and India and hence carry two various names at one point of time.
What is the colour of Pangong Lake and what is the reason behind the colour? Well, logically the lake does not changes its color by itself. It is the sunshine, weather, scattering of lights and intensity of sun rays that hit the water surface that make the color of lake look chameleon from deep blue to blue, to greenish and even grey at times.
What is the average weather around Pangong Lake? The weather at Pangong lake ranges from very cold to mild winters around. The temperature in Ladakh tills between ranges from degrees in January-February to 23 degrees in month of June-July. So, an average can be taken as cool weather. Hence, one travelling to Pangong must carry good set of woolen clothes, even if it is summer.
At night, temperature fall low and gives goosebumps on the skin. One of the most beautiful parts of the moonscapes of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a deep-cut gorge created by the combined effects of Shyok and Nubra Siachen rivers.
This valley in the plateau separates the Ladakh Range from the Karakoram Range. But more than anything, Nubra Valley is the most beautiful region in all of Ladakh. Located about km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a great attraction to all those who come here. The gateway to the upper reaches of the country, especially Siachen, Nubra Valley has an oasis of a town in the heart, Diskit, making a great place to stop you and reflect at the beauty around.
And while you are at it, take a short detour to the famous white sand dunes of Hunder. The shapes and forms that these dunes take during different times of the year mesmerize every visitor who comes here. To make it further interesting, there are the double-humped Bactrian Camels, offering rides through the dunes. And when it turns dusky, head to the Diskit Monastery and visit the towering statue of Maitreya Buddha which looks over the entire valley and blesses it for another day to come.
Suggested Read: Chadar Trek Essential Info:Brown hills, green patches, and a green river flowing right by everything, Nubra Valley is a bucket list item for every traveller and adventurer.
There are a few facts and highlight of the place that everyone needs to know. A few of them are as follows. But for the best experience, April to June, and September to October are the best time to visit Ladakh as there are no rains or snowfall at this time of the year. For both the routes to be taken, one has to arrive in Leh to begin the journey, before deciding which way to go. One is the conventional route that takes you over the top of the world, while the other unconventional route is quiet and serene to no end.
Route 1: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La The conventional route that is preferred by almost everyone who comes to Ladakh trip, the Leh to Nubra road via Khardung La takes you over what is known to be the highest motorable civilian all weather pass. Practically important to the army stationed in Siachen, Khardung La once was an important part of the Caravan trade route that led to Kashgar in central Asia and was traversed by thousands of horses and camels once.
The descendants of those are what travellers come to see in Nubra, especially the Bactrian Camels. Starting from Leh, you will first arrive at Phyang, home to the famous 16th century Phyang Gompa monastery , located about 16 km from Leh.
Moving on from here and riding amidst tall mountains, you will gain a lot of height in a short span of time, but will not realize as there are hardly any effects on that on the body. You submit a copy of the permits at South Pullu before the top of Khardung La, where a signboard tells you how high you are. Here, the views are just breathtaking, especially the view of the entire Indus Valley.
Next, you arrive at the Khardung La Village, that gave this place its name, followed by North Pullu where you show your permits again. After Khardung La Village, you would have already arrived in the valley, but you keep continue your Leh-Ladakh road trip to Khalsar, where the road bifurcates.
The right road leads to Sumur, Panamik and Warshi, while the left one takes you to Diskit and Turtuk. Both the roads are scenic till no end and give you the best of views of the valley as you ride. Check our full guide on Leh-Ladakh bike trip which will help you on your journey. Route 2: Leh to Nubra via Wari LaThe less taken and the rather unconventional way to go to Nubra from Leh leads you through another one of the highest roads in the country, Wari La. Nested at a height of 17, ft above sea level, Wari La Pass is not for the faint-hearted.
With steep sections and hard to conquer surfaces, Wari La becomes totally impassable in the winters. A totally magnificent location in Upshi that no one will miss while coming from Manali to Leh highway, due to the multitude of colors that paint the region. On your Manali to Leh bike trip you are going to ride on the roughest roads of ladakh, that are a challenge for both you and the vehicle, until you reach the small town of Agham, from where you get a continuous, quiet, and a serene stretch of road until you arrive at Khalsar, which is the beginning of Nubra Valley.
Built in the 14th century, the monastery is mostly known for its beautiful architecture and its amazing placement atop a hill, overlooking the town of Diskit, and the entire Nubra Valley.
Inside the monastery, there is a statue of Cho Rinpoche Crowned Buddha , a large drum and many depictions of the guardian deities of Buddhism, alongside a large fresco of Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet. The most famous feature, however, is the 32 m tall statue of Maitreya Buddha in the monastery grounds.
The 32 m tall statue of Maitreya Buddha located on the top of a hill inside the grounds of Diskit Monastery is one of the most impressive things in the valley. The statue looks over the entire valley while facing west towards Pakistan. Declared Sacred by the 14th Dalai Lama himself, the statue was made with 3 thoughts in mind; protection of Diskit, avoid further wars with Pakistan, and to promote peace in the world. Called by many to be camels with backrests, riding one of those is a memorable experience that brings people here from afar.
And adding to that charm is the magic of white sand dunes of Hunder amidst the beautiful rugged mountains, snow-capped peaks, orchards of apricots, and the quiet River Siachen flowing by. The rocking and wobbling movement of the camel will be a fun experience as the beauty around captures your mind and soul.
Feel the air rushing past you as you ride over and down the ever-changing but ever magical dunes of Hunder. The feel of all the rocky terrain, mixed with the excitement of doing it at one of the highest regions in the world is exhilarating in itself, and is definitely a must have experience. Don't miss out to check the adventurous activities to do in Ladakh. The setting of the monastery is in the midst of beautiful mountains, scenic greens, and under a blue sky, making the gold, red and white Gompa shine out differently from its surroundings.
The best part, however, is the adventure that entails in reaching it, which requires a 45 minute trek from Sumur to reach the monastery. Requiring a hike to reach, the beauty of the lake is something that captivates visitors with its simplistic beauty and peaceful surroundings.
A 20 minute hike away from the Panamic village, the lake is considered to be holy by the people residing, not just in the village, but by everyone across the valley. The waters are crystal clear, and you can see to the bottom of the not so deep lake, with it reflecting the mountains around, making the whole setting mesmerizing.
Opened to tourists in the year , Turtuk has a few gompas, a royal house, and a few homestays for tourists to come and witness the real Balti culture. Known for its sulfur-rich hot springs, special permits are needed to arrive at this village located at a height of 10, ft above sea level.
Apart from, the village of Panamik is also the home to year old gompa, known as the Ensa Monastery. Shopping is another great thing to be enjoyed, as you can get Pashmina Shawls, woollen socks, and dry fruits of amazing quality at really great prices. Another great thing about the hotel is the open dining space on the lawn, where you can eat the delicious food made in their multi-cuisine restaurant. Sprawling gardens and attractive amenities are what await the travelers at this guesthouse in the quaint village of Sumur.
Nestled amidst orchards of Apricot, Elm, and Apple, the resort is fully solar powered and eco-friendly. The quiet resort is flanked by Siachen River on its western boundary.
Rather tastefully decorated, Hotel Real Siachen is known for being unique and stylish, and with an amazing price tag that makes it even more attractive to all tourists. You will find 13 rooms here including 2 suites, and a horde of other important features like wifi, parking, room service, and amongst all this, the love and warmth of Ladakhi Hospitality.
An ideal destination for all the travelers coming into the region of Ladakh, Nubra is a beauty that is best captured from the window of your room in the Hotel Lhas Thang. Finding its perfect place in the village of Tirith Sumoor, the camp is very well equipped with what can be used to define luxury. There are 24 luxury tents available on double and triple sharing basis, decorated with local made wooden furniture, and with the attached facilities of Bathroom and toilet.
Enjoy running hot and cold water, a spacious verandah, modern bath fittings, classy interiors, and a proximity to the most beautiful stretch of land, the Hunder Sand Dunes. Spacious tents, private bathrooms, running hot water and a private verandah. The best part is the location in the middle of the village, meaning you can set out and explore the village in any direction that you go. Another great feature of this place is that the kitchen has its own organic kitchen garden, and serves cuisines from around the world.
So if you are escaping, take your pet with you as well. Essentially famous for providing international standards, the camp has 15 swiss tents with proper furniture, attached washrooms, and running hot water. The camp also has power back-up, oxygen cylinder, provision for campfire and a lot more to dazzle.
The view of the snowy mountains and the immense greenery around will surely make you fall in love with this place. With 15 tents on the premises, the camp provides ample parking space, free wifi, TV in the dining space, a special Gujarati Cook, and campfire on request.
Spread in an acre of area, the place is as green as it gets, with orchards of apricots surrounding it, and the crystal clear water of the river flowing past it. The campsite has 32 swiss tents, spread across the area, with properly constructed washrooms attached to them.
Enjoying a breathtaking view of the rugged mountains around, the campsite has 10 deluxe swiss tents and a chef who takes care of all the needs of the guests arriving, making sure everyone leaves with a smile.
Blessed with a natural spring of crystal clear water, the resort grows all of its vegetables on the premises, and provides the guests with facilities for Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Cycling, Archery, Kite Flying, And Croquet.
Tastefully decorated with minute details in mind, the place is set at a perfect balance of man-made and natural. Facilities here include restaurant, nature shop, power backup, running hot and cold water, laundry, wifi and emergency medical services. You will get a projector for a movie screening, intercom and satellite television along with a flaming bonfire under a starry night sky. Other Essential Info about Nubra Valley- Mobile ConnectivityDue to the remoteness, permit problems, and inaccessibility, mobile networks in the entirety of Ladakh are a questionable thing.
The most prevalent one is BSNL while the others are mostly non-existent. Apart from this hand operated petrol pump, you cannot find any other place for fill-ups in the valley. Nubra Valley is only accessible from the city of Leh and can be reached via one of the two ways. Nubra Valley, in itself, is a beautiful region to witness. Yes, it is entirely possible to visit Nubra Valley and return the same day. However, it has to come with a few bitter turns.
You will only be able to visit Diskit and Hunder and will have to return early keeping in mind that it not advised to drive on the Khardung La Pass with less visibility. Some of the most charming places to visit in Ladakh actually find their home in Nubra Valley. This includes the hilltop beauty of Diskit Monastery, the green waters of Nubra River Siachen River , the majesty of Maitreya Buddha, the quiet villages of Turtuk and Panamik, and the white sand dunes of Hunder.
But above all this, the best reason to visit Nubra Valley is the warmth of love and welcome nature of the locals that you will get to witness. Apart from sightseeing at the many amazing places, villages, and monasteries, you can enjoy a lot of other activities. Yes, the village of Panamik is home to sulfur-rich hot water natural springs, and they are located nearby the Siachen Glacier. Apart from these hot water springs, Panamik is also famous for enjoying a shopping spree for Pashmina Shawls and dry fruits.
Nearby the village, there is also the famous Ensa Monastery. Yes, according to the local scholars of the region, the valley was also called Ldumra in Tibetan.
Yes, here are a few pointers to keep in mind. Because it is the perfect blend of many colors and cultures. You will find dusty hills, snow-capped peaks, a clear blue sky, green patches, white sand dunes, emerald-colored river, and colorful monasteries, all in the same place.
Also known as the Mountain Lake, Tso Moriri is one of the two most popular lakes in the Ladakh region of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Located at an altitude of a whopping metres above the sea level, Tso Moriri is a calm and serene high altitude lake in Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary.
It runs up to 28 km in length and is feet deep on average. Since it is located in a wetland reserve, you cannot pitch your tent in the area but can choose an accommodation in the camps around Tso Moriri lake, giving you a mesmerising view of the lake. While the reflection of snow-clad mountains immersed in the pristine waters of the lake calm your soul, the exotic migratory birds flying above the majestic lake will make you fall in love with nature.
The lake is surrounded by high mountains, making it a hidden gem in the cold desert land of Ladakh. It is an ideal travel destination for an offbeat traveller as well as those who wish to explore the untouched beauty of Ladakh. Witness the changing hues of the lake and fall in love with nature all over again with a trip to Tso Moriri. Pack your bags, pick up your camera and set off on your trip to Leh Ladakh to live and capture the frames of a lifetime.
While the lake remains frozen between the months of November and April, the summer months are the best time to visit Tso Moriri to enjoy the beauty at its peak which is also the best time to visit Ladakh. Altitude of Tso Moriri: Perched atop a whopping height of metres 15, feet above the sea level, Tso Moriri is a high-altitude lake located in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Distance from Leh to Tso Moriri: The distance between high-altitude Tso Moriri and Leh town is approximately km, and the drive will take at least five hours in normal conditions.
Permits required to visit Tso Moriri: Since April , the Indian government has made it mandatory for visitors non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir to procure Inner Line Permit for Leh Ladakh to visit the protected areas.
This is the shortest route to cover the journey between Leh and Tso Moriri. The total length of the route is somewhere between km to km. Since the road is in good condition, the journey can be covered in a duration of 6 to 7 hours. However, if you take too many halts for the sake of landscape photography, it may take longer than that. After starting your journey on Manali — Leh Highway, you can take your first halt at Upshi and relish on some snacks as the next place where food is available is away in Karzok.
At the bifurcation at Upshi Market, take the left turn towards Mahe. Once you reach Mahe, head towards Karzok. Before reaching Karzok, you will come across some great vantage points, apt for landscape photography.
A halt at Kiagar Tso is recommended as most travellers prefer to take a halt here. Resume your journey and soon you will come across another bifurcation. Do not take the tar road, rather keep going straight because that is the way to Karzok.
That is where Tso Moriri is located. The total distance of the route is approximately km. The journey normally takes somewhere between 7 to 8 hours. But again, the duration of the journey depends upon how many halts you take and how long they are.
Moreover, there is a probability that the condition of the road will be worse too. However, the route is quite scenic with open landscapes and views of mighty Himalayan peaks covered in snow, so you will not regret taking this route.
This route also lets you see Tso Kar. The initial part of the route is the same as the Route 1 mentioned above. From there, you do not have to take the turn that leads to Chumathang, rather head towards Rumtse on Manali — Leh highway. After you leave Rumtse behind, the ascent to Tanglang La starts. Then you will proceed towards Debring. You can take a short halt here to rest and to click some photographs, however, there is not much for a shelter. As you ride further on your road trip to Leh — Manali Highway, you will see a road diverting to left.
If you are hungry or in a need for some refreshment, there are a few options in the form of roadside dhabas here. Exit the Leh — Manali Highway here by taking the left road. The first lake that you will come across on this route is approximately 22 km ahead of this diversion. The route takes you to remote regions with hardly any travellers or locals in sight.
Owing to the scenic vistas one gets to witness while travelling on this route including the renowned Pangong Tso, it is considered as one of the best routes to reach the breathtakingly beautiful lake, Tso Moriri despite being the road least travelled.
The round journey that starts from Leh and takes you to Tso Moriri via Pangong Tso and ends at Leh may be to km. The distance between Leh to Pangong Tso is almost km. There are various routes to cover this journey. The first stretch of the journey will take you to Pangong Tso from Leh. After Pangong Tso, you are supposed to head towards Chushul, which is a small village located on the border area. The distance between Spangmik to Chushul is almost 50 km, and since there is no metalled road, you will have to ride on a dirt track.
You will have to produce your permits at Merak en route Chushul. Proceed towards Mahe located at a distance of 77 km from Chushul.
You can take a halt here and then ride towards Karzok covering Sumdo and Namashang La en route. The distance between Mahe and Karzok is approximately 63 km. A few things are to be kept in mind before taking the trip. Firstly, the route is only open for Indians. So, if you are a foreign national, you cannot take this journey without a Protected Area Permit. Secondly, there are no fuel stations for long distances, so make sure you have plenty of spare fuel with you before you embark on the journey.
Witness the changing colours of the lake waters as beams of sunlight fall on the lake, creating a colourful canvas of nature in the pristine lake waters. The reflection of the mountains surrounding the lake add to the glory of the lake, the view of which is unmissable!
Realising the importance to protect and conserve the delicate ecosystem at the place, the lake has been identified as a wetland conservation reserve. Ladakh was an independent country since the middle of the 10 th century. King Singge Namgyal had consolidated the Ladakhi Empire into a strong kingdom. He was not only a strong monarch but a statesman, a diplomat and a builder.
He built the historic 9- storeyed Leh palace and made the other neighboring countries envy of such an elegant palace. He also promoted horse polo in Ladakh. The Greater Ladakh was neither under the Domain of Tibet or its influence. Not much information is available about the ancient History of Ladakh.
However, reference about the place and its neighbourhood in Arab, Chinese and Mongolian histories gives an idea that in the 7th Century A. D fierce wars were fought by Tibet and China in Baltistan area of the Greater Ladakh in which deserts and barren mountains of Ladakh was turned into battle fields for the warring armies. In the 8th century A.
D Arabs also jumped into these wars and changed their sides between China and Tibet. Around this period, the ruler of Kashmir, Laltadita conquered Ladakh. In the 8th Century A. D and thus a buffer state came into being between Tibet and China, terminating the hostilities between the two warring countries.
The greater Ladakh also fell into pieces. A thousand years ago before the control of Tibets rule, king Skitde Nemagon, ruled over Ladakh which was known as Muryul Red Country , as most of the mountains and the soil in Ladakh wears a red tinge. In the 10th Century A. D Skitday Nemagon, along with a couple of hundred men, invaded Ladakh where there was no central authority. The Land was divided in small principalities, which were at war with each other. Nemagon defeated all of them and established a strong central authority.
Those days Shey, was the capital of Ladakh became to be known as Nariskorsoom, a country of three provinces.
0コメント