Known as the Pangong Lake, Pangong Tso is an endorheic Lake in the Himalayas which is located at a height of 14,270 feet. This sublime lake has been attracting thousands of visitors every year. Picturesque and serene, Pangong Lake is often featured in movies, like Three Idiots and many more. With a wondeful reflection of the barren mountains and clear blue sky, the lake has also been featured in an English movie: ‘The Fall’. Shahrukh Khan, an Indian film actor, producer and television personality, starred in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ which was filmed extensively in Ladakh, with few scenes at Pangong Lake. It has been observed that the filmmakers are using many Indian locations as a backdrop for their movies and Pangong Tso is among them. You can buy discounted Ladakh packages to visit Pangong Tso and other nearby areas for a great vacation.
There are many other facts about this lake which you did you not know:
- Border Dispute: Pangong Lake extends to Tibet with only 40% of its area in India. Due to which, a long Border dispute happened. The Line of Actual Control passes through the lake, and thus, boating is prohibited on the lake. During Sino-Indian war in October 1962, this lake area witnessed the heavy military action because it is known as a disputed territory. Visitors get an Inner Line Permit to visit the lake, but they are only allowed to enter after a complete security check.
- Flora and Fauna: Despite being saline, the water of Pangong Tso lake freezes in winter. One of the brackish water lakes, it has low micro-vegetation and has no aquatic life. However, there are some perennial herb and shrub species which grow in the marshes that are formed around the lake. The lake attracts many migratory birds, and wildlife including seagulls, Brahmanu ducks and cranes. This is a great destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
- Lake: Since the area receives very little rain, it is interesting to not that the lake filled by the many streams that flow from Tibet. There is a 5 meter thick layer of laminated sand and mud in the bottom of the lake which clearly suggests that it has shrunken in the recent past.
- Ice Skating: Good news for all the adventure seekers! Pangong Lake freezes during the winter and is excellent for ice skating. Owing to this, an ice skating festival takes place and has massive participation by ice skaters from all across the globe.
- Global Recognition: Owing to the beauty and such interesting trivia, Pangong Lake in Ladakh, under the Ramsar Convention, is in the process of being declared as a wetland of international importance. If this happens, Pangong Lake will be the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia.
With all there is to see and do in the area, I am sure you are just as eager to visit Pangong Lake and see it with your own eyes. So, just pack your bags, buy a Ladakh package and go! You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
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