Pangong Lake Travel Guide: Ladakh's Iconic Blue-Green Lake

Pangong Tso is the famous blue-green lake on the Indo-China border, and the single most iconic view a Ladakh trip delivers. Most itineraries reach it on day four, after Leh and the Nubra Valley, and spend a night on its shore.

• The lake's changing blue-green colour through the day
• Prayer flags strung along the shore
• A night camped or lodged by the water

One night by the lake is the usual allowance, on day four of a classic Ladakh week, before returning to Leh with a spare day built in for mountain weather.

May to September is the season. Pangong is a restricted area and needs a permit — a Protected Area Permit for foreign visitors, an Inner Line Permit or environmental fee for Indian travellers — which a registered operator arranges.

Pangong is reached by road from Leh, usually crossed to from the Nubra Valley rather than driven direct, following the gradual ascent that keeps altitude sickness at bay.