Pangong Tso, A lake that changes colour with time

This lake is located in the Himalayas of Ladakh, at an altitude of no less than 4,250 meters. It extends from India to China, along 134 kilometres. As a peculiarity, say that two-thirds of the lake is within the territory of China. As for its width, it reaches five kilometres at its widest point. It is, therefore, the largest saltwater lake in the world.

Two-thirds of this lake is also called Hollow Lake

The height of this lake in the Himalayas means that, despite being salty, it freezes for much of the winter. During that time, the lake and the region around it is a truly inhospitable and practically inaccessible area. In summer, however, or even a couple of months before, Pangong Tso and its surrounding lands offer visitors one of the most incredible landscapes on our planet.

The sheer beauty of Pangong Tso, more popularly known simply as Pangong Lake, draws travellers from far and wide. Pangong Tso is from the serene and sparkling water that changes shades of blue, green and even reddish at times. The rugged mountains on one side of the lake add to the impressive view.

The charm of Pangong Lake is its ability to change colour. Shades range from light green to crystal blue and sometimes even gold, red and pink. Experts believe that the change in the colour of the sky and refraction at high altitudes cause this phenomenon.

All the hype about the water being so blue is true. Although Pangong Tso gained fame after the climax of 3 Idiots was filmed here, no pictures or videos do justice to the beauty of this lake. One can only experience this endorheic lake by visiting it. In the current article, I will elaborate on every aspect of Pangong Lake that will prove useful to a traveller of this beautiful place.

Due to the height at which it is located, its salty waters are always cold, even freezing during the winter. However, during the summer season, and even a couple of months before, the lake offers a unique image. It is an inhospitable place considered by many to be one of the most incredible landscapes in the world.

Its crystal clear waters change colour between deep blue and green, offering a strong contrast with the high mountains. In addition, due to the salty water, we will find a place to observe some species of migratory birds. But because of its waters, the vegetation around the lake is quite scarce and we will not find fish or aquatic plants either.

A paradise for nature lovers

The contrast that the colour of its waters (a tone that ranges between blue and intense green) with the sky delights photography lovers. Those of botanical and aquatic species, however, will be disappointed if they visit. Due to the saline condition of the lake, there are no fish or aquatic plants. The Pangong Tso is, so to speak, an immense dead sea. Only small crustaceans can be found in it. The vegetation around him, meanwhile, is also quite scarce.

The Pangong Tso is a paradise for bird lovers. In it, you can see several species of migratory birds such as Barra geese and Brahmini ducks.

The contrast of the colour of its waters (a tone that ranges between blue and intense green) with the sky delights photography lovers. Those of botanical and aquatic species, however, will be disappointed if they visit. Due to the saline condition of the lake, there are no fish or aquatic plants. The Pangong Tso is, so to speak, an immense dead sea. Only small crustaceans can be found in it. The vegetation around him, meanwhile, is also quite scarce.

The Pangong Tso is a paradise for bird lovers. In it, you can see several species of migratory birds such as Barra geese and Brahmini ducks.

Discovering Pangong Tso Lake

During the tour, a maximum trip of six hours by car, we will cross different mountain passes until we reach our destination. The best known is the Changla Pass, which is no less than 5,360 meters above sea level and is one of the highest in the world.

Once at our destination, we will be left breathless by the spectacular scenery offered by Pangong Tso Lake. Its crystalline waters reflect the mountains that surround it like a mirror. Without a doubt, it is worth spending some time photographing the area. We can also take unique photos in some of its various viewpoints located near the shore. 

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