Serene Ambiance and Sensations of Chang Pass and Pangong Tso

While you walk down to Ladakh the two beautiful places Chang La or Chang Pass
and Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake are something which are not be missed not because of the reason it is well situated at an elevation of 17800 ft which makes it the third highest motorable road in the world but its scenic beauty and affluent vistas are worth noticing.

Since we know the first and second highest motorable road is Khardung La which in on the way to Leh Nubra Valley road and Tanglang La which falls under the site of Leh Manali road respectively.

As we passed through the route of Chang La and Pangong Lake we were shocked to witness the narrow lane which covered the area and between the sites the complimentary of ever appealing mountains, ever enchanting greenery and mesmerizing valleys accompanied us and after travelling an auxiliary distance we passed sometime by playing snow at the site of Chang La. 

What was more amazing to witness was the military souvenir there who offered us a cup of black tea so that we can avoid the cause of altitude sickness. It was wonderful to see how army were patrolling the area and they have facilitated a site of toilet and all the extra amenities.

After spending twenty minutes we were warned not spend more time there so we half heartedly agreed and took our way. After walking out form there soon we witnessed the dry and arid zone instead of green and snow clad mountains where I saw the sandy river it reminded me of a desert and all the brooks that were formed by melting process had led to the formation of Infringes, meandering walls at many ends and on the top of the sloped we witnessed camps of Changpa nomads who are renowned for their remote settlement and cattle rearing.

As we travelled to Pangong Tso, at Darbuk we came across the testimonials of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for motherland in the turmoil of 1962 Indo China war and more we move forward we witness another military base within the ambiance of Pangong Tso. 

Pangong Tso, which is located at a height of about 14000 ft and stretched over 700 sq. km, freezes deeply during the call of winter. Here at Pangong Tso all we came to see was magic as the blue water that expanses looks to embrace the nature and its course which is flanked by Barren Mountains crafts brilliance of landscape.

Although we had share desire to stand there for couple of time but due to dearth of time we had to rush back because the gentle melts of snow could make your journey really exhausted so we agreed and travel down reluctantly. 

As per the sources of Wikipedia Pangong Lake had passage to Shyok River but due to natural calamities and damming it was closed. The salty lake as they say is a share of Changtang Plateau and its small portion runs from Tibet to Ladakh. When it comes to Pangong Tso then it shares it borders with china and India and about 60% of the area is under the line of china so eventually it becomes an area of dispute and you would require special permit from the tourist office of Leh to explore the beauty of it.

Although after the shooting of 3 Idiots the site of Pangong Lake and Ladakh has been a regular course for tourist attraction and much because of an irresponsible tourism the place remains polluted and if it continues to be in this way then it might call for submission in coming future.

Best Time to Visit 

As mentioned above winter could be exhausting so the most ideal time for you to pay a visit here would be during the month of June to September.

Stay Options:  as you travel here you don’t have to worry regarding the accommodation facility as they have facilitated tent accommodation which is must recommended and beside that there are many cost efficient hovers around the site of the Leh.

How to Reach

By road the distance of Pangong from Leh demands the ride of 4 to 6 hours which completely depends on the weather forecast.