Â鶹APP

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake is located at an elevation of 4,225 meters (13,862 feet). The lake spans West Tibet and eastern Ladakh and it covers a length of 134 kilometers (83 miles). The lake is subdivided into five sub-lakes. These sub lakes are Nyak Tso, Rum Tso (twin lakes) Tso Nyak, and Pangong Tso.

About 50 percent of the lake lies in Tibet in China. 40 percent of the lake lies in Ladakh, India while the remaining 10 percent is a disputed area. The disputed area serves as a buffer zone between China and India. The lake covers an area of 700 square kilometers in total. Ai its widest point, the lake is 5 km (3.1 miles) wide.

Pangong Tso and Tsomo Nganglha Ringpo have different interpretations. According to the Ladakh government website, ‘Pangong Tso’ is a Tibetan word that means high grassland lake. However, decade-old travel books indicate Pangong means hollow.

Tsomo Nganglha Ringpo is a Tibetan word with several different yet similar meanings. Chinese media sources indicate its meaning as a long, narrow, enchanted lake while early European explorers indicate its meaning as a female narrow very long lake. Other modern sources indicate the meaning of Tsomo Nganglha Ringpo as a long-necked swan lake.

Pangong Tso is one of India’s most popular travel destinations. This location features in the movie titled ‘3 Idiots.’ It was presented beautifully in the movie that one was not sure if the place existed or if it was camera effects. The beauty of this place is captured in the scene showing Kareena Kapoor dressed as a bride on a scooter. She approaches Amir Khan, and the camera pans out and expands the scene. You are left with a magical feeling as you take in the beauty of the place.

Below are ten remarkable facts about Pangong Lake.

1. Lake Pangong is made up of Several Sub Lakes

Confluence of Indus (on the left) and Zanskar rivers, Ladakh, India. Photo by Bernard Gagnon/

Connected through narrow water bodies, this lake is made up of five sub-lakes. In Tibetan, these five lakes are referred to as Tsomo Nganglha Ringo.

The name Pangong Tso was only used for the westernmost lake that lies mainly in Ladakh. The middle lake, which is the main lake on the Tibetan side, is known as Tso Nyak. Rum Tso is the next two small lakes and the last lake, located near Rutog is known as Nyak Tso.

2. Boat Rides on Lake Pangong are Strictly Prohibited

Two-thirds of the lake lies in Tibet while the remaining one-third lies in India. There is a delicate border on the lake as the Line of Actual Control passes through the lake. As a result, boat rides on the lake are strictly prohibited.

3. The area around the Lake is a Disputed Territory

Map showing the disputed territory. Photo by Planemad/

During the Sino-Indian war in October 1962, a lot of military action took place in the area. Since then, the area has been a disputed territory. Although it’s controlled by China, India claims a section of the lake 20 kilometers east of the Line of Actual Control.

In the 19^th Century, a similar attempt was made on the southern end of the lake with the Johnson Line demarcation. China and India have a dispute over the eastern end of the lake while Pakistan and India have a dispute over the western end.

4. The Weather on the Shores of the Lake is Quite Harsh

Tourists interested in visiting the lake are allowed to go to the Spangmik village. There are camping sites set up on the shores of the lake for adventurous travelers.

It is however not advisable to spend a night in the camps as the weather can be extremely harsh. Those bold enough to brave the weather are usually rewarded with an incredible sunrise and sunset.

5. The Pangong Tso Completely Freezes During Winter

Frozen, Pangong Tso. Photo by Vinay Goyal, Ludhiana/

The Pangong Lake is a saline water body. This lake is among the saltiest water bodies in the world. Despite the saline content, Pangong Lake freezes during winter.

There’s low micro vegetation in the lake due to its saline level. Apart from small crustaceans, the lake does not have aquatic life. There are, however, shrubs and herbs in the marsh areas around the lake.

6. Pangong Lake is a Wonderful Spot for Bird Watchers

Ducks as seen in Pangong Tso during July. Photo by Akbarmasood/

A variety of birds use Pangong Lake as a breeding ground. These include migratory birds such as the Brahmani ducks, rare black-necked cranes, and, seagulls. Bar-headed geese can also be spotted at the lake during summer.

These birds make the lake a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. There are also a few wildlife species around the lake. These species include the kiang and Ladakhi marmot.

7. Several Tributaries Flow into Lake Pangong

The Shyok River (The River of Death) flows through northern Ladakh in India and the Ghangche District of Gilgit–Baltistan of Pakistan. Photo by Eatcha/

Several streams flow into this lake. Most of the streams are from Tibet but there are also two streams from India. These water sources form marshes and wetlands on the lake’s edges. Previously, the lake had an outlet that was a tributary to the Indus River.

That outlet was known as Shyok River. Due to natural damming, the outlet was closed. Recently, the lake has shrunk. This is evidenced by a thick layer of mud and laminated sand in the lake. The length of this thick layer is 5 meters.

Proposals have been made to include the lake in the Ramsar Convention. This is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. Should this happen, Pangong Lake will be the first transboundary wetland in South Asia to be included.

8. During Winter Lake Pangong is the Location for a Gala Event

Woman skating. Photo by Maks Styazhkin on

During winter when the lake is frozen, it becomes the location for an ice skating festival. Ice skaters from around the world take part in the event. During this ice skating gala, there are also cultural performances from the local community.

9. Several Movies Have Been Shot at the Lake

This is a poster for 3 Idiots. Photo by MoviePosterDB/

Pangong Lake has been the site of several movies over the years. The most popular movie shot at the lake was 3 Idiots which was released in 2009.

The song ‘Satrangi Re’ which was shot in 1998, introduced the lake to the screens. In the song, the lake is frozen as the song was shot during winter. Other movies that were shot at the lake are The Fall, shot in 2006, and a Hindi movie titled Heroes which was shot in 2008.

10. Lake Pangong’s Water Changes Colour

Pangong Tso in summer. Photo by Absthebest/

As unbelievable as it may seem, Lake Pangong’s water changes color. The color of the lake changes from shades of blue, to green and then to red.