Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso), the main tourist attraction of Ladakh, has reopened for tourists after remaining closed for months following the ongoing India-China standoff.
According to Leh administration, the lake is open for tourists from January 10 and tourists can obtain an inner-line permit to visit Pangong Lake from the DC office or also online from their official website.
The happy news has come when famous Chadar trek of Ladakh has started. A large number of tourists are expected to visit Ladakh in winter months to experience the winter season and frozen Pangong Tso.
Pangong lake in the Eastern Ladakh, close to the LAC (disputed Aksai Chin), about 150km from Leh, is the main tourist attraction in Ladakh. The lake known for its bluish water which changes its colours many times in a day is visited by lakhs of tourists every year. However, the lake remained out of reach of tourists this year.
With Pangong lake remaining closed for tourists due to unrest at India-China border, it has badly impacted tourism in Ladakh. The hoteliers, travel agents, taxi drivers and other stakeholders were praying for peace at the border so that Pangong Lake opens for tourists once again and bring back tourism business to the cold deserts — popularly known as mini Tibet.
The Ladakh Tourism department has also announced that “Pangong Lake Opens for tourists from January 10” through its twitter post.
The majestic Pangong Lake has been reopened for tourists starting January 10. So, get inner line permit (ILP) at https://t.co/VO85w0zZko, and visit this spellbinding lake.@ladags @AltoaLadakh pic.twitter.com/VcQn4NJl8q
— Ladakh Tourism (@utladakhtourism) January 10, 2021
Although Pangong lake was closed for tourists even before the Galwan valley clashes between India and Chinese troops, the clashes made the lake out of bounds for longer time as tension between both the nations kept mountain ever since. The lake, for the safety of the civilians, was kept closed. As Indian soldiers are in a better position in eastern Ladakh, Pangong Lake has been opened for tourists.
Not only border standoff, but the Covid-19 has also played spoilsport in Ladakh tourism. Ladakh, including Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri lake, Nubra Valley, Sham valley and all its monasteries remained closed for tourists for a long time following Covid-19 pandemic. Now that Coronavirus is under control to a large extent, tourists have started visiting Ladakh provided that Covid-19 safety protocols are strictly followed.
Also Read: Is Ladakh Open for Tourists?
Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is a high altitude lake famous for its beautiful blue water which seems to be changing its colour three to four times a day from dawn to dusk due to golden mountains and sunrays. Pangong Lake is situated at an altitude of about 14,250 ft (4,350 m) in Eastern Ladakh. The lake is 134 km in length and 5 km wide at its broadest point and the India-Sino Actual Line of Control passes through it. Nearly 60% length of Pangong Tso lies in China occupied area. Pangong Lake is a saline water lake. The lake water freezes completely during the winter months. Pangong lake was a famous picnic spot and tourist destination for decades but it came to prominence after shooting of 3 Idiots Bollywood movie as its climax was shot at the lake side.
How to reach Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is about 150 KM from Leh and is reachable after a 5-hour drive, traversing the 17,590 ft (5,360 m) high Changla pass (Chang-la). The lake is also reachable from Nubra valley via Nubra-Shyok-Pangong road. Pangong is connected by Mahe-Chushul-Merak road as well.
Inner line permit
An inner line permit (ILP) is required to visit Pangong Lake. The permit can be obtained manually from the tourism office in Leh or even online. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Chinese nationals are required to obtain prior permission from ministry of external affairs to visit Pangong and other restricted areas of Ladakh.
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