Day 8 of Leh Ladakh trip
We left Tiger Camp Nubra early in the morning, hearts full and spirits recharged. The cool mountain air carried with it the promise of a new adventure—this time, toward the legendary Pangong Lake.
Sacred Sights and Serene Moments
Before weaving through the narrow mountain roads, we were greeted by scenes that felt like whispers from another world. Towering gompas (monasteries) stood peacefully against rocky cliffs.
At one point, we passed a majestic Buddha statue overlooking the valley—calm, grounded, and timeless. It felt like a gentle blessing as we began our journey.
Just ahead, a few wild goats gracefully climbed the hillside, unfazed by the passing vehicles.
The road ahead was nothing short of dramatic. Winding along narrow mountain passes, with a roaring river snaking below on one side and steep cliffs towering above on the other, every turn felt like a postcard. Some sections of the road were smooth, almost too good to be true, while others were rough, broken, and flooded with glacier meltwater.
At one point, we were completely off-road, crawling through rocky terrain with nothing but the sky, water, and willpower guiding us forward.
Where the Wild Things Roam
Further along the route, as the terrain opened up into more rugged plains and winding valleys, we were lucky to spot a small group of wild horses galloping freely across the landscape.
A little later, we slowed down for a herd of sheep crossing the road, their fluffy coats catching the sunlight in the most endearing way.
In this raw, untouched part of the world, even the most ordinary things feel extraordinary.
First Glimpse: When Pangong Appeared
As evening approached, something magical happened.
After hours of off-roading, navigating landslides and splashy stream crossings, we reached a viewpoint—the first place where Pangong Lake comes into view. And just like that, time stood still.
The lake shimmered in the golden hour light, a vast expanse of crystal-clear water reflecting the pastel sky like a dream. It was so still, so perfect, that it looked like the world’s biggest mirror had been laid out across the land.
Pangong Up Close: Bollywood Moments and Cold Surprises
We drove closer to the lake, and the excitement only grew. There were scooters from the movie 3 Idiots parked near the shore, waiting for fans to relive those iconic scenes. And yes, the “butt installations” from the movie’s final scene were there too—quirky, hilarious, and great for photos!
Despite the chilly breeze, we couldn’t resist getting closer to the water. The ice-cold lake was surreal—sparkling under the fading sun, incredibly clear, and intensely blue. The reflection of the clouds on the surface made it feel like we were standing inside the sky itself.
We spent a long time just soaking in the view and taking what felt like a thousand photos. It’s hard to walk away from something that beautiful.
Resting by the Lake: Pangong Heritage Camp
As darkness began to settle, we checked into our stay for the night—Pangong Heritage Camp. The tents were cozy, set against the backdrop of this magnificent lake, and surprisingly comfortable given the remote location.
With warm food and the lake just a short walk away, it felt like we were in a movie ourselves—far from everything, but completely at peace.
Pangong Tso: More Than Just a Lake
Pangong Tso, meaning “High Grassland Lake,” stretches over 130 kilometers, extending from India into China. It sits at an altitude of nearly 14,270 ft (4,350 meters) and is known not just for its beauty but for its strategic and cultural significance.
It’s a saltwater lake—surprising for such a high elevation—and completely freezes over in winter.
Final Thoughts: When the Road Led to Reflection
This leg of the journey—from Nubra to Pangong—was more than a drive. It was a meditation.
We braved tough roads, crossed wild terrain, and arrived at a place that felt not just like a destination, but a reward. Pangong Tso is not just a sight to behold; it’s an emotion—a mirror for the sky and for your soul.
