Day 6

Day started with the excitements of visiting the famous Pangong TSO Lake. Once a place known only to aware and passionate travelers is now known to everyone. Thanks to super hit Bollywood movie ‘Three Idiots’ for making this place popular among all. The concluding part of the movie was shot at this Lake. The length of the Pangong TSO Lake is 134 KMs and its spread across India and china. It remains completely frozen in winters.

We started the Leh to Pangong drive after having the breakfast at our camp in Leh. We had our fuel tanks refilled at Karu. Karu is the last petrol pump on the way to Pangong and Manali, and located at a distance of 35 KMs from Leh. Karu is also the diversion point from Leh Manali highway to Pangong TSO. Our next halt point was Chang La pass. Distance from Karu to Chang La is 45 KMs. This is the third highest motor able road in World and situated at the height of 5360 mtrs from sea level. When we reached Chang La pass, it was snowing there. Yes, it was snowing in the last week of June. We clicked some photos in the pass, and had tea and snacks in a canteen setup by Army. Road conditions near the Chang La pass were not really good. There were a lot water streams flowing in the road and most of it was broken.

We took a several photography breaks in the way to Pangong TSO. There was no hurry of reaching the destination as it was decided firmly that we are going to have the night halt at Pangong TSO. We witnessed some very beautiful places in between and reached the Pangong TSO Lake in afternoon. The first view of Lake was stunning. It was more beautiful than we had anticipated for. As soon as we reached at the one end of the Lake, it started raining heavily. This was the first time in our entire journey that we had encountered the rain. Though we were fortunate that rain started only after we reached the destination. We had the lunch at temporary Dhabas setup at the lake side. The food was very tasty and we really enjoyed it. As the rain stopped, we went ahead to the site, where most the camps were setup at lake side. This place was 7-8 KMs from the start of Lake. First thing we did after reaching the camp site is finalized the camp for night stay. Accommodation was little expensive but it was worth as the location, facilities and food was awesome. We roamed around the lake in the evening and clicked some photos. There were not many people staying at Pangong in the night. Most of the people, who visit Pangong Lake, go back to Leh on the same day.

Overall the experience of the day was mind blowing. The beauty of the nature at Pangong TSO can’t be captured in photos or explained by words. One has to visit this place to experience it.

Distance Traveled on Day 6:

Leh to Chang La: 80 KMs

Chang La to Pangong TSO: 90 KMs

Agenda for tomorrow is roam around the lake, do the early morning photography and then to go back Leh, visit the city and have the night stay there.