Pangong Tso — Leh to Pangong Lake via ChangLa.
Distance
320 km
Duration
2 days
Climb
3,500 m
Pangong Tso — Leh to Pangong Lake via Chang La.
The ride from Leh to Pangong Tso crosses Chang La (5,360m), claimed as the third-highest motorable pass on Earth. The lake itself stretches 134km between India and China at 4,350m, its colour shifting between deep blue and turquoise with the sun. Made famous by the closing scenes of the Bollywood film 3 Idiots. Inner Line Permit required.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance320 km
Days2
Total climb3,500 m
DifficultyChallenging
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2 days, 2 moods.
A suggested split across 2 days with 8 waypoints to discover along the way.
LehStart · Start in Leh. Obtain Inner Line Permit. Fuel up — no petrol stations between Leh and Pangong, carry a spare jerrycan.
Chang La (5,360m)Mountain Pass · 5,360m pass between Indus Valley and Pangong. Claimed third-highest motorable pass. Tea stall at the top run by Indian Army soldiers — free hot tea for travellers.
TangtseRestaurant · Small valley village past Chang La. Last reliable fuel option before Pangong (carry spare fuel anyway). Lunch stop with thukpa and dal.
Spangmik (Pangong shore)Overnight · Overnight at lakeshore camp. Spangmik is the closest village allowed for tourists. Temperature drops to near freezing even in summer — bring a warm jacket.
Pangong Tso sunrisePhoto Spot · Sunrise on the lake. Water turns from indigo to electric turquoise as the sun climbs. Wild kiang (Tibetan wild ass) graze on the meadows behind the camps.
Tangtse returnScenic Point · Quick stop for chai and fuel. The long climb back toward Chang La awaits.
Chang La returnMountain Pass · Cross Chang La heading west. Watch for ice on shaded sections even in midsummer. The descent toward Karu reveals the Indus Valley below.
LehEnd · End back in Leh. Around 320km total round trip.
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