Pangong lake

There are some places that don’t feel real, and for me, Pangong Lake was one of them. I’d seen all the photos, watched the videos, even planned for the cold. But nothing—nothing—prepared me for that first glimpse. It was like someone had spilled an ocean of blue ink right in the middle of the mountains.

The Ride That Shakes You (Literally)

The journey from Leh to Pangong isn’t the smoothest. It’s bumpy, dusty, and long—but also absolutely unforgettable. You drive past valleys that look like paintings, climb hairpin bends that seem to lead to the sky, and cross frozen streams that make you pause just to take it all in. And then, without warning, Pangong appears.

I remember the car going silent. Everyone just looked out the window. No words—just wide eyes and awe.

The Lake That Changes Its Mind

One minute it’s turquoise, then it turns deep blue, and then, just as suddenly, a dusty grey. Pangong Lake is moody—in the best way. It reflects the sky, the sun, the clouds, and somehow, even your mood. It stretches so far you can’t see where it ends. On the far side? That’s China. Wild, right?

I sat by the lake for hours. Not doing anything, just watching. Breathing. I don’t know what it was—maybe the stillness, maybe the cold—but it felt like therapy.

Camp Life and Starry Skies

We stayed the night in one of the camps nearby—Spangmik village is where most travelers set up. The tents are simple, the food is hot, and the people are kind. At night, the temperature drops fast, but the sky—my god—the sky is something else. I’ve never seen so many stars. No streetlights, no noise, just you, the lake, and the cosmos.

I wrapped myself in every layer I had, held a cup of butter tea, and just stared up.

A Few Real-Talk Tips

• Time to visit: May to September. Roads are safer and the lake isn’t frozen.

• Altitude is real: Acclimatize properly in Leh before heading here. It’s high.

• No signal = peace: It’s a break from the world. Lean into it.

• Layers are life: Even if the sun is shining, the nights are icy cold.

• Respect the land: Don’t litter, and don’t take anything but photos and memories.