On the high-altitude plateau of Changthang, you will meet the nomadic families with their yaks and pashmina goats and experience the breathtaking beauty of Pangong lake situated on the Indo-Tibetan border.It is always recommended to carry a thick jacket if you are planning to travel to Pangong as the evenings are chilly. You will need warm clothes at Chang La pass too. This tour takes you to the high-altitude plateau of Rupshu, famous for its unique landscapes, lakes (Tso Moriri and Tso Kar) and nomadic life.
Tour Highlights
Chang La Pass
Chang La pass, situated at 5360m above sea level, is the gateway to Pangong lake. “Chang La” means “Northern Pass” in Ladakhi. The pass connects Leh and the Indus valley to the Changthang region that is home to some of the most remote villages in Ladakh.
While the journey from Leh to Chemrey is smooth, get ready for some bumpy ride when driving over the Chang La pass. While ascending the pass, you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the valley. It is common to see nomadic families tending to their yaks and pashmina goats en route from Chang La pass to Pangong lake. Ladakhis are known for their hospitality and this holds true for the nomads who would offer you a cup of tea and tsampa (grounded roasted barley) without fail.
Wear a warm jacket and sunglasses to overcome the cold and harsh sun during the journey over Chang La pass. The traffic sometimes moves at a snail’s pace due to the passage of army convoys going towards the Line of Actual Control and Tibet.
Pangong Lake
The Bollywood comedy movie “Three Idiots” released in 2009 put Pangong Tso on the tourist map as the final scene of the film with Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor was shot at the lake.
Pangong Tso, situated at the altitude of 4250m, is a long narrow strip of water. Only a quarter of the 134-km-long lake is in Ladakh, whereas the remaining three quarters are in Tibet. The lake is around 6 km at its broadest point. Even though the water has a high salinity, Pangong Tso freezes completely in the winter.
Pangong lake is a visual treat and a photographer’s delight as it displays multiple shades of blue. Pangong Tso is also a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially birdwatchers. Numerous species of animals such as foxes and marmots live in the vicinity of the lake. Pangong Tso also serves as a major breeding site for migratory birds like brahmini ducks, bar-headed geese and seagulls. Tourists who want to experience the local lifestyle always have the option to spend nights with the families in a homestay.
Tso Moriri Lake
This picturesque and deep blue lake situated at an altitude of 4530m is surrounded by barren mountains and towering snowcapped peaks over 6000m such as Mentok, Chamser and Lungser Kangri. The lake winds through the Rupshu valley, it is 26 km in length and about 5 km in breadth. Many animals can be found around the lake including marmots, blue sheep, kiang (wild ass), rare Tibetan wolves and migratory birds.
Korzok Village
Korzok is the only village near Tso Moriri, it is located north of the lake. Here you can meet with nomadic people, just walk 40 minutes from the village and you will reach the summer grazing area where they stay with their yaks, pashmina goats, sheep and horses. There is a small monastery in the village.
Tso Kar Lake
Tso Kar means “white lake” in Ladakhi. The white colour comes from the thick crust of salt surrounding the lake. In the past, the lake used to be a source of salt for the people of Ladakh and Tibet. Despite the high salinity of the water, the lake is a marvellous habitat for a large number of bird species including the rare black-necked crane.
Puga Valley Hot Springs
People come from all over the country to visit the hot springs in Puga Valley, which is full of sulphur and borax deposits. Every year, thousands of tourists come to visit the hot springs.
The Chumathang Hot Spring is one of these kinds of hot springs. These hot springs can be seen from far away because they send up hot steam. They have a lot of sulphur in them and are said to heal all kinds of skin problems and rheumatism.
Tanglang La Pass
Tanglang La Pass is one of the incredible high altitude motorable mountain passes in Ladakh located at an altitude of 5,328 meters, or 17,480 feet. What makes it a famous tourist attraction in Ladakh is the incredible views it offers & the sheer excitement of crossing it, which is no less than an adventure.
The Tanglang Pass cuts through rocky mountains which are crisscrossed by gently flowing streams, and on a clear day, their slopes are the playground for curiously shaped shadows. On a distance, you can see the snow covered peaks, with clouds appearing to sit on top of them.
