Ladakh Travel Guide

Pangong Lake Travel Guide

The iconic high-altitude blue lake — how to visit and stay overnight.

By the Itinerary Diary Travel Desk · Updated 13 July 2026
Pangong Lake, Ladakh, under blue skies — Pangong Lake guide

Quick answer

Pangong Lake is Ladakh's iconic high-altitude blue lake (~4,350 m), reached by a scenic drive from Leh via Chang La pass (about 5–6 hours). An overnight camp stay is worthwhile for sunrise. It needs an inner-line permit, is best June–September, and requires acclimatisation. See our Ladakh guide.

How to reach

A ~5–6 hour drive from Leh over Chang La, one of the world's high passes; often combined with Nubra Valley.

Staying overnight

Lakeside camps and guesthouses at Spangmik and nearby villages let you enjoy sunset and sunrise; nights are cold.

Permits & best time

An inner-line permit is required (we arrange it); the season is June–September.

Altitude

Pangong is very high — acclimatise in Leh first and pace yourself; see our altitude guide.

Frequently asked questions

By a scenic 5–6 hour drive from Leh over the Chang La pass; it's often combined with Nubra Valley on a Ladakh circuit.
Yes — lakeside camps and guesthouses at Spangmik let you enjoy sunset and sunrise, though nights are cold at altitude.
Yes — an inner-line permit is required, which we arrange for you.
June to September, when the road over Chang La is open and the weather is clear.
About 4,350 m, so acclimatise in Leh first and take it easy to avoid altitude sickness.
Yes — its shifting blues against barren mountains make it one of India's most spectacular sights.

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