Pangong Lake

Chinese Name: 班公错湖（Ban Gong Cuo Hu）
Location: 12 km away from Rutog county, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Ticket: Free
Estimated time of tour: 2-3 hours
Recommended time of visit: May to October
Nearby attractions: Mt. Kailash, Zanda Clay Forest, Tholing Monastery, Guge Kingdomy, Pangong Lake, etc.

Lake Pangong Tso (Bangongcuo in Mandarin Chinese) locates 12 km northwest of Rutog County, Ngari Prefecture. Pangong Tso is a boarder lake shared by China and India. It stretches 105km from east to west covering areas of 604 square kilometers, with which roughly 68% in China and 32% in Indian controlled Kashmir. Average elevation of the lake is around 4400m. Average depth of the lake is 5 meters (15 feet). The deepest point is 41 meters (120 feet). Salinity of the water varies from east to west. East part of the lake (mostly in China) are fresh water lake as two rivers constantly flow into Panggong Tso. The middle and west part (mostly in India) are salt water lake as the result of fast vaporization and lack of fresh water inflows. 

The highlight about this lake is that its eastern part inside China is fresh water, while the western part in Kashmir is salt water. Although the fresh water part is crystal clear and the water tastes sweet, there is only sparse vegetation on the bank. On the contrary, the salt water part has reared lush meadows on the bank.

During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water. It has a land-locked basin separated from the Indus River basin by a small elevated ridge, but is believed to have been part of the latter in prehistoric times.

In Tibetan language, Pangong Tso is translated as “long necked swan”. Apart from its stunning view and crystal clear water, Pangong Tso is also home to many birds and fish which managed to survive high altitude. There are several islands, various in size and shapes, scatter around the lake providing a natural habitat for birds.  Bar-headed goose, brown-headed gull, black-necked crane and nearly 20 other species of birds dwell on this ideal resort. When they all gather, the sky is throbbing with wings and ringing with songs.

The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue water and shaky lakeshore remains deeply in the memory of tourists. You will realize that the undisturbed animals and the undeveloped landscape are the most precious pictures.