PANGONG.MTS
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Pangong Lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,270 ft). It is 134 km long and extends from India to China. Only 40% of the length of the lake lies in India while the remaining 60% lies in China
Pangong Tso is geographically situated in a disputed territory, claimed both by India and China. After mid-19th century, Pangong Tso was southern end of so-called Johnson Line, a first attempt of demarcation between India and China in the Aksai Chin region.
On October 20, 1962, Pangong Tso saw military action during the Sino-Indian War, successful for People's Liberation Army.
Pangong Tso is still a delicate border point along the Line of Actual Control.[2] [3] Incursions from Chinese side are common.
Pangong Tso can be reached in a five-hour drive from Leh, most of it on a rough and dramatic mountain road. The road crosses the villages of Shey and Gya and traverses the third-highest pass in the world, the Changla pass, where army sentries and a small teahouse greet visitors. Road down from Changla Pass leads through Tangste and other smaller villages, crossing river called Pagal Naala or "The Crazy Stream". The spectacular lakeside is open during the tourist season, from May to September.
An Inner Line Permit is required to visit the lake as it lies on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control. While Indian nationals can obtain individual permits, others must have group permits (with a minimum of four persons) accompanied by an accredited guide; the tourist office in Leh issues the permits for a small fee. For security reasons, India does not permit boating.
There is a 7 room J&K Tourism Guest House which also houses a campsite, at Spangmik, the only village on the banks of lake. Most of its inhabitants herd sheep and goats and have quite recently given up nomadic ways. A significant temple stands below the peaks overlooking the village and the lake