In Ladakh, you never know what surprise nature has in store for you. Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Its water, which seems to be dyed in blue, stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it. Extending to almost 160km, one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China.The Bollywood movie Three Idiots of Amir Khan made the lake famous by shooting here and in Rancho school.
Pangong Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Pangong Lake is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times. If you have decided to go on a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, don’t forget to visit the Pangong Lake. The beauty which awaits you there cannot be described in words. It has to be seen, felt and absorbed within yourself.
However global warming has impacted the weather of Pongong. Temperature in the day time in the end of August is
Warmer then 10 years ago. One can roam around without any warm cloth in daytime, which was not possible some 10 years ago. A five member team of Indian Journalists Union (IJU) visited Pongong, Nubra valley and Pongong from August 23 to August 28. They found Ladakh still a unique place for tourists and environmentalists. However there expressed fear of adverse impact of climate change on the region.