Pangong Tso Lake

About This Location

Pangong Tso, at 4,350m above sea level, is one of the world's highest saltwater lakes, spanning 134 km across India and China. The lake's extraordinary colour-shifting water — cycling through shades of blue, turquoise, green, and gold depending on the light — against the stark brown Himalayan landscape creates alien, otherworldly photography. Made famous by 3 Idiots, it's on every Indian couple's bucket list.

Photography Highlights

• Lake colour-shifting water
• 3 Idiots filming location
• Dawn reflections
• Tibetan nomad camps
• Chang La pass en route

How to Reach

160 km from Leh (5-6 hours). Inner Line Permit required from Leh DC office.