Pangong Tso in the Surreal Land of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is one amongst the most revitalizing tourist destinations in the entire world. Its
surreal charm, high ice-caped mountain peaks, azure rivers and lakes, and lush greenery attracts
adventure enthusiasts from all around the globe. The state is also known as the Switzerland of the east
due to its enticing beauty. It is home to numerous tourist attractions like Dal, Vaishno Devi, Raghunath
Temple, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, etc. The state is always on the on the top of the bucket list of all the
traveling-freaks and it is because of this that there is a rise in demand of the Kashmir Tour Packages.

The most beautiful and worth-visiting place in the whole state is Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake. It is 134
km long and extends from India to China (approximately 60% of the length of the lake lies in China). The
mesmeric lake remains completely freezes during winter, despite being saline water and can be reached
in a five-hour drive from Leh. And it is on the surface of the frozen lake, a gala festival of ice skating is
held every year. The festival attracts numerous skiers and ice skaters from several parts of the world to
taste of tinge of the local culture of the native people and enjoy skating in freezing temperatures.

Pangong Tso is a delicate border point along the Line of Actual Control but, indeed an enticing tourist
destination, the beauty of which is even admired by various Bollywood directors and famous celebrities.
The beautiful place was well showcased in the following movies and song albums:

Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam's movie, Dil Se.. (1998) in the song "Satrangi Re" starring Shah
Rukh Khan & Manisha Koirala.
Showcased as a filming location in The Fall (2006)
Some parts of the 2008 film, Heroes (2008)
Climax scene of the 2009 film, 3 Idiots
Pyar Ke Silsile song from Na Jaane Kabse (2011)
Dil Tera Ho Gaya song from Taur Mittran Di
Dil Haara song from Tashan starring Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor
Banjarey song from the movie Fugly
Telugu song from Aagadu starring Mahesh Babu & Tamannaah
Surra Surra song from Shakti (2011).
Subah Hogee song from Waqt: The Race Against Time.
Parts of the 2012 film Jab Tak Hai Jaan were also shot here.

Pangong Lake is also known as Hollow Lake and its brackish water are famous for the different effects
of light that it produces during the sunlight. One-third part of the lake lies in India while the remaining
two-third lies in Tibet, a region controlled by China. This area remains under the army control and
requires a pass from deputy commissioner of Leh.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the beguiling lake, Pangong Tso is during the months of June to September.

Is an Inner Line Permit required to visit the lake?

No inner line permit is required for Indian nationality tourists to visit Pangong Tso. It is the people of
foreign nationality who are required to have group permits (for a minimum of 3 people) accompanied by
a qualified guide. The permit is issued by a tourist office in Leh for a very small fee.