10 things not to do at Pangong Lake, Ladakh
Pangong Tso comes in the list of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. This breathtaking lake is not only famous in India but also attracts lots of foreign tourists.
The lake got famous after the Bollywood movie 3 idiots in 2009. After this movie, many tourists started visiting this beautiful lake. But as we know, an increase in tourism also brings many climate and ecological issues.
Ladakh is one of the remotest areas in India or we can say in the world. The geographical condition of this place makes it more difficult to reach and connect to the mainland.
There are things which you should not do at this lake while visiting:
Table of Contents
1. Disrespect the lake
Every lake in the Himalayan region is sacred for Buddhists. So don’t disrespect the lake. Do not litter around or throw anything inside the lake. There are many prayers flags and it shows that it’s a holy place for the locals. Don’t hurt the sentiments of locals
2. Don’t go without permits to Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso comes under a very sensitive region due to its proximity to the China or Tibet border. All the citizens, as well as foreign travellers, have to apply for a permit which is issued by the DC in Leh.
3. Don’t taste or drink the water
The water of the Pangong Tso looks blue in colour and clean. But that’s not true. The water of this lake is brackish or salty like seawater, so don’t try to taste it.
4. Don’t take your vehicle near the shore
The local authority of Leh has put a huge board near the lake that vehicles are not allowed beyond this point. But still, there are some tourists who take their vehicles near the shore for photography and some also wash their vehicles in the lake water which is not a good sign of a traveller.
5 Avoid using plastic
As we all know plastic is non-biodegradable and the ecology of Ladakh is very sensitive. There are many restaurants in which you can eat and throw the garbage there. Throwing garbage and plastic near the lake is affecting the lake and its beauty.
6. Don’t go or swim in the lake
The lakes look so beautiful that everyone who knows swimming wants to swim or at least wants to dip their legs in the lake. But the lake is holy to the locals and the water is too cold. This type of activity can take your life as there is no hospital in a 34-kilometre radius.
7. Proper clothing
Pangong Tso is a high altitude lake. It gets too cold and windy that you cannot bear after some time. You will need proper clothing like woolen clothes caps, gloves and jackets. The weather changes every half an hour.
9. Visit in the daylight
You can visit or go camping with your tent at any lake in India. But in the Himalayan region, you cannot make this mistake. At Pangong, the temperature starts dropping after sunset and the weather can change at anytime there is no source or basic facilities available there.
10. Respect the rules
There are some rules which are made by the local authority and the Army There are many Army’s camps, so do not take photographs or enter these camps. Always carry your id proof especially when you’re travelling to Tso Moriri from Pangong Lake.
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