• By : Shruti Sharma
• Jul 7, 2020

Origin and Expansion of Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake is the first image that comes in mind as soon as you hear about ‘Ladakh’. Few scenes from the cult Bollywood movie, ‘3 Idiots’ were also being shot around the lake. Another significant reason why the lake has gained huge popularity is the rising tension between the Indian and Chinese army. This largest saltwater lake has been one of the most visited places in Ladakh.

Pangong TSO ( Pangong refers to as High grassland and TSO refers to as lake in Tibetan) is also known for some intriguing and mysterious facts that I shall quickly share with you in this article.

Unknown and Known facts related to Pangong Tso:

1. Changing colors:

Do you know that the lake water colour changes in intervals? It is one of the reasons why the lake is so popular in worldwide tourism. You get to experience the shades of blue, green, and red. Breath-taking, isn’t it?

2. Highest altitude:

Pangong Lake has one of the highest altitudes in the world and is majorly filled with saline water. Despite the saline presence, the lake freezes during winters making it look enchanting. Now, that’s strange!

3. Disputed Lake:

Sadly, the enchanting beauty of the lake is always under stress as it is in the disputed region that lies between China and Tibet. The recent tension between China and India has raised many threats and questions in people’s minds on its border.

4. No aquatic life:

Do you know that it is one of the rare lakes that don’t have any aquatic creatures including fish? Thus, it is one of the most naturally clean lakes in the world. As a result, the micro vegetation underwater also remains nil.

5. Basin like structure:

The structure of the lake is like a basin that retains its water restricting its flow to other water bodies in the surrounding areas. Thus, its water doesn’t touch any other oceans of rivers. Pangong Lake has its own collected water.

Expansion of the Lake:

Geographically, the lake is 5 km wide with a length of 134 km. Pangong Lake is situated at a height of 4350m from sea level.

Origin of Pangong Tso:

You will find Khurnak Fort which is based on the northern banks of the lake. The fort has nothing to explore except for the ruins. It is controlled by the Chinese army. The eastern part of the lake in Tibet remains in dispute between India and China. In simple terms, one-third of the lake’s portion lies in India, and the remaining two-third lies in China.

Hope you enjoyed reading the article on Pangong Lake.

Source Links:

https://theprint.in/statedraft/why-the-serene-pangong-lake-lies-at-the-heart-of-india-china-border-dispute-in-ladakh/441537/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/intriguing-facts-about-pangong-lake-to-bowl-you-over/as67128956.cms

http://cinemarasik.com/2020/06/galwan-pangong-back-to-1962-war-capture-so-just-a-beginning/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-china-conflict-in-ladakh-the-importance-of-the-pangong-tso-lake-6419377/

https://www.yatra.com/india-tourism/pangong/history