The spectacular high altitude Pangong Lake is one of the `must dos' of Ladakh. But it's as much about the journey as the destination.
Pangong Lake (4350 metres above sea level) is a substantial body of water that straddles Indian and Chinese territory. It is famous for its ever changing, bluer than blue waters.
It is a six hour drive from Leh over some high mountain roads, including the second highest pass in the world. Some parts of the road are very rough but there's a lot of roadwork happening and I expect it will be much smoother ride in a few years.
On the way you pass many great sights, including Takthok Monastery.
Takthok.
It is remote country shared by yak farmers and the army. Btw, this one turned out better than I expected, shot out of a moving vehicle on a bumpy piece of road. Thank you modern image stabilisation!
We were invited into this tent made of yak wool. Inside the tent, women made yak cheese and drank tea ...
... while watching the cricket on tv. All just as I do at home. Except for the yak cheese part. Yak cheese by the way, if you haven't tried it, is very good.
It helps to have a herd of yaks nearby.
Across Chang-La, second highest mountain pass by road in the world at 5400 metres. Signs on the road and on the pass continually seek to reaffirm the extent of Indian territory.
Now you tell me.
So, Pangong Lake at last. Absolutely spectacular.
Extraordinary textures.
So many shades of blue.
It's a drawcard for Indian tourists. Apart from the stunning scenery, apparently a famous Bollywood movie was set here.
One last look before heading back to Leh.
Since you insist, one more.
Back over the Chang-la pass.
Great late afternoon valley views.
And back into Leh on sunset. It was a long way, but what a fantastic day out.
Those incredible lake views will stay with me a long time.
Breathtaking views. I am surprised to see that they have electricity in the tent. And the flat screen TV.
Me too. And a satellite dish.