Pangong Tso Lake

Both India and China have ramped up infrastructure development on the north bank of Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh and western Tibet. China is constructing a bridge to connect the north and south banks of the lake, while India is building a black-topped road on its side of the north bank.

Key Points

Pangong Tso is a high altitude saltwater lake in Ladakh.
It is the world’s highest saltwater lake.
Pangong Lake, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high
grassland lake”.
Formerly, Pangong Tso had an outlet to the Shyok River, a tributary of the Indus River, but it was
closed off by natural damming.
Two streams feed the lake from the Indian side, forming marshes and wetlands at the edges.
Distribution – 1/3rd of the lake is lying in India & the other 2/3rd is in China.
Pangong Lake is a disputed territory between India and china where the Line of Actual Control
passes through the lake.
The Western end is disputed between India and Pakistan.
Pangong has a unique feature, it acts like a chameleon and changes its color from blue to green to
even grey at times.
Though it is a saline water lake, it freezes completely during winters.
The lake is in the process of being identified as a wetland of international importance under the
Ramsar Convention.
After the convention, it will be a first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia.

Pangong Tso Lake as a Tourist Site:

Inner Line Permit is required to visit the Pangong Lake as it is situated at the border of Line of Actual Control.
Tourists can rent a boat but can’t land on island.
China National Highway 219 passes by eatern side of Pangong Lake.
The “Khumak Bridges” are the twin bridges over the Pongong Lake, one is smaller and a bigger one for the heavy
vehicles, built by China to connect Khumak Bridge of North to Rutog in Southeast which will reduce the distance of 150Kms.

Flora Fauna of Pangong Tso Lake

According to the guides, there are no fish or any other aquatic life on Indian side of Pangong Lake except some crustaceans.
There are numerous ducks and gulls over and on the lake surface.
There are some species of scrubs and perennial herbs grow in the marshes around the sea.
The lake acts as an important breeding ground for the variety of birds including migratory birds.
During summer, the Bar Headed Geese and Brahmini ducks are commonly seen here.
Freshwater snails of genes Radix also found in the Pangong Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pangong Tso Lake

Q1: What is the recent news about Pangong Tso Lake?

The recent news is that both India and China have been undertaking infrastructure development on the north bank of Pangong Tso Lake in the eastern Ladakh region and western Tibet. China is constructing a bridge to connect the north and south banks of the lake, while India is building a black-topped road on its side of the north bank. This development highlights the ongoing activities and interests of both countries in the disputed region.

Q2: Where is Pangong Tso Lake located and what is its significance?

Pangong Tso Lake is a high-altitude saltwater lake located in Ladakh, a region in the northern part of India. It is known as the world’s highest saltwater lake. The lake, with its scenic beauty and unique characteristics, has become a popular tourist destination. It holds significance as a disputed territory between India and China, with the Line of Actual Control passing through the lake. The western end of the lake is also disputed between India and Pakistan.

Q3: What are some unique features of Pangong Tso Lake?

Pangong Tso Lake has several unique features. It changes its color from blue to green and sometimes even grey, giving it a chameleon-like appearance. Despite being a saline water lake, it freezes completely during winters. The lake is also in the process of being identified as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, which would make it the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia.

Read also:- Lakes- Rivers & Dams