Konstantin Ignatyev

Pangong lake is unbelievably beautiful. We went as far as Merat, when we were half way there in the middle of nowhere we stopped to take a swim, but then heard sound of motor and another couple appeared on motorcycle, newest Royal Enfield Himalaya. They were from Pune and were heading for last Indian village before China border, but got stuck in the sand and were ready to turn back. With us their spirit soared and they decided to resume their quest: we proceed together till Merat from which we turned back to our camp and they proceeded further - hope they made it! Pangong in tibetan stand for “long, narrow, enchanted lake”. The lake is an endorheic lake (no outflow of water, only evaporation) in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,270 ft). It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to Tibet. The line of actual control passes through the lake, 20 km of the east section of the lake is controlled by China but claimed by India and the eastern part is in Tibet. Approximately 60% of the length of the lake lies in Tibet. Even though Pangong Lake is a salt water lake, the entire lake freezes in winter.