The government of Union Territory of Ladakh has reopened Pangong lake for tourists from January 10. This region is the most prized picnic spot and one of the main theatres of the ongoing standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies, for tourists after nearly a year. In an official press release, the deputy commissioner, Leh said that tourists intending to visit Pangong Lake should apply for Inner Line Permit (ILP) at DC office Leh near polo-ground. The tourists can also apply for the ILP online.
Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Extending to almost 160km, one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China. The area in and around the lake saw India and China engaging in some of the worst confrontations in the whole of eastern region after reports that China has occupied the heights in Finger 4 area. China apparently had thrown their side of the lake open in September last year, when videos surfaced showing Chinese welcoming the international tourists. Pangong Lake derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. Pangong Lake is also known to change colours, appearing blue, green, and red at different times. Last year following the stand-off between the Indian Army and the PLA along the Line of Actual Control, the government in Leh restricted movement in the region.
