Published:
December 20, 2024
Pangong Lake, meaning "high grassland lake" in Tibetan, is known for its mesmerizing color changes from blue to green and red. Surrounded by Tibetan Buddhist culture and the Changpa nomads' traditional lifestyle, the lake lies near the India-China border, requiring permits for visitors due to its strategic significance.
The Battle of Pangong Tso during the 1962 Sino-Indian War was a fierce confrontation in
the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Ladakh. The Indian Army’s 1/8 Gorkha Rifles (GR)
was tasked with defending critical positions on both the Northern and Southern banks of
the pristine yet strategically vital Pangong Tso Lake. On the Northern bank, the Sirijap
Complex, at elevations of 4000m and 4400m, was isolated and reliant on boat supplies
across the lake, with no land connectivity to the battalion. On the Southern bank, another
company of 1/8 GR manned three posts. The rest of the battalion defended the Spangur
Gap, with posts on Gurung Hill and Magar Hill, forming a defensive arc against Chinese
advances. The battle began with a coordinated Chinese assault. The defenders at the
Sirijap Complex fought heroically, holding their positions despite relentless artillery and
infantry attacks. On the Southern bank, Indian troops at Gurung and Magar Hills faced
similar ferocity, with the post in the Spangur Gap bearing the brunt of the offensive.
Outnumbered and outgunned, the Indian soldiers resisted valiantly, inflicting heavy
casualties.
Note: Since Pangong TSO is situated at an altitude of approximately 14,200 feet above sea level, tourists are advised to follow the acclimatization process. Please refer to the PDF attached in the important links section.
Leh → Karu ( 38 Km) → Tangtse ( 116 Km) → Lukung ( 151 Km) → Pangong Tso ( 225 Km) Destination
