Pangong Tso vs Zanskar Valley
Pick Pangong Tso for
camping, nature, couples, fewer days
Pick Zanskar Valley for
peace and quiet, culture and heritage, a spiritual journey, fewer people, a smaller budget
| Pangong Tso | Zanskar Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Ladakh, Changthang, Leh | Ladakh, Padum, Kargil |
| Highest point | 5,360 m | 4,400 m |
| Difficulty | Easy–moderate | Easy–moderate |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | No trek needed |
| Days on the ground | 4–5 | 8–10 |
| Best months | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Snow likely | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Quiet |
| Daily spend | about ₹4,000 | about ₹3,000 |
| Gateway | Leh | Leh / Srinagar |
| With kids | Possible | Possible |
| With seniors | Not advised | Possible |
| Permits | Ladakh protected-area permit required. | Check current Kargil district requirements. |
Pangong Tso: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- ❄︎Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Zanskar Valley: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- ❄︎May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- ❄︎Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely