Pangong Tso is one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. Stretching from eastern Ladakh to Tibet, it is a 134 kilometer long narrow strip of water where tourist needs an Inner Line Permit to visit. It is nestled at an elevation of 14,256 feet above sea level and freezes completely during the winters. Currently, it is in the process of being recognized as a globally much-admired wetland under the Ramsar Convention. The saltwater of this lake has very sparse vegetation and is bereft of any aquatic life except for little crustaceans. Pangong Lake is a paradise for bird watchers as it plays important role as a main breeding point for a number of migrant birds like Brahmini ducks and Bar-headed goose.

Pangong is an endorheic lake in the ladakh, nestled at an elevation of around 14,270 feet. Around 60% portion of the lake lies in China. To access the Pangong Lake, tourists can take a five hours long drive from Leh through coarse and dramatic mountain road. Pangong Tso is a average terrain. The Line of Actual Control passes through this lake. The 20 kilometers east of this lake from the Line of Actual Control is controlled by China and its eastern end lies in Tibet. Located on the northern bank of the Pangong Lake, the Khurnak Fort is located midway of Pangong Tso. By the end of 1952, the Chinese military controlled the Khurnak Fort area.