A typical itinerary to the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh includes a trip to the popular Pangong Lake. While most tourists take snapshots at the more frequented spots along the lake, a magical treasure lies further along the shore – the quiet little village of Spangmik. This guide details the trip from Leh to Spangmik village to help you escape the crowds while still being surrounded by the breathtaking views Ladakh has to offer. We will discuss the details of the trip, the things you can expect to do at this remote destination, and the best time of year to visit.
What Is The Location of Spangmik Village?
The small, charming village of Spangmik is located at the western banks of the equally beautiful Pangong Lake in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. At an altitude of roughly 4,240 meters (13,910 feet), it is one of the highest Pangong villages accessible to tourists. Spangmik is approximately 7-8 kilometers from the main viewing area of the lake, often called “3 Idiots Point”. This makes Spangmik one of the last villages along the Pangong Lake shoreline.
Why Spangmik Is Called The Last Village of Pangong
From a tourist’s point of view, Spangmik village deserves to be called the last village of Pangong Pangong, though it has smaller villages down the road like Maan and Merak. Spangmik is the last big village and it is a place where tourists do not need to have special permits to go to restricted border areas. Spangmik has beautiful views of the lake and is not very crowded because of its location. Spangmik is a nice place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pangong area.
How To Go To Spangmik Village
The trip is a part of the adventure since it has beautiful and stunning landscapes and mountain passes. The most common route takes you through all of Ladakh’s most famous landscapes.
Leh → Tangtse → Pangong → Shooting Point → Spangmik
Leh to Chang La Pass
- The journey begins in Leh and takes you over Chang La Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable passes and one of the most scenic drives in Ladakh.
Chang La to Tangtse
- After descending from Chang La, you reach Tangtse, a small town that makes a good stop for a short break and altitude acclimatization.
Tangtse to Pangong Lake
- As you continue driving, the stunning blue waters of Pangong Lake come into view, marking the most visually striking part of the journey.
Pangong Lake to Shooting Point
- The road passes through the main tourist area and the famous Shooting Point, which is the most visited spot along the lake.
Shooting Point to Spangmik Village
- Instead of stopping at the Shooting Point, drive another 7–8 km along the lake for quieter views. This final stretch, with the lake on one side and mountains on the other, leads directly into Spangmik Village.
How long does it take to drive from Leh to Spangmik?
It typically takes 5 to 7 hours to drive from Leh to Spangmik village. The distance is around 160 kilometers. There are many variables that can affect the driving time. For instance, the weather, and the condition of the road, will impact how long the drive takes. Additionally, you will need to factor in how many breaks you take to rest or take photos. Make sure you leave Leh early so that you can make it to Spangmik before the sun goes down.
Best Time to Travel from Leh to Spangmik Village
Traveling to Spangmik Village during the summer, between the months of May and September, is the best time to go. The Spangmik weather is perfect during that time making the temperatures warm making it pleasant to travel. However, it does get quite cold in the evening, so make sure to have warm clothes. The colors of the summer sun make the lake look beautiful so take pictures. It is not recommended to travel to Spangmik outside of those months because snow makes the roads difficult to travel. The mountain passes of Chang La are blocked by heavy snow.
Road Conditions & Driving Tips
There are two different kinds of roads from Leh to Spangmik Village. The first kind is the well paved, smooth roads. These can frequently change to very rough and bumpy roads. This is the case especially around Chang La pass. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is keeping the roads up to date, so they shouldn’t be a problem.
If you’re driving yourself, it’s best to drive something like an SUV. Be sure to go slow, you never know what’s around the next turn on the Chang La because of how treacherous the turns can be. It’s best to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude in Leh, so make sure to stick around there for a couple of days before you start this drive to avoid getting altitude sickness.
Do You Need Permits to Visit Spangmik Village?
If you are an Indian traveler, you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Spangmik Village and the Pangong Lake. If you are an international traveler, you need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). You can apply for both these permits online through the Leh Administration website or through any of the local travel agents in Leh. A travel agent can also help you with a photocopy of the permit, which you are likely to need to give to the military checkpoint guards as you travel.
What to Do in Spangmik Village
The main attraction in Spangmik is the village itself and the access to Pangong Lake.
Strolling Along the Shores of Pangong Lake: You may want to stay away from the commercialized beaches and instead walk along to the more quiet part of the lake, where you can enjoy the peace while the lake changes its color in front of you.
Explore the Village: Enjoy the hospitality of the local village and observe the architecture and the traditional way of life in the villages of Ladakh.
Stargazing: Since Spangmik is away from the urban light pollution, you can observe the milky way with the naked eye on a clear night.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Spangmik is more varied than it used to be. You can find options from very basic to a lot more comfortable.
Campsites and Tents: For those who want to stay as close to the lake as possible, camps in Pangong Lake are a popular option. These tented camps come with proper beds, attached bathrooms, and included meals. Waking up to the changing colors of the lake is a major highlight of staying in Pangong Lake camps.
Hotels and Guesthouses Near Pangong Lake:
For a more substantial and comfortable stay, you can choose from a few small hotels and guesthouses near Pangong Lake that offer well-built rooms and essential amenities. These accommodations are ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed overnight stay, and advance booking is recommended during the peak tourist season.
Who Can Travel from Leh to Spangmik Village?
Travel to Spangmik is perfect for:
Photographers: The landscape is beautiful and there are a lot of great opportunities to take pictures.
Peace Seekers: Spangmik is perfect if you want to experience Pangong Lake without a lot of people there.
Fun Seekers: The long, winding road with a lot of elevation is definitely a thrill for people looking for an adventure.
Cultural Explorers: A Spangmik Homestay provides an immersive tear in their culture.
Taking into account the high altitude, people that suffer with serious respiratory or heart issues, or families with small kids, we do not recommend this trip.
FAQs
Q1. How far is Spangmik from Leh?
It is around 160 km (100 miles) from Leh to Spangmik.
Q2. How long is the travel time from Leh to Spangmik?
Travel time is between 5 to 7 hours depending on road conditions and the how many stops you take.
Q3. How high is Spangmik?
Spangmik is 4240m (13,910ft) above sea level.
Q4. Do I need a permit to visit Spangmik?
Yes. Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit and foreign tourists need a Protected Area Permit.
Q5. When is the best time to visit Spangmik?
The best time is between May and September as the weather is nice and the roads are open.