Desolate Spangmik, Ladakh

8 kms from Pangong lake lies Spangmik one of the faraway desolate villages of India facing the icy Himalayan winds and the harsh sunlight. The land is almost barren saving for few pathces of fertile tract which bear fruit only once a year. But Spangmik still has a resort by the lake. In case you don't want to stay at the basic accommodation at Pangong So you might book yourself a room at the resort through the Overland Tours at Leh. Although the resort is a property of J & K Tourism but it has been leased out to the above mentioned tour operators. The rare proper WC is it's high point, other accommodations at the lake offer only Ladakhi style toiltes.

People don't come to Spangmik usually but the weekend we chose to visit it was booked through, so it is advisable to make early bookings from Leh in case you want to enjoy total desolation of the desert. Night temperatures are likely to fall to below freezing so it is better to carry extra sleeping bags. In such remote outposts please do not expect five star food. The fair is largely vegetarian with some eggs thrown in if you so desire.

Ladakhi lady going to her farm. The farm set next to the highest lake in Asia, Pangong So.

Basic information:
How to reach Spangmik?
Spangmik can be reached by renting a car from Leh. It is a 4/5 hours drive from Leh. If you don't want to leave your carbon foot print behind you could catch the weekly bus leaving Leh every Saturday to reach Spangmik. The bus ride will take 7 hours. This bus however returns to Leh on Monday.

Required permits: All travelers need inner line permits, both Indians as well as foregn nationals. Contact either a travel agent in Leh city for the permit or ask your hotel reception desk to organise one for you. The minimum number of foreign nationals required for issual of a permit is four, hence it is difficult for the lone traveller and it is easier to get through a travel agent. This is a sore thumb with the tourists and this archaic law should be rectified immediately. There is another twist in the tail, Indians are often given a permit for a day or two where as foreign nationals are issued a minimum permit of 7 days! So plan out ahead and get a permit of at least two days which would allow you time to enjoy this desolation to the hilt.

Best time to visit: May and end September, beyond that it might get a little crowded in the peak season but thankfully most visitors are day trppers, so one can enjoy the night sky in peace.

Cost: Round trip to Leh would cost Rs. 5500. All rates are fixed and one can verify with the chart at the taxi stand.