Pangong to TsoMoriri via Leh or not ?

Our Ladakh trip will start with a 2 day trip to Pangong (hoping to include Hanle & overnight near the lake) then come back to Leh. The next day we plan to proceed towards Tso Moriri -> TsoKar -> Sarchu/keylong -> Manali in the next 3 days.

Is is advisable to come back to Leh from Pangong and then proceed towards Tso Moriri ? Can we avoid coming back to Leh altogether and directly proceed towards Tso Moriri stopping enroute overnight (place ?). We do not wish to make it very hectic.

Yes. Two options:

1. While taking permit, ask for Spangmik, Man, Merak, Khaktse, Chushul, Rezang La, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, Korzok. This is short route. If you get permit, take this route.

2. If you do not get permit for above route, come back to Karu and then take left for Upshi. Go straight till Chumathang. Stay here overnight. Only basic accommodation is available. Next mornign go to Tso moriri.

Thanks for that info. I am aware Pangong to Leg takes 5-6 hrs and that Leh to Tso Moriri takes 7-8 hours.

Considering that will it be a travel/time saver if I take take the option No.2 ?

Yes.

Day 1: Start from Leh and reach Pangong. Stay for few hours. Drive back. Instead of going to Leh, turn towards Upshi and stay at Chumathang.
Day 2: Start from Chumatahng and reach Tso moriri by 12. Relax, walk, talk, see, eat, drink, etc... If you go to Leh on day 1, you will reach Tso moriri by evening.
Day3: In both cases you need full day to go back to Leh.

But if you go straight to Pangong after arriving in Leh you are inviting altitude sickness.

By straight to Pangong I meant that it is the first destination on the list. We will be hanging around for 3 days in Leh itself before starting. We would not be going to Nubra as we have been there earlier.

Hi Paresh, hope you are around ! If not, I guess some Ladakh expert can help me!

I understand that many parts of the route quoated above is kachcha or are trails rather than roads.

Questions:

1. What would be the distance and drive time if we follow the route quoted above?
2. Would Rezang La be a problem traversing late-May or early-June?
3. What would be the expected drive time/distance if we proceed to Sarchu from Tso Moriri the next day?

In 2011 the route along Pangong Lake to Chushul opened up to Indian tourists, but I heard that it closed again so that in 2012 you were not allowed to continue along Pangong Lake past Merak. You have to go back over Chang-La and reach the Indus valley at Kharu.

Thanks NIR!

After some search, I could get a thread on BCMT indeed.

For other travellers, here is the link:

Permit on hold for Chushul and other areas around LAC

It is indeed sad that many travellers are deprived for foolishness of a few people, if the story doing the rounds is correct!

So the only other option left from Spangmik for Tso Moriri is as below?

Spangmik-Durbuk-Chang La-Saktui-Karu-Upshi-Kumdok-Chumathang-Mahe-Sumdo-Karzok?

Can it be done in a day? Distances, drive time ideas?

Is there a place in this route where 16-19 people including kids can find accommodation? Will that need booking? Any contact details?

If you have kids in your group, then NO it cant be covered in a day.
Take a night halt at Chumathang - nice GH near the hot springs, and a LOT warmer than Karzok. Visit Karzok the next morning and head back to Leh to reach in the evening,