Merak
The farthest village on the Indian side of Pangong Tso that foreign visitors can reach, with traditional Ladakhi stone houses, barley fields and the site chosen for India's National Large Solar Telescope.
Merak is the southernmost village on the Indian side of Pangong Tso that visitors can reach, about 25 km from Spangmik. It is larger than Man. Traditional Ladakhi flat-roofed stone houses, barley fields and yak pastures are built along the lakeshore. Visitors can stay in family homestays to experience local nomadic life and sample butter tea and tsampa. The nearby highlands were selected as the site of India's National Large Solar Telescope (NLST), and the air is exceptionally clear. Heading farther south brings you closer to the Line of Actual Control, with more military checkpoints, and photographing military installations is prohibited. Foreigners must confirm that their Inner Line Permit specifically names Merak. There are no petrol stations along the way, so fill up in Leh or Tangtse before setting out.
Opening hours
All day