Lang Tso and Stat Tso are twin high-altitude lakes near the Pensi La pass in Kargil district, on the road from the Suru valley into Zanskar. They lie just round the corner from the pass, at roughly 4,400 metres, and mark the point where one valley system hands over to the next. Most people see them from the road on the way to Zanskar.
Duke Kashmir Travels, a Srinagar agency registered as JKTA00003978 since 2011, plans the Kargil-Zanskar road for travellers who want the far side of Ladakh. Packages start near ₹6,350 per person, two to a room.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- Near the Pensi La pass, in Kargil district.
- Two lakes side by side, at roughly 4,400 metres.
- They mark the link between the Suru valley and Zanskar.
- Bare high plateau country, with glaciers visible from the road.
- Open roughly May to September.
- Rangdum is the last monastery before the crossing.
Where exactly are they?
Just below the Pensi La, on the Kargil side, where the road tops out before dropping towards Zanskar.
They are roadside lakes rather than a trek objective, which is what makes them easy to include: a stop of fifteen minutes on a long driving day.
What is the setting like?
Open, treeless and very high, with the Drang-Drung glacier system not far beyond the pass and snow on the ridges most of the year.
Weather changes fast and there is no shelter. Carry warm clothing regardless of the date, and do not plan on mobile coverage.
When can you go?
Roughly May to September, when the Pensi La is clear. The road closes for the rest of the year.
This is part of a Kargil to Zanskar journey rather than a day trip. See tour ideas for how the Ladakh routes fit together.
Booking this with us
Duke Kashmir Travels works out of Nowhatta Chowk in Srinagar, registered as JKTA00003978 since 2011, IATO allied member since 2016 and a TAAK member. See About Us for the rest.
Share your travel dates and group size and we will price the trip around this stop. Phone +91 9018 44 0000, write to info@dukekashmirtravels.com, or open the contact page.
About the founder
Founder Rayies Ahmad Zargar opened Duke Kashmir Travels in Srinagar in 2011, sits in TAAK, co-founded the JK Tourism Council, and signs off the guides on this site. Find him on LinkedIn.