Last Updated: February 2026
Are you planning a trip to Pangong Tso on a budget and wondering if there is a bus service from Leh to Pangong Tso? Well, you are in the right place. Solo travel to Ladakh is getting popular with each passing year, and one of the most common questions I get on this blog is about the Leh to Pangong Tso bus service. In today’s article, let me cover everything you need to know about the JKSRTC bus from Leh to Pangong Tso, including the schedule, timings, bus fare, and the route it takes.
Private taxis in Leh – Ladakh are expensive, and if you are a solo traveler or a couple, they can eat into a huge chunk of your overall budget of Leh Ladakh trip. A two-day return taxi to Pangong Tso from Leh costs Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 as of 2025. Even if you find 4-5 people to share the cost, that is still Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per person. For budget travelers, this is where the JKSRTC bus service becomes a lifesaver.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Are Your Options to Reach Pangong Tso from Leh on a Budget?
Before we get into the bus details, let me quickly lay out all the transport options available from Leh to Pangong Tso so you can pick what suits your budget and schedule best. For sightseeing places near Leh, shared taxis are affordable even for solo travelers. However, for destinations like Pangong Tso, the costs go up significantly.
1. JKSRTC Government Bus (cheapest, runs on specific days only). One-way fare is approximately Rs 270 per person as of 2025. This is what we will cover in detail in this article.
2. Shared Taxi or Tempo Traveler (mid-range, available most days). Travel agents in Leh main market and Changspa road offer shared taxi seats for the Pangong Tso trip. You can expect to pay Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 per person for a 2-day shared trip. You will also find flyers at cafes and guesthouses from other travelers looking to share costs.
3. Private Taxi (most flexible, most expensive). A private taxi for a 2-day Leh to Pangong Tso round trip costs Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 as per the Leh Ladakh Taxi Union rate list. If you split this among 4-5 people, it becomes manageable.
Now, if you are on a shoestring budget and want to save every rupee, the JKSRTC bus is your best bet. Let me share the complete details below 🙂 …
What Is the Leh to Pangong Tso Bus Schedule and Timing?
The JKSRTC operates direct bus services from Leh to the Pangong Tso area. As of 2025, buses depart from the Leh bus stand (near the main market) on specific days of the week. Keep in mind that these schedules can change slightly from season to season, so always confirm at the bus stand a day before your planned journey.
Direct Leh to Pangong Tso (Spangmik) Bus: Two buses travel from Leh to Pangong Tso every Saturday and Sunday of the week. The bus departs at 6:00 AM from the Leh bus stand. The bus reaches Spangmik village at Pangong Tso by late afternoon, typically taking about 7 to 8 hours for the 170 km journey via Chang La pass.
Additional buses via Merak: Reports from recent travelers suggest that JKSRTC also operates buses on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 6:30 AM that travel via Spangmik and Man village to Merak. However, I suggest you verify this schedule at the Leh bus stand since these routes are subject to seasonal changes.
Hence, you can plan your trip from Leh to Pangong Tso by bus primarily on Saturday and Sunday. The bus display may not say “Pangong Tso” directly. Instead, it may show the name of a nearby village like Spangmik, Merak, or Chusul. Do not panic, just ask the bus conductor and they will confirm the route.
What Is the Return Schedule from Pangong Tso to Leh?
The return bus from Pangong Tso to Leh departs from Spangmik Village on Sunday and Monday at 6:00 AM. It is the same bus that arrives from Leh the previous day, stays overnight, and heads back the next morning. So if you take the Saturday bus from Leh, you catch the Sunday return bus. If you take the Sunday bus from Leh, you catch the Monday return bus.
This means your Leh to Pangong Tso trip by bus will be a 2-day affair. You spend one night at Pangong Tso and return the next morning. Plan accordingly and make sure you have accommodation booked or at least have a backup plan.
How Much Does the Leh to Pangong Tso Bus Ticket Cost?
The one-way bus fare from Leh to Pangong Tso (Spangmik) is approximately Rs 270 per person as of 2025. The return fare is the same, so a round trip by bus costs about Rs 540 per person. These fares are subject to revision by JKSRTC, so the exact amount may vary slightly when you travel.
I would suggest buying your ticket the evening before from the Leh bus stand itself. Do not wait until morning because the bus can fill up quickly, especially during the peak season from June to September. The bus stand counter opens in the evening for next-day tickets.
There is no online booking available for these buses. No pre-booking through RedBus or any app works for JKSRTC Ladakh local services. You have to go to the bus stand in person.
What Is the Complete Budget for a 2-Day Pangong Tso Trip by Bus?
This is the part that makes the bus option so attractive for budget travelers. Let me break down the approximate costs for a 2-day trip from Leh to Pangong Tso by JKSRTC bus.
| Expense | Cost (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Bus fare Leh to Pangong (one way) | Rs 270 |
| Bus fare Pangong to Leh (return) | Rs 270 |
| Homestay / Dorm tent at Spangmik (1 night) | Rs 500 – Rs 1,000 |
| Meals (dinner + breakfast + snacks) | Rs 300 – Rs 500 |
| Total (2-day round trip) | Rs 1,340 – Rs 2,040 |
Compare this with Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per person by shared taxi or Rs 10,000+ for a private taxi, and you can see why the bus is the clear winner for solo budget travelers. You can do a 2-day Pangong Tso trip for under Rs 2,000 all-inclusive. Not bad at all, my friend!
What Is the Route from Leh to Pangong Tso by Bus?
The bus from Leh to Pangong Tso follows the standard route via Chang La pass. Here is the route breakdown with approximate distances from Leh.
Leh (0 km) to Karu (36 km) to Sakti (45 km) to Chang La Pass (75 km, 17,688 ft) to Tangtse (100 km) to Lukung (136 km) to Spangmik (152 km)
The total distance from Leh to Spangmik at Pangong Tso is approximately 152-170 km depending on which side of the lake you are headed to. The journey takes 7 to 8 hours because the roads, while improved in recent years, are still mountain roads with plenty of curves and rough patches beyond Tangtse.
The bus crosses Chang La pass at 17,688 ft, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The bus stops at the cafeteria at Chang La for about 20 minutes for a tea break. You can grab a soup or chai and quickly take some photos. Keep in mind that the altitude here can make you feel lightheaded, so do not overexert yourself. If you have not spent at least 2 days acclimatizing in Leh before this trip, I strongly suggest you read our AMS and acclimatization guide first.
Lukung is the first village at Pangong Tso lake. Then about 16 km ahead comes Spangmik Village, which is where most camps and homestays are located. Further ahead are Merak and Chusul. Most travelers get off at Spangmik. In case the bus is going further to Merak or Chusul, just tell the conductor you want to get down at Spangmik.
What About Buses to Nearby Villages Like Tangtse, Chusul, and Phobrang?
Apart from the direct Saturday and Sunday buses to Pangong Tso, JKSRTC runs other buses from Leh to nearby villages in the Changthang region. These can be useful if the direct Pangong Tso bus does not match your schedule. Here are the details.
Leh to Chusul Bus Service
Chusul is about 50 km beyond Pangong Tso. It is the quaint little village from where you can see the China border. Just before Chusul, Pangong Tso turns into Chinese territory. There are two buses from Leh to Chusul.
The first bus starts from Leh bus stand at 6:30 AM every Wednesday. The one-way fare from Leh to Chusul is approximately Rs 394. This bus takes the Erath-Harong route. You can get down at Tangtse and then make your way to Lukung or Spangmik by hitchhiking or local transport. Tangtse is about 34 km from Pangong Tso.
The second bus travels from Leh to Chusul at 6:30 AM every Sunday. The one-way fare is approximately Rs 406. This is essentially the same bus that goes to Pangong Tso on Saturday and continues to Chusul on Sunday, so you can get off at Spangmik.
Leh to Phobrang Bus Service
Phobrang is about 15 km from Lukung, the first village at Pangong Tso lake. The bus from Leh to Phobrang departs at 7:00 AM every Saturday. The one-way fare up to Phobrang is approximately Rs 300. This gives you two options to reach Pangong Tso on Saturday, the other being the 6:00 AM direct bus.
Leh to Tangtse Bus Service
The buses going to Phobrang, Spangmik, and Chusul all pass through Tangtse. The bus going to Chusul on Wednesday is particularly useful because you can get down at Tangtse and then cover the remaining 34 km to Pangong Tso by hitchhiking or requesting a villager to drop you. The one-way bus fare up to Tangtse from Leh is approximately Rs 186.
How Do You Find Shared Taxis or Travel Partners for Pangong Tso?
In case the bus schedule does not work for you, do not worry. Leh has a vibrant traveler community, and finding travel partners to share a taxi is easier than you might think. Here is what I suggest.
Changspa Road and Leh Main Market: This is the backpacker hub of Leh. You will find tons of flyers at cafes, restaurants, and guesthouse notice boards from travelers looking to share taxis to Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri. Check the whiteboards at popular spots like Gesmo, Namza Cafe, or any of the travel agent offices.
Travel agents: If you do not want the hassle of finding people yourself, walk into any travel agent shop in Leh main market and book a seat on their shared tour. They combine solo travelers into groups of 4-6 for Pangong Tso trips. The cost is typically Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 per person for a 2-day trip including the taxi.
DwD Community: You can also check our DwD Community or the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the Main Menu of the website. Many travelers post about their upcoming trips and look for travel partners well in advance. This is a great way to connect with like-minded people.
Sometimes, when at Tangtse or another nearby village, you can also find locally shared jeeps headed towards Pangong Tso. Villagers with pickup trucks or campers can also be requested to drop you at the lake for a negotiated fare. This takes some patience and flexibility, but it works.
For a complete list of all bus routes operating in Ladakh, you can refer to the Leh Ladakh Bus Services timetable article on this blog.
Do You Need a Permit to Visit Pangong Tso?
Yes, Pangong Tso falls in a restricted area and you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit. This applies to all Indian citizens. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) which is processed through a registered travel agent in Leh.
The good news is that the Inner Line Permit can now be applied for online through the official Leh administration portal at lahdclehpermit.in. It is valid for up to 21 days for Indian citizens. The permit fee is Rs 400 per person for the environmental and Red Cross fees combined. I have covered the complete step-by-step process in our Ladakh Inner Line Permits Online guide.
Keep in mind, you need to apply for Pangong Tso specifically on your permit application. The permit mentions specific areas you are allowed to visit, so make sure “Pangong” is listed on yours. In case you are also planning to visit Nubra Valley or Tso Moriri, add those areas to the same permit application. It saves you from applying multiple times.
Where Should You Stay at Pangong Tso?
Spangmik Village is the most popular place to stay at Pangong Tso. It has the highest concentration of camps, homestays, and guest houses. Lukung, which is the first village you reach, also has a few options but Spangmik is better for budget stays.
As of 2025, here is what you can expect to pay at Pangong Tso for accommodation.
Dorm tents / shared tents: Rs 500 to Rs 800 per person (basic, shared with other travelers)
Homestays: Rs 700 to Rs 2,000 per night (usually includes meals)
Budget camps (private tent): Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per night (with meals)
Mid-range to luxury camps: Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000+ per night
For detailed accommodation options and reviews, check our Hotels and Accommodation near Pangong Tso guide. I always suggest that budget travelers go for a homestay. You get a warm room, home-cooked Ladakhi food, and the experience of staying with a local family. It is much better than a cold tent, trust me.
What Are Some Important Tips for Traveling to Pangong Tso by Bus?
Based on feedback from readers and fellow travelers in the DwD community, here are some practical tips to keep in mind if you are planning to travel from Leh to Pangong Tso by JKSRTC bus.
1. Acclimatize in Leh first. Do not take the bus to Pangong Tso on your first or second day in Leh. The route crosses Chang La at 17,688 ft and Pangong Tso itself is at 14,270 ft. Spend at least 2-3 days in Leh acclimatizing before attempting this trip. AMS is no joke and being on a public bus with no flexibility to stop makes it worse.
2. Carry warm clothes even in summer. Pangong Tso gets bitterly cold at night, even in July and August. Temperatures can drop to 0 to 5 degrees Celsius. Carry a good quality jacket, thermals, and a sleeping bag if possible. The homestays provide blankets but an extra layer never hurts.
3. Carry snacks and water. The bus makes limited stops. Carry biscuits, dry fruits, energy bars, and at least 2 liters of water. There is a cafeteria at Chang La pass where the bus stops, and you can grab tea and Maggi, but do not rely on it alone.
4. Try to get a left-side window seat. On the journey from Leh to Pangong Tso, the left side of the bus offers the more scenic views, especially after crossing Chang La. You will also get the first glimpse of Pangong Tso from the left side. However, views keep changing from left to right throughout the journey.
5. Mobile network is very limited. You will have BSNL/MTNL signal at Tangtse (intermittent) and Spangmik may have some coverage, but overall, mobile connectivity is poor on this route. Jio and Airtel have been expanding in Ladakh, but do not count on consistent signal. Inform your family about the lack of connectivity before you leave Leh. For more details, read our Mobile Phone Connectivity in Leh Ladakh guide.
6. Carry cash. There are no ATMs at Pangong Tso. The last ATM on this route is in Leh. Carry enough cash for accommodation, meals, and any emergency expenses. Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 in cash should be sufficient for a 2-day bus trip.
7. Your Inner Line Permit is mandatory. There is a checkpoint at Karu or just beyond where permits are checked. Keep your printed permit handy. Without it, you will be turned back. Apply online at lahdclehpermit.in at least a day before.
When Is the Best Time to Take the Leh to Pangong Tso Bus?
The JKSRTC bus service to Pangong Tso operates only during the tourist season, roughly from June to September. The exact start and end dates depend on road conditions, weather, and whether Chang La pass is clear of snow.
June: The service usually starts by mid-June. The road might have some rough patches early in the month. Expect cooler weather and fewer crowds.
July – August: Peak season. The buses are most crowded during this period. Buy your ticket the evening before without fail. The weather is pleasant during the day but still cold at night.
September: The crowds thin out and the weather starts turning cold. The bus service usually continues through September. This is actually a great time to visit if you prefer fewer tourists.
For a detailed month-by-month breakdown of the best time to visit Ladakh, refer to our Best Time to Travel to Ladakh guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any other way to travel to Pangong Tso from Leh if I miss the bus?
Yes. The direct JKSRTC buses to Pangong Tso run on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday (via Chusul). On other days, your best option is a shared taxi. Head to Changspa road or Leh main market and check flyers at cafes, travel agent offices, and guesthouse whiteboards. Many solo travelers and couples put up notices looking for travel partners to share taxi costs. You can also book a seat on a shared tour through any travel agent in Leh for about Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 per person.
How much time does the bus take to reach Pangong Tso from Leh?
The bus journey from Leh to Pangong Tso takes approximately 7 to 8 hours for the 170 km distance. The road crosses Chang La pass at 17,688 ft, and the bus makes a brief stop at the Chang La cafeteria for tea. The condition of the road beyond Tangtse can slow things down, especially after rain.
Can I pre-book or book the Leh to Pangong Tso bus online?
No, there is no online booking facility for the JKSRTC Leh to Pangong Tso bus service. You need to buy your ticket in person at the Leh bus stand. I recommend going the evening before to secure your seat, especially during peak season (July-August).
Is the Leh to Pangong Tso bus journey comfortable?
These are ordinary JKSRTC buses with basic seating. Do not expect deluxe or Volvo-level comfort. The seats are functional but not cushioned for a 7-8 hour mountain ride. I suggest carrying a small cushion or folded jacket for back support. Some travel agents run tempo travelers on this route, but those count as shared tourist vehicles and cost more than the bus.
Does the bus stop for sightseeing on the way to Pangong Tso?
No, the JKSRTC bus does not stop for sightseeing. It is a point-to-point service. The only scheduled stop is at the Chang La pass cafeteria for about 20 minutes. If you want to stop at every scenic point for photos, a private or shared taxi is a better option. On the bus, try to grab a window seat and enjoy the views as they pass by.
Can I travel from Pangong Tso to Nubra Valley directly by bus?
There is no direct bus service from Pangong Tso to Nubra Valley. You need to return to Leh first and then take a separate bus or taxi to Nubra Valley. However, if you are flexible, you can explore the Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso direct route by shared taxi. Some travel agents in Leh offer combined packages covering Nubra, Pangong, and Tso Moriri in one loop.
What should I carry on the Leh to Pangong Tso bus trip?
Carry warm clothes (jacket, thermals), sunscreen, sunglasses, 2 liters of water, snacks (biscuits, dry fruits, energy bars), any personal medication (Diamox if prescribed for altitude), your printed Inner Line Permit, ID proof, and enough cash (Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000). There are no ATMs at Pangong Tso and mobile network is unreliable.
Is the Leh to Pangong Tso bus safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, the bus is generally safe. It is a government-operated service and you will find a mix of local villagers and tourists on board. Ladakh is one of the safest regions in India for solo female travelers. At Pangong Tso, stick to Spangmik village where there are plenty of homestays and other travelers around. That said, always exercise basic precautions and let someone in Leh know your travel plan.
Conclusion
I hope this article helps you plan your trip from Leh to Pangong Tso by bus. The JKSRTC bus service is a blessing for budget travelers and solo backpackers who do not want to spend thousands on a private taxi. At just Rs 270 one way, it is the cheapest way to see Pangong Tso, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Keep in mind that bus schedules may change slightly from year to year, so always verify at the Leh bus stand a day or two before your planned trip. And do not forget to get your Inner Line Permit sorted before you head out.
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Have you traveled from Leh to Pangong Tso by bus? I would love to hear about your experience. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below. If you know friends or family planning a budget trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them to help save some money 🙂 …
