Friday, July 25, 2025

Pangong Tso, Leh – Connectivity

Pangong Tso, Leh – Connectivity

The lake is located at about 36 Kms from Tangtse, 55 Kms from Chushul, 147 Kms from Leh, 149 Kms from Leh Airport, 233 Kms from Tso Kar, 252 Kms from Tso Moriri, 506 Kms from Manali. The lake is situated at about 36 Kms to the south east of Tangtse on the Leh to Chushul route. Phobrang – Marsimik La – Tsogtsalu – Hot Springs Road (PMTHR) or Marsimik La Road (MLR) in Changchenmo Range, via Phobrang & Marsimik La is a motorable, black-topped road which runs east of Pangong Tso. It also provides access to the Finger – 4 Road. Finger – 4 Road (F4R), is a black top motorable road till Finger – 4 on the northern bank of the Pangong Tso. Lukung – Chartse Road (LC Road), 32 km long road connects the northwest bank of Pangong Tso.

Surtok – Kakstet – Chushul Road (CKC road), a motorable, black-topped road parallel to the southern bank of Pangong Tso, provides shortest route from Surtok, Spangmik, Man, Merak & Kakshet to Chushul. Pangong Lake shore Road (PL road) is a motorable road along the scenic southern shore of Pangong Tso from Kakset to Chushul via Lukung and Thakung (Indian military post). Leh is the nearest town situated close to this lake. Leh is located at about 215 Kms from Kargil, 419 Kms from Kashmir, 426 Kms from Manali and 661 Kms from Jammu. Leh Airport has flights to and from Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo & Vistara operate Delhi to Leh daily with multiple flights at peak times.

There are no railway stations at Leh currently. Leh is connected to the rest of India by two high-altitude roads, both of which are subject to landslides and impassable in winter due to snows. The National Highway 1 from Srinagar via Kargil is generally open longer. National Highway 1 typically remains open for traffic from April / May to October / November. The most dramatic part of this journey is the ascent up the 3,505-metre-high (11,499 ft) Zoji-la, a tortuous pass in the Great Himalayan Wall. The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) operates regular deluxe and ordinary bus services between Srinagar and Leh on this route, with an overnight halt at Kargil.

Taxis (cars and jeeps) are also available at Srinagar for the journey. The Leh-Manali Highway (National Highway 3) can be troublesome due to very high passes and plateaus. This highway has served as the second land approach to Ladakh. It is open from June to late October, this high road traverses the upland desert plateaux of Rupsho, whose altitude ranges from 3,660 m (12,010 ft) to 4,570 m (14,990 ft). There are a number of high passes en route among which the highest one, known as Tanglang La, is sometimes incorrectly claimed to be the world's second-highest motorable pass at an altitude of 5,325 metres (17,470 ft).

Pangong Tso, Leh – Flora & Fauna

Pangong Tso, Leh – Flora & Fauna

It is the largest and most brackish wetland in the cold desert ecosystem of the Trans-Himalaya. Due to its extreme salinity, the lake does not have any vegetation in the deeper parts, but at the margins and marshy areas, typical, steppe vegetation is seen. Sedges and grasses are found towards the northern and eastern sides. The surrounding plateau and hills support low thorn scrub and perennial herbs. There are some brackish to saline marshes near the western end, with adjacent wet meadows.

The low biodiversity has been reported as being due to high salinity and harsh environmental conditions. There are no fish or other aquatic life on the Indian side of the lake, except for some small crustaceans. Freshwater snails of the genus Radix also live in the lake. The stream coming from the south-eastern side (Cheshul nalla) has fish species namely False Osman (Schizopygopsis stoliczkai), Tibetan stone loach (Triplophysa stolickai), Triplophysa gracilis and Kunar snowtrout (Racoma labiata).

The lake is an important breeding area for a variety of waterfowl. The birds found in the lake are Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed goose, Brahmini duck and Black-necked crane. The region around the lake supports a number of species of wildlife. Some of the animals found are Tibetan wild ass (kiang), snow leopard, great Tibetan sheep, Ladakh urial, blue sheep, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan wolf, red fox, Himalayan mouse hare, and Himalayan marmot.

Chagar Tso, Leh, Ladakh

Chagar Tso, Leh, Ladakh

Chagar Tso is a small freshwater lake located in the Leh District of Union Territory of Ladakh, India. It is a high-altitude lake located at an altitude of about 14,270 feet. This lake is situated on the way to Pangong Tso. This lake is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.


The Lake

The lake is situated at an altitude of about 14,270 feet (4,323 meters) above sea level. The lake is surrounded by lofty mountains and valleys. The glaciers surrounding the lake is the main source of water. The lake and its surroundings are home to unique flora and fauna endemic to the Himalayan region, including migratory bird species and rare wildlife. The best time to visit Chagar Tso is from May to September when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Due to its high altitude, Chagar Tso experiences lower oxygen levels compared to the sea level. The thin air at such elevations poses a risk of altitude-related illnesses, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Therefore, it is crucial for visitors to acclimatize properly before ascending to this beautiful Lake. Boating, Bird watching, and Photography are the popular activities carried out in this lake.

Connectivity

The lake is located at about 12 Kms from Pangong Tso, 24 Kms from Tangtse, 103 Kms from Karu, 135 Kms from Leh and 138 Kms from Leh Airport. The lake is situated on Leh to Pangong Tso route. To reach this lake, visitors need to start their journey from Leh and head Karu towards Changla Pass. One must follow the Leh Pangong road to reach this lake. The journey might take around 4 hours. There is no special permit required to visit this lake.

Location

Pangong Tso, Leh, Ladakh

Pangong Tso, Leh, Ladakh

Pangong Tso is a high-altitude lake located in Leh District in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. It is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh and Western Tibet at an elevation of 4,225 m (13,862 ft). The lake is also called as Tsomo Nganglha Ringpo. It is a long, narrow, brackish lake spanning the Indian / Chinese border, in a valley in the upper drainage basin of the Indus River, at the east end of the Karakoram Range.





History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/pangong-tso-leh-history.html

The Lake

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/pangong-tso-leh-lake.html

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://explore-natural-beauty-of-india.blogspot.com/2025/07/pangong-tso-leh-connectivity.html

Location

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Chowki Garh Fort, Bari, Madhya Pradesh

Chowki Garh Fort, Bari, Madhya Pradesh

Chowki Garh Fort is an ancient fort located in the dense forests of Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary near Bari Town in Bari Taluk in in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It is one of the least explored forts among the Gondwana Forts.

History

This fort is considered as one of the 52 forts conquered by King Sangram Shah, the most famous ruler of the Garha Kingdom of Gondwana. It is said that Gond king Alam Shah Uikey was the last king to rule from this fort.

The Fort

The fort is situated on the Vindhyan mountain range and is completely in ruins. The remains of the bastions, fortification walls and palaces can be seen in the fort complex. The fort can be reached after trekking through the forests of Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary.

Connectivity

The fort can be reached after a trekking from Barna reservoir. The Barna reservoir is located at about 4 Kms from Bari, 4 Kms from Bari Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Bareli, 64 Kms from Narmadapuram, 65 Kms from Narmadapuram Railway Station, 70 Kms from Raisen, 102 Kms from Bhopal and 114 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The Barna reservoir is situated at about 4 Kms to the north of Bari on the Bhopal to Bareli route.

Location

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in Bari Taluk in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The sanctuary was established on 2nd July 1976 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

The Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers an area of about 288 sq kms. The topography of the sanctuary comprises of hills, plateaus, valleys, and plains. Most of the rivers flowing in this sanctuary are seasonal. There are two main rivers in the sanctuary namely Ghoghara River and Barna River. Bhadaria Kund in Ghoghara River is the permanent water source for wildlife. Forest Rest House at Bhandiv, Forest Rest House at Bumhori, P. W. D. Rest House at Bari are available for accommodation at the sanctuary.

Flora:

The sanctuary comprises of tropical dry deciduous forests. The trees found in the sanctuary are Daora (Anogeissus latifolia), Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Salai (Boswellia serrata), Khair (Acacia catechu), Saja (Terminalia alata), and Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon). There are a few patches of tropical mixed deciduous forests. The trees found here are predominantly Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) and Teak (Tectona grandis).

Fauna:

The mammals found in the sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard, Sambhar, Chital, Wild Boar, Indian Bison, Indian Wolf, Indian Fox, Indian Jackal, Langurs, Macaques, Indian Civet, Indian Hare, Indian Porcupine, and Indian Pangolin. The birds found in the sanctuary are Indian Peafowl, Indian Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Common Kestrel, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Pitta, Painted Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Sarus Crane, Junglefowl, Peacock Pheasant, and Indian Grey Hornbill. The reptiles found in the sanctuary are Indian Rock Python, Common Indian Monitor, Indian Chameleon, Fan-throated Lizard, Common Krait, Russell's Viper, Common Indian Krait, Common Rat Snake, and Indian Cobra.

Contact

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary,

The D.F.O. Obedullaganj Division,

Raisen District,

Madhya Pradesh, India

Phone: +91 7480 224 062 / 224 063

Connectivity

The sanctuary is located at about 12 Kms from Kundali, 35 Kms from Silwani, 36 Kms from Bareli, 39 Kms from Udaipura, 54 Kms from Raisen, 55 Kms from Bari, 75 Kms from Pipariya Railway Station, 108 Kms from Bhopal Airport, 113 Kms from Narmadapuram and 114 Kms from Sagar. The sanctuary is situated on the Sagar to Narmadapuram route.

Location

Son Gharial Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Son Gharial Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Son Gharial Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in Sidhi District of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The sanctuary boundary starts from the Bansagar dam and ends at the Piparghar village where Son River enters the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary was established in 1981 under Project Crocodile for the conservation and population growth of the critically endangered Gharial and the vulnerable Marsh Crocodile.




The Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary has a length of about 210 Kms encompassing lengths of 161 kms of Son River, 23 kms of Banas River, and 26 kms of Gopad River. The sand banks and the riverine islands of the sanctuary are the major habitats of gharial, smooth-coated otters, Indian soft-shell turtle (Chitra Indica), Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis). It is also a breeding ground for the Indian Skimmer, a rare species of bird. This sanctuary is also home to over 101 species of birds. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat by taking a boat ride on the Son River.




Connectivity

The sanctuary is located at about 39 Kms from Hanumana, 40 Kms from Sidhi, 62 Kms from Bargawan Railway Station, 87 Kms from Waidhan, 108 Kms from Rewa and 146 Kms from Prayagraj Airport. The sanctuary is situated on the Hanumana to Waidhan route.

Location

Chumathang Hot Water Spring, Leh – Connectivity

Chumathang Hot Water Spring, Leh – Connectivity The hot water spring is located at about 43 Kms from Nyoma, 69 Kms from Tso Kar, 83 Kms f...