The Changtang (alternatively spelled Changthang) is a part of the high altitude Tibetan Plateau in western and northern Tibet extending into southeastern Ladakh, India, with vast highlands and giant lakes.

From eastern Ladakh, the Changtang stretches approximately 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) east into Tibet as far as modern Qinghai.

 The Changtang is home to the Changpas-the nomadic tibetan people.

There are many interesting tourist destinations in the region such as:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PANGONG Also known as Pangong Tso is a beautiful lake 150km far from Leh and is 134 km long, extending from India to China. Pangong Lake is situated at a height of 4350 m and is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the country. The beauty and allure of this lake has attracted people from all over the country and beyond. The lake is said to be in the process of being identified as a wetland with international significance under the Ramsar Convention and if everything goes as expected then the Pangong Lake will be the first in South Asia to be a trans-boundary wetland and that too under this convention. The one factor that makes this Lake so popular is the fact that it keeps changing colors.

 

 TSOKAR LAKE This lake is  known as 'White Lake' because the white salt of the water deposits all over the lake shores. Tso-kar Lake is the smallest lake among the three important lakes in Ladakh. Tso-kar Lake is situated in Rupshu Valley, about 250 kms southeast from town Leh. Tso-kar Lake is located at an altitude of 4660m/15280ft in the Changthang region of South Eastern Ladakh. Tso-kar Lake is at a distance of around 50 kms from the Tso-moriri Lake.

The Tso-Kar lake is very popular with bird watchers. The area surrounding Tso-kar  lake is rich with wildlife and birds. The Tso-Lake is surrounded by the marshlands that host amazing bird life which include Brahmni ducks, bar-headed geese and the great crested grebe. But the main attraction among the bird life at Tso Kar is black-necked cranes. The black necked cranes, known for their fidelity, come to Tso Kar to lay eggs. These birds make an amazing site when they takeoff over the green, picturesque plains on the backdrop of snow-clad mountains. Besides birdwatchers, Tso Kar also attracts many wildlife lovers.

 

TSOMORIRI LAKE This lake is situated in the Korzok village , about 211km southeast from Leh which is the principal town.

Administratively Tso moriri has been declared as a wetland reserve. A Number of species of birds included bare-headed goose, the great-crested grebe, the Brahmin duck and the brown-headed gull. Himalayan hares are abundantly found her .

The lake is at an altitude of 4,522 m (14,836 ft). It is the largest of the high altitude lakes entirely within India and entirely within Ladakh in this Trans-Himalayan biogeography region. It is about 26 km north to south in length and two to three  (3 to 5 km) wide. The lake has no outlet at present and the water is brackish though not very perceptible to taste.

The view of the of  lake is stupendous, as  it is  rounded by the beautiful snow mountains.

And the beautiful village Korzokh faced to the blue lake is the breathtaking scenario.

 

 

KORZOK MONASTERY is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery belonging to the Drukpa Lineage. It is located in the Korzok village, on the northwestern bank of Tso Moriri Lake. The monastery at 4,560mtrs above sea level and houses a Shakyamuni Buddha and other statues. It is home to about 70 monks.

 

WILDLIFE The plateau of changthang is home of many living animals such as Tibetan wild-ass, Tibetan sand fox, Tibetan argali,Wild wolf, Yak, Marmot etc

The brown-headed gull is seen in  some lakes of the Changthang. Resident water-birds include the brahminy duck also known as the ruddy sheldrake, and the bar-headed goose (Ladakhi: ngangpa).

Other birds include the raven, red-billed

chough,Tibetan snowcock and chukar (a partridge, srakpa).

The lammergeier and the golden eagle are common raptors here. This area is a good breeding ground for many migratory birds.

 

NOMADS The Changapa Nomads live in a group and always migrate from place to place for good pastureland, it is very interesting to see while they migrate with all those necessary things and their animals. Young children and (baby animals) on Yak is great experience.