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DRANG-DRUNG GLACIER: LADAKH TRAVEL GUIDE

Come applaud the largest accessible glacier in Ladakh

The largest glacier in Ladakh, the Drang Drung is located near Pensila mountin pass at the Kargil-Zanskar road. The Drang Drung is likely to be the largest glacier in Ladakh other than Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram Range with a maximum length of 23 kilometers and at an average elevation of 15,680 ft. 22kms long Drang Drung glacier is the largest glacier accessible to tourists in the Ladakh region.

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The glacier is a big, sluggish stream of ice, bent from trampled sheets of snow, that gradually distorts and surges in accordance with gravity. One among the biggest glaciers in India, Drang-Drung Glacier offers the picturesque scenery of the snow capped mountain peaks of the Himalayas. Drang Drung glacier is the source of the Doda River and one can trek up to the glacier from Padum. The Stod River also has its source at the Drang Drung glacier. From the Pensi La pass the glacier looks akin to a river, the only difference being that this is a river of ice. With an elevation that high, the glacier indeed looks spectacular and awe inspiring. The Drang Drung is one of the major attractions of the Zanskar region and is without doubt an adventure junkie's paradise.

Things to Do and See in and around

Drang Drung Glacier is the base of many trekking expeditions. So trekking is probably the only way through which one can capture the essence and beauty of the glacier.

Best Time to Visit

Tourists can plan a visit to the Drang Drung glacier only between July and September. For the rest of the year the roads that lead to the glacier - Zojila and Pensi La pass remain closed for tourists because of the heavy snowfall.

What To Expect There?

Drang Drung glacier is a meandering river of flowing snow and ice amid stunning mountain ranges, all together making a spectacular view. This gorgeous glacier has the beautiful snow capped Himalayas towering over it making the picturesque view worth the watch of a lifetime. Drang Drung Glacier is truly one of those awe-inspiring reasons that make this part of India to be helmed as Paradise. The one day trek lets you enjoy the beauty even better. For the adventure-buffs, this place is surely their ultimate destination. The Drang Drung glacier is the perfect gataway for the mind and body. It’s thrilling yet peaceful. The amalgamation is of the rare sort and can be found only in a land as rich as India. There are fruit orchids that would give you another reason to appreciate the flora of the region. Tourist can visit the Panzila Top which is situated at an altitude of 4,401 metres.

Getting There

The nearest Airport to access the Drang Drung glacier is Srinagar airport. The glacier is 331km (206 miles) from the airport and would approximately take a journey of 2 days in a car. It will lead through NH 1 connecting Srinagar to Leh. Kargil town falls halfway through the journey and may be used as a break/halt point. A trek of one day follows the journey from Pensi La mountain pass. The road connects Drang Drung glacier which remains open for travellers from the month of May to September. You should visit this place between July and August as the Zojila and Pensi La passes remain snow covered for rest of the year.

ACTIVITIES IN LADAKH