Leh
Pangong Tso is arguably the most iconic lake in India — a 134-km-long saline wonder that straddles the Line of Actual Control between India and China at 4,350 metres. The lake's water shifts through an impossibly vivid spectrum from turquoise to cobalt to indigo across the day, surrounded by stark Himalayan ridgelines. Watching the sun set over Pangong from its shores is one of those rare travel experiences that makes every difficult mountain road entirely worth it.
Spend at least one night at Pangong — the crowds disappear after 5 PM and the stars above the lake are absolutely extraordinary. The sunrise colours on the water are also far superior to anything the midday scene can offer.