Physicochemical Assessment of Penzalia Lake, Kargil–Zanskar Highway, Ladakh

Penzalia Lake is a high-altitude body of water on the Kargil–Zanskar highway, close to Penzalia Pass. We use single-grab sampling and field measurements to present a baseline physicochemical profile. The findings show low nutrient levels (nitrate and nitrite ~ 0 mg/L; phosphate ≈ 0.25 mg/L), moderate turbidity (10 NTU), soft, low-mineralized water (TDS ≈ 120 mg/L; hardness ≈ 40 mg/L), and a pH of 7.8 that is near-neutral to slightly alkaline. The two most common dissolved anions are sulphate (100 mg/L) and chloride (20 mg/L), while fluoride (0.5 mg/L) and iron (0.2 mg/L) are less common. We offer management suggestions and talk about the effects on this delicate alpine system of potability, ecology, and tourism. Key points: Lake, Physiochemical parameter, High Altitude, Kargil, Ladakh.