The stream flows through a flat plain of some 10 square miles in extent, allowing for scattered growth of grass and fuelwood.

[6] Chushul itself is on the western edge of the Tsaka Chu plain, at the mouth of the Loi Yogma valley.

(Map 1) The Loi Yogma valley, immediately to the west of Pangong Range, provides the travel route to Tangtse and the central parts of Ladakh beyond it.

(Map 2) About 15 km southeast of Chushul, a gap in the Kailash range leads to another valley that contains the Spanggur Lake and continues to Rutog a hundred kilometers away.

During the chilly winter season, Chushul is cut off from main the capital city of Leh.

[citation needed] Being a border village, Chushul has had a rich history involvement in engagements and conflicts between India and China.

The Kazakhs fled through the Spanggur Valley and set up defensive posts 3 km east of the then prevailing border (India's claim line).

After discussion, Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to grant asylum to the fleeing Kazakhs, and they were admitted into India.

However, it was considered unsuitable and a second location was selected within the Tsaka Chu valley, opposite the Spanggur Gap.

12, 42 and 43 squadrons of Indian Air Force made logistical supply flights to Chushul.

During the Sino-Indian War, the 114 Infantry Brigade was headquartered at Chushul, and it had the control of all the forward deployments from Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) in the north to Demchok in the south.

[15] The Ahir regiment of 13 Kumaon stationed at the Rezang La pass (as it was then called) fought the famous last stand battle.