Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh

Also known as the Mountain Lake, Tso Moriri is one of the two most popular lakes in the Ladakh region of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Pangong Tso is the more popular out of the two, it’s Tso Moriri which manages to take the breath away of the visitors with its tranquil beauty.

Located at an altitude of a whopping 4595 metres above the sea level, Tso Moriri is a calm and serene high altitude lake in Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary. It runs up to 28 km in length and is 100 feet deep on average. Since it is located in a wetland reserve, you cannot pitch your tent in the area but can choose an accommodation in the camps around Tso Moriri lake, giving you a mesmerising view of the lake.

While the reflection of snow-clad mountains immersed in the pristine waters of the lake calm your soul, the exotic migratory birds flying above the majestic lake will make you fall in love with nature. The lake is surrounded by high mountains, making it a hidden gem in the cold desert land of Ladakh. It is an ideal travel destination for an offbeat traveller as well as those who wish to explore the untouched beauty of Ladakh.

Witness the changing hues of the lake and fall in love with nature all over again with a trip to Tso Moriri. Pack your bags, pick up your camera and set off on your trip to Leh Ladakh to live and capture.

• Tso Moriri is India's highest and largest saltwater lake and lies at an elevation of 4,522 metres (14,836 feet)
• This beautiful, 19 KM long lake remains frozen between the months of January to March, when the climate is extremely cold.
• Anyone visiting the Tso Moriri Lake needs an Inner Line Permit which can be easily availed through the Leh Ladakh Administration's website.
• The relaxing reflections of the mountains and hills behind Tso Moriri will provide tranquillity to your soul while exotic migratory birds flying above the lake will give a divine sense of calmness.
• At a height of 4572 metres, the Korzok village, located about 3 kilometres from Tso Moriri Lake, is one of India's highest agricultural lands and permanent villages.
• Admire the beauty of the pristine lake surrounded by the Himalayas, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
• Explore the diverse wildlife of Tso Moriri, including Ladakhi Bharal (blue sheep), snow leopards, lynx, grey wolves, and Himalayan mountain goats.
• Experience the vibrant celebrations at Korzok Monastery, where Changpa nomads gather to celebrate traditional festivals.

Route 1: Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang

The greatest reason the popularity of this route is owed to is its length. This is the shortest route to cover the journey between Leh and Tso Moriri. The total length of the route is somewhere between 220 km to 240 km. Since the road is in good condition, the journey can be covered in a duration of 6 to 7 hours. However, if you take too many halts for the sake of landscape photography, it may take longer than that.

After starting your journey on Manali – Leh Highway, you can take your first halt at Upshi and relish some snacks as the next place where food is available is away in Karzok. At the bifurcation at Upshi Market, take the left turn towards Mahe. Once you reach Mahe, head towards Karzok. Before reaching Karzok, you will come across some great vantage points, apt for landscape photography. A halt at Kiagar Tso is recommended as most travelers prefer to take a halt here. Resume your journey and soon you will come across another bifurcation. Do not take the tar road, rather keep going straight because that is the way to Karzok. That is where Tso Moriri is located.

The route map is given below:

Leh – Shey – Karu – Upshi – Kumdok – Kere – Chumathang – Mahe – Sumdo – Namashang La – Karzok

Route 2: Leh to Tso Moriri via Tso Kar and More Plains

If you opt for this route to reach Tso Moriri from Leh, you will have to cover some extra miles. The total distance of the route is approximately 260 km. The journey normally takes somewhere between 7 to 8 hours. But again, the duration of the journey depends upon how many halts you take and how long they are. Moreover, there is a probability that the condition of the road will be worse too.

However, the route is quite scenic with open landscapes and views of mighty Himalayan peaks covered in snow, so you will not regret taking this route. This route also lets you see Tso Kar. The initial part of the route is the same as Route 1 mentioned above. From there, you do not have to take the turn that leads to Chumathang, rather head towards Rumtse on Manali – Leh highway. After you leave Rumtse behind, the ascent to Tanglang La starts. Then you will proceed towards Deburring. You can take a short stop here to rest and to click some photographs, however, there is not much for a shelter.

As you ride further on your road trip to Leh – Manali Highway, you will see a road diverting to the left. If you are hungry or in need of some refreshment, there are a few options in the form of roadside dhabas here. Exit the Leh – Manali Highway here by taking the left road. The first lake that you will come across on this route is approximately 22 km ahead of this diversion. 

The route map is given below:

Leh – Shey – Karu – Upshi – Rumtse – Tanglang La – Debring – Tso Kar – Polo Kongka La – Puga – Sumdo – Namashang La – Karzok

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Route 3: Leh to Tso Moriri via Pangong Tso and Chushul

If you are looking for some serious adventure, you may take this road. The route takes you to remote regions with hardly any travelers or locals in sight. Owing to the scenic vistas one gets to witness while traveling this route including the renowned Pangong Tso, it is considered one of the best routes to reach the breathtakingly beautiful lake, Tso Moriri despite being the road least traveled. The round journey starts from Leh and takes you to Tso Moriri via Pangong Tso and ends at Leh maybe 650 to 700 km. The distance between Leh to Pangong Tso is almost 160 k

There are various routes to cover this journey. The first stretch of the journey will take you to Pangong Tso from Leh. After Pangong Tso, you are supposed to head towards Chushul, which is a small village located on the border area. The distance between Spangmik to Chushul is almost 50 km, and since there is no metalled road, you will have to ride on a dirt track. You will have to produce your permits at Merak en route to Chushul.

Proceed towards Mahe located at a distance of 77 km from Chushul. You can take a halt here and then ride towards Karzok covering Sumdo and Namashang La en route. The distance between Mahe and Karzok is approximately 63 km.

A few things are to be kept in mind before making the trip. Firstly, the route is only open to Indians. So, if you are a foreign national, you cannot take this journey without a Protected Area Permit. Secondly, there are no fuel stations for long distances, so make sure you have plenty of spare fuel with you before you embark on the journey. 

The route map is given below:

Leh – Sakti – Chang La – Tangtse – Spangmik (Pangong Tso) – Man – Merak – Chushul – Tsaga La – Tsaga Village – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Karzok (Tso Moriri)

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Tso Moriri is located in the Changtang region of Jammu and Kashmir, which experiences freezing temperatures during the winter months. While the lake remains frozen between the months of November and April, the summer months are the best time to visit Tso Moriri to enjoy the beauty at its peak which is also the best time to visit Ladakh.

Altitude of Tso Moriri: Perched atop a whopping height of 4595 metres (15,075 feet) above the sea level, Tso Moriri is a high-altitude lake located in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Distance from Leh to Tso Moriri: The distance between high-altitude Tso Moriri and Leh town is approximately 220 km, and the drive will take at least five hours in normal conditions.

Permits required to visit Tso Moriri: Since April 2017, the Indian government has made it mandatory for visitors (non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir) to procure Inner Line Permit for Leh Ladakh to visit the protected areas. The Inner Line Permit can be obtained online by visiting the official website and visiting the “Issue” option, followed by the “Domestic client” option on the website. The permit fee is INR 400 (environmental fees) per person, with an additional INR 20 as the Inner Line fee.

Other Essential Information

. Mobile connectivity

There is no mobile connectivity at Tso Moriri. The nearest mobile connectivity is available at Chumathang, which is located at a distance of 70 km from Tso Moriri. Enjoy your visit to the lake without getting interrupted by mobile phone notifications and immerse in its enchanting beauty. 

. Medical facilities

Tso moriri is a high altitude lake, and you must prepare yourself well to acclimatise with the thin air up there. While the nearest place with medical facilities/health centre will be an available Korzok Village, you may get the basic oxygen cylinders at the camps and hotels nearby the lake. 

. ATMs

You will not find any ATM near Tso Moriri lake. The wisest thing to do is to carry cash because there is no internet connectivity too at Tso Moriri, disabling the benefits of internet banking. 

. Petrol pumps

The nearest petrol pump from Tso Moriri is at Karu, which is located at a distance of 24 km. It is advisable to get your vehicle fuelled by Leh. In case you're exiting from Leh Manali Highway, you must ensure you have enough fuel to reach Tandi. 

. Food joints

The food joints and stalls are available in Korzok Village. However, you may also get food and authentic local cuisine at the camp and homestay you may choose near Tso Moriri for your accommodation. 

. Minimum duration for visiting Tso moriri

If you are visiting Tso Moriri, it is best if you reach there before evening and spend your night in one of the camps. While the nights are pitch dark, wake up to witness a beautiful sunrise the next morning and click pictures as the lake changes its hues. 

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