Plan a Trip to Tso Moriri Lake

by Shaurya Chalmela Travel consultant

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Tso Moriri Lake is considered to be the largest lake in the Trans-Himalayan region of India. Twin of Pangong Lake, this lesser-known lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ladakh.

Tso Moriri Lake, also known as Mountain Lake, is at an altitude of 15,075 feet above sea level in Leh and considered to be the largest lakes in the Trans-Himalayan region of India. Known for its tranquil beauty and mesmerizing view, this lake is located in Changthang wildlife sanctuary. This lake consists of different varieties of migratory birds, marmots, rarely seen Tibetan wolves and other wildlife here, which further intensifies the beauty of this lake.

One of the calmest and sacred lakes, Tso Moriri, is also declared as the Wetland Conservation Reserve under Ramsar Convention in 2003. You are not allowed to construct tents or pitch anything alongside the banks of the lake. You can find accommodation in camps around the lake, giving you a stunning view of the lake. You can also enjoy the large variety of flora and fauna in this region. Check if your Ladakh packages include this location in their itinerary. Tourists visit the lake to see the alluring emerald color of the lake and experience the peaceful feeling of pure isolation and tranquillity. The reflection of the snow-clad mountains in the majestic color changing lake with sunlight beaming and creating a colorful canvas will take your breath away. The view is unmissable and increases the glory of the place.

This hidden gem in the deserted land of Ladakh will make you fall in love with its beauty with its changing hues and mesmerizing view.

Best time to visit Tso Moriri:

The lake completely freezes between the months of November to April. You can even walk on it. Owing to the extreme cold weather and unpredictable travel conditions, only a few tour organizers offer exclusive Ladakh tour packages during this period to cover these types of locations. The snow starts to melt during April and thus transforms it into the multiple shades of blue water off the shores. The thawing of the frozen lake is a sight to remember for a lifetime. The beauty of the place is at its best from May to September. Tour operators with Ladakh packages having Tso Moriri in their itinerary take tourists to visit during summers as it is one of the most attractive places to visit in Ladakh.

Location and Distance:

Located at a distance of 250km from Leh, you can reach this lake via Leh-Manali highway passing through the remote region of Chumathang. The drive from Leh to Tso Moriri is truly splendid with breathtaking backdrops and can be covered in approximately at least five hours in normal weather conditions.

Special Permits / Documents required:

For non-residents (visitors) its mandatory to procure the Inner Line Permit for Leh Ladakh to visit some protected areas in the region. Places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri in Ladakh will require the submission of Inner Line Permit procured for travelers looking to visit these places. If you are a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, then you need to show a valid identity proof such as an Aadhar Card, Passport copy etc. Children who are below 12 years of age can travel without any permit once they show an ID card for their age proof. Your tour operator will assist you with this if you have opted for a Ladakh package through a travel partner.

How to Reach Tso Moriri Lake – Ladakh

Located at a distance of approximately 240 kilometres, Tso Moriri Lake is found in the southeastern part of Leh. There are mainly two routes that the travelers prefer to visit this secluded lake in Rupshu valley. The journey can be covered in approximately six to seven hours depending on the weather and your travel plans.

Do remember to refill enough fuel for the journey if travelling on your own as there is no petrol pump en-route to the Lake. You need not worry about this if you have chosen one of the Ladakh packages offered by travel organizers.

Pangong Tso Lake to Tso Moriri Lake via Changthang (Merak – Chusul – Nyoma)

Pangong Tso – Man – Merak – Khaltse - Chusul – Tsaga – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Kiagar Tso – Tso Moriri / Korzok

This route starts from Pangong Tso and covers Man, Merak and Khaltse, running along the shoreline of Pangong Tso lake, this route goes deeper towards Tsaga La to Loma, Nyoma and connects to Mahe bridge. This is a deserted but gorgeous route as it will bring you extremely mind blowing panoramas of the landscapes along the way.

There may be some challenges crossing from Man, Merek and Tsaga La but since it runs along the shore of Pangong Tso, the journey is just mesmerizing and full of perfect picture frames. The drive from Tsaga La to Mahe is very smooth and comparatively much more accessible with fewer roadblocks and patches.

Pangong Tso Lake to Tso Moriri Lake via Chumathang

Pangong Tso – Lukung – Tangtse – Durbuk – Chang La – Sakti – Karu – Upshi – Kumdok – Kere – Chumathang – Mahe – Sumdo – Tso Moriri

This is the indirect route which passes from Chumathang. It takes longer as you have to travel from Pangong Tso to Chag La pass, Karru, Upshi and cross Chumathang to reach Korzok. The travelers who do not get a permit for the above route (Man – Merak – Khaltse - Chusul) can opt for this lane if they wish not to go back to Leh.

It is always advisable to travel back to Leh and start your journey from Leh feeling fresh. You will be starting a new journey with a new day and reach Tso faster than going via Chumathang. Do take permit for Pangong and Tso Lake if you wish to travel through this route. For those going through Ladakh packages, make sure your tour organizers have arranged for the permits.

Places to see at Tso Moriri Lake:

Korzok Monastery

Korzok Monastery is based in the village on the western banks of the Lake. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery belongs to Drupka Lineage and attracts a lot of tourists who visit the Lake. Founded some 300 years ago this monastery adds to the beauty overlooking the changing hues and spell bounding backdrops. Lots of tourists and Buddhist monks visit the place to add to their spiritual experience.

Birding

Another beautiful experience at Tso Moriri is bird watching. This lake is an important place for breeding for exotic migratory birds such as Black-necked Cranes endangered, Bar-headed Geese, Anser, Great-crested Grebe P. Cristatus, Brown-headed Gulls and Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis.
If you are a photography enthusiast and love watching birds, you will have an amazing time here. These exotic and rare species will make your experience unique and enjoyable.

Wildlife Excursions

Apart from bird watching, this lake is surrounded with a lot of endangered mammals such as Foxes, Himalayan Blue sheep (Ladakhi Bharal), Goa antelope, Himalayan Mountain Goat, Tibetan hare, weasel and rare animals like Snow leopard, wolves, lynx amongst others. The wildlife excursion will bring you a different side of this place and revive your love for photography.

Overnight Camping:

You cannot visit Tso Moriri for a day and leave. Overnight Camping is a must to explore and discover the stunning beauty of this pristine lake in Ladakh. Visitors can adorn the charming and mysterious lake by staying overnight camping at the nearby local area and make the most of this adventurous ride.

Few of the camps at Tso Moriri are:

Nomadic Life Camp offers spacious tents and clean bathrooms with medical facilities available at a reasonable cost for your comfortable stay. Tsomoriri Camps and Resorts connects you with nature in the best possible way. Bonfire, star gazing or astrophotography, the guest enjoy everything most comfortably and efficiently. Golden Mark camps offer airy tents with all basic amenities and delicious home-cooked meals to make your stay memorable and worth the experience. Norling Camp is another option to camp near Tso Moriri Lake. They give you customized options suitable for your group or individual understanding the requirements. Yak Camp is also close to the lake, and most tourists visit there for modern facilities at cost-effective rates.

All the camps are surrounding the lake, which adds to the divine beauty of the snow capped mountains and offers a fantastic camping experience beside the lake.