Located in the Changthang region of Ladakh, Tso Moriri Lake is a beautiful and largest high-altitude lake at an elevation of around 4,521 meters above sea level. Tso Moriri Lake is a fantastic example of Ladakh’s stunning natural beauty.
The lake is 26 km in length and 5 km in width and has clear turquoise-blue water surrounded by enchanting landscapes. It offers a beautiful view of the Lake and fresh water at Tso Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is the world’s highest Ramsar site.
It’s also popular for the wild safari, where you can find blue sheep, marmots, Tibetan wolves, kiang (wild ass) and migratory birds. Many other attractions near Tso Moriri Lake, such as Korzok village, Chumathang hot springs, etc.
a best off-beat travel destination for camping & trekking, Tso Lake offers a beautiful view of the high mountains, making it a hidden gem of Ladakh. the second most Visited lake in Ladakh, after Pangong Lake. The lake offers opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
You can visit the lake in summer and fall in love with its unmatched beauty.
Tso Moriri Lake in Ladakh- Travel Guide
Tso Moriri Lake is one of the most beautiful and renowned lakes in Ladakh, located away from the noise of city life amidst the solace of nature. A visit to Tso Moriri Lake offers a unique blend of nature and adventure.
The lake is breathtakingly beautiful, leaving tourists mesmerised. The lake’s beauty attracts tourists and diverse wildlife such as marmots, blue sheep, Tibetan wolves and migratory birds.
The Tso Moriri Lake can be visited any time of the year. The perfect is from May to September as the weather is a plea,sant of, firing lathe he’s sheer natural raw beauty.
The endless beauty of the lake makes it one of the top tourist attractions to visit on a Ladakh trip.
The Lake is situated about 220 km away from Leh. You can hire a cab or bus from Leh to visit the lake. The accommodation options at Tso Moriri Lake are limited. You can stay in hotels in nearby regions and also camp here. Some attractions near Tso Moriri Lake are Korzok Monastery, Tso Moriri Conservation Reserve and Tso Moriri Lake Point.
Facts about Tso Moriri Lake
- Tso Moriri is a blue water lake in Ladakh’s Changthang region.
- This mountain lake is perched at an altitude of 4521 meters (14835 feet) above sea level.
- It is a freshwater lake located about 220 km from Leh.
- This pristine lake remains frozen between January and March due to harsh weather.
- An inner line permit is required to visit the lake.
- Korzok village, about 3 km from Tso Moriri Lake, is one of India’s highest agricultural villages.
- Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake, surrounded by high mountains.
- Explore a wide range of rare animals here, such as snow leopards, grey wolves, lynx, and Ladaki Bharat ( Blue sheep).
Things To do in Tso Moriri Lake
You can also enjoy some adventure amidst the breathtaking visuals of Tso Moriri Lake.
Bird watching: Tso Moriri Lake is famous for birdwatching. It is home to several migratory birds. For bird lovers, the lake is a paradise with rare birds, such as the Brahmin duck, bare-headed goose, brown-headed gull, Himalayan hares, etc.
Camping: Camping is another activity you can enjoy near Tso Moriri Lake. Set up your tent near the lake with all the basic amenities such as water, electricity, washrooms, etc.
Photoshoot: The lake is a haven for photographers. It offers stunning views of blue water surrounded by mountains and vast desert. You can capture beautiful pictures of the lake, creating lifetime memories.
Visit the village of Karzok: Karzok is the highest and only permanent village near Tso Moriri Lake. You can explore the town by interacting with the locals and getting glimpses of their culture. There is also a monastery called Korzok Monastery, which was built 500 years ago.
Stargaze: It is a perfect destination for star gazing. The night sky at this lake is fantastic, with no pollution. It remains dry and dark at night, offering a bright, starry night.
Where to stay in Tso Moriri Lake
The stay options are limited here. There are guesthouses and hotels in Korzok village that are equipped with all the basic facilities. The hotels are affordable, and you can stay comfortably for a night. There are also camps available near the lake. You can self-camp or rent a tent there. The camps are well maintained with attached bathrooms, electricity, water etc.
The best time to visit Tso Moriri Lake
The best time to visit the lake is during the summer season. The lake gets completely frozen in winter due to snow and minus temperatures. From the beginning of summer, May to September, the snow melts, and the lake returns to its beautiful form. During the night, the sky is clear and perfect for stargazing. The lake looks fantastic, surrounded by snow-clad hills and verdant landscapes. The weather during summer remains moderate and sunny, which is ideal for birdwatching, sightseeing, and other travel activities.
How to reach Tso Moriri Lake
There are two ways to reach Tso Moriri Lake. Here, we will discuss both routes.
From Leh to Tso Moriri: This is the route most tourists take to reach Tso Moriri Lake. This route will take you to the lake in 6-7 hours. The road is well maintained, and you will explore various monasteries through this road, such as Thiksey, Shey and Hemis monasteries.
From Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri: One way to reach the lake through Pangong is via the Changthang region, which offers scenic views throughout the journey. Another way is through Chumathang, where you must first reach Korzok and Tso Moriri.
Road conditions
The roads are well maintained, but it depends on your travel route. The road from Leh is smooth and best. The ideal vehicle to travel by road is an SUV, which suits Ladakh roads, which are full of twists and turns.
Permit required for visiting Tso Moriri Lake in Ladakh
A permit is required to visit Tso Moriri lake. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to explore the lake. Indian tourists need an Inner Line permit to visit the lake. Travelers must pay an environmental fee of INR 400 and Rs. 20 as a permit fee.
Availability of mobile networks at Tso Moriri Lake
There is zero connectivity at Tso Moriri due to a high altitude. Chumathang is the last place where you will find the network. You can visit here, leaving behind all the daily social media addiction and getting immersed in the raw natural beauty.
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Frequently asked questions
Are there any petrol pumps on the way?
You can fuel your vehicle in Leh; after that, you won’t find any fuel pump.
Is there any local transport available?
Yes, you can travel via Leh by bus, cab or taxi. There is a bus service run by JKSRTC which reaches Korzok village.
Is camping allowed near the lake?
No, being a protected reserve, camping is permitted only in nearby villages of Tso Moriri and not near the lake.
Do I need a permit to visit Tso Moriri?
Yes, Indian visitors must obtain an inner line permit to visit Tso Moriri. Foreigners need a protected area permit to see the lake.