🇮🇳 Tso Moriri, Ladakh – Destination Guide

Tso Moriri Lake (also known as Lake Moriri) is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Changthang region of Ladakh, nestled within the Karakoram range at an elevation of about 4,522 meters (14,836 ft). Far more secluded than Pangong, this freshwater lake is a designated Ramsar Wetland Reserve, and offers an untouched, tranquil, and soul-stirring experience of Ladakh’s wilderness.

🌊 Why Visit Tso Moriri?

• Witness a pristine Himalayan lake with few tourists

• Ideal for solitude, photography, birdwatching, and spiritual calm

• Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, and nomadic settlements

• One of India’s most remote and peaceful lake destinations

🏞️ Top Highlights:

🦢 Birdwatching Paradise

• Spot bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, Brahminy ducks, and Himalayan vultures

• A breeding ground for several migratory bird species

🏕️ Korzok Village & Monastery

• Ancient Korzok Gompa (monastery) overlooks the lake

• Stay with Changpa nomads and explore their unique culture and yurt-style tents

🏔️ Snow-Capped Mountain Views

• Surrounded by peaks over 6,000 meters, including Mentok Kangri

• Stunning sunrises and sunsets with reflections in crystal-clear waters

🚙 Scenic Drive from Leh

• Journey via Chumathang hot springs, open plateaus, and wild landscapes

• The drive is half the experience, offering raw Himalayan beauty

🧭 How to Reach:

• Distance from Leh: ~220 km (7–9 hours by road)

• Route: Leh → Upshi → Chumathang → Mahe → Sumdo → Korzok

• Permits: Inner Line Permit (ILP) required (available online or in Leh)

⚠️ The journey involves high-altitude passes and remote roads—ensure your vehicle is well-prepared.

🧳 Travel Tips:

• Acclimatize well in Leh before heading to avoid altitude sickness

• Very limited infrastructure – carry essentials, warm clothes, and basic medicines

• No mobile signal or internet in the area

• Power supply is limited—carry power banks or solar chargers

• Cash only—no ATMs en route or in Korzok

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• Eco Camps and tented stays near Korzok village (open May–October)

• Homestays run by locals offer simple rooms and meals

• Very basic amenities—expect rustic but authentic hospitality

🍽️ Food Options:

• Simple meals like dal-chawal, Maggi, thukpa, momos, and butter tea

• Most food is served by camps or local homestays

📅 Best Time to Visit:

• May to September – Road is accessible, weather is bearable

• June–August – Ideal for birdwatching and photography

• Winter (Oct–April) – Area becomes inaccessible due to snow

🛡️ Responsible Travel:

• Tso Moriri is a protected wetland – avoid littering or polluting

• Do not disturb wildlife or migratory birds

• Respect local customs, ask permission before photographing locals

• Use eco-friendly toiletries and reusable water bottles

📸 Fun Facts:

• The lake is about 28 km long and 8 km wide, with a max depth of ~40 m

• It is entirely within Indian territory, unlike Pangong

• Declared a Ramsar site in 2002 due to its ecological importance

• The lake is sacred to Ladakhi Buddhists, who consider it a spiritual place

📍 Nearby Attractions:

• Korzok Monastery

• Chumathang Hot Springs

• Hanle (if continuing south) – known for India’s highest astronomical observatory

• Tso Kar Lake – a salt lake about 2 hours away via Polo Kongka La