Whenever we talk about Ladakh, the first thing that comes in our mind is the elegance of the numerous mountain ranges and the spectacular collection of lakes and rivers, but have you ever heard of this lake, high up in Ladakh, whose serenity and magnificence is beyond comparison? Here it is with all its dignity, the Tso Moriri lake.
Just think about sitting right next to this magnificent lake, experiencing the changing hues of Tso Moriri, under the clear blue sky and the wind gushing past your ears, experiencing nature in its truest form. Soul-stirring isn’t it?
Falls in the lesser Ladakh, the Tsomoriri lake is a high-altitude lake (HAL) and is one of the two most famous lakes in this union territory. The name itself means “Mountain Lake” which resonates with its surrounding being covered by tall mountains emitting brown hues. Situated at an altitude of 4549 meters (15,075 feet), this place is magical with its dazzling blue waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the natural solidarity it provides. One might even confuse this place with heaven itself.
The Tso Moriri lake stretches about 28 km with an average depth of about 100 feet offering amazing picturesque landscapes and captivating sights. This place also happens to have an astonishing collection of migratory birds of varying sizes that contributes to the beauty of the Tso Moriri.
Table of Contents
1. How To Reach Tso Moriri
Now that you have found your hidden craving for this place, we are here to tell you how to embark on your journey, how to reach Tso Moriri and experience the amazing picturesque landscapes and the breathtaking outlooks.
Tso Moriri by Air
The Tsomoriri Lake is situated at the extreme right of the hilly Ladakh region and hence has limited access to airports, but don’t get your travelling spirits lowered! The place can be accessed through the airports of nearby areas. The closest airport to the lake is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. And then it will be a roughly six-hour drive to the wonders of Tso Moriri.
- Srinagar-Leh: 45 mins
- Jammu-Leh: 50 mins
- Chandigarh-Leh: 1 hr 10 mins
- Delhi-Leh: 1 hr 10 mins
Tso Moriri by Rails
The nearest major railway station to Tso Moriri would be the Jammu-Tawi railway station in Jammu. This station can be accessed from all major places in India.
It will take about 22hrs (792 Km) to reach the lake from Jammu, i.e, you have to dedicate two days of your trip to be able to experience this amazing lake in its full glory.
Tso Moriri by Road
The road is one of the major ways through which this place connects other parts of Kashmir and India as a whole. This lake can be easily reached via roads from major cities in Kashmir like Srinagar, Jammu, etc. They are mostly connected by the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC).
- Jammu to Tso Moriri: 792 km
- Srinagar to Tso Moriri: 782 Km
- Leh to Tso Moriri: 220 km
- Manali to Tso Moriri : 406 km
2. Best Time To Visit Tso Moriri
Being situated in the Changtang region of the Ladakh union territory, the Tsomoriri lake experiences extremely cold winters. For most parts of the year, the lake remains frozen and no outsider can visit the lake due to snowstorms and roadblocks.
Summers are perhaps the best time to visit this amazing lake. In April, the lake starts to melt and returns its plethora of colour combinations.
June to August will be the perfect time to visit this lake. The weather is decent enough to enjoy stunning views without chilling your bones.
3. Places To Visit Near Tso Moriri
Tsomoriri Lake viewpoint
Distance: 6.4 km
The Tsomoriri Lake viewpoint is a small hilltop near the Tso Moriri lake that is present for sightseeing of the lake.
This hilltop serves as a vantage point from which one can view a massive part of the lake. This place offers views that are going to take your breath away. You can easily watch the changing hues of the lake as well as the praiseworthy snowclad mountains nearby.
Korzok Monastery
Distance: 25.6 km
Allow yourself into a great spiritual experience by visiting this Tibetan monastery. The Korzok Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the Korzok village, located on the northwest bank of the Tsomoriri lake.
Founded by Kunga Lodro Ningpo, the monastery is about 300 years old and is a major tourist attraction. This place offers a calm, serene atmosphere and mesmerizing views of the Tso Moriri.
Kyagar Tso
Distance: 28.7 km
Situated in the Rupshu valley of Ladakh, this lake falls en route from Leh to Tsomoriri lake. With an elevation of about 4705 meters, the place endorses tantalizing views and a plethora of fauna including yaks and Kinags. This is a saline water lake high up in the valley and is a must-go if you want to experience the enchanting views of this lake.
4. Useful Information On Tso Moriri
- Pack a lot of woollen clothes because this area is very chilly even in the summers.
- You need an Inner Line Permit to visit this place. It costs about INR 420.
- We will advise you to keep a first aid kit as well as medicines related to mountain sickness in handy because of the high altitude of Tsomoriri Lake. The nearest healthcare facilities are in Korzok village.
- Food stalls are available in the Korzok village, but good quality foods are available only in the camps and authentic local cuisines. It is advisable to carry some packaged food too.
- Petrol pumps are scarce in this region. Therefore, make sure to have a tank full of petrol before you leave.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
- How to reach Tso Moriri?
The Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh is easy to reach via the roads from Leh, Srinagar as well as Jammu. You can also take a flight to Leh or Jammu and continue the rest of the journey on wheels.
- How high is the Tso Moriri lake?
The Tsomoriri Lake is in the Changtang region of Ladakh and is at a height of about 4595 meters with a blanket of beautiful snowclad-mountains all around.
- What is the colour of the Tso Moriri?
The lake contains crystal clear water. But due to the action of the sky, it appears blue. Moreover, with the change in sky colour, the hues of the lake change too. The lake also reflects the nearby snow-covered mountains as well and this particular picturesque view will make you spellbound.
- What are the other attractions near Tso Moriri?
Some of the attractions near the Tsomoriri Lake are the Korzok monastery, a Buddhist monastery in Korzok village, the Tsomoriri viewpoint, the Kayger Tso lake, Tso Moriri wetland reserve, and the Tsokar Lake (85 km).
- What are the activities to do near Tso Moriri?
The tourists who travel to this place mostly engage in photography and wildlife excursions. A lot of wildlife animals are available for your little animal hunting and ecstatic views are abundant here.
