Tso Moriri

A lake in a wetland reserve on the Changthang Plateau, quieter than Pangong Tso, with nomad tents and a breeding ground for black-necked cranes; it can be combined with Tso Kar into a loop.

Tso Moriri lies on the Changthang Plateau (the Rupshu region) in southeastern Ladakh, about 220–240 km from Leh, at an elevation of about 4,520 m. It is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and one of the core areas of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. Korzok on the lake's west shore is the only permanent settlement, with homestays, tent camps and Korzok Monastery, and is the hub for lodging and activities. The best season is Jun–Sep: roads are open, migratory birds and black-necked cranes breed, and nomads pitch camp in the high pastures; after October it is bitterly cold and many camps close. A common route runs from Leh along the Indus via the Chumathang hot springs and Mahe Bridge, past Kiagar Tso, and on to Korzok for 1–2 nights; the next day, continue through the Puga hot springs valley and Polokongka La to Tso Kar, then return to Leh via Taglang La or head south to Manali, making a two- to three-day loop. Note: this is a border protected area, and foreign visitors must obtain a protected-area permit (PAP) in Leh. Chinese citizens need special approval from India's Ministry of Home Affairs, which is very hard to get in practice, so confirm before you go; there are several checkpoints along the way, so carry extra copies of your permit. Korzok is about 1,000 m higher than Leh, so be sure to acclimatize in Leh for 2–3 days first. There is almost no mobile signal and there are no ATMs along the route, so bring plenty of cash and fuel.

Top sights

• Tso Moriri – A high-altitude lake about 4,522 meters above sea level, southeast of Leh. A Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, it is wilder and q…
• Tso Kar – A high-altitude saline lake beside the Leh–Manali highway, ringed by white salt-crust shores. It is the main breeding ground of black-necke…
• Korzok Monastery – A Drikung Kagyu monastery above Korzok village on the west shore of Tso Moriri. It is said to be one of the highest permanently inhabited m…
• Puga Hot Springs – A geothermal valley north of Tso Moriri, with hot springs, sulphur vents and borax deposits. Changpa nomads camp here in summer.
• Kyagar Tso – A small high-altitude lake beside the road to and from Tso Moriri. Its vivid blue water reflects the snowy peaks, and it is a must-stop for…
• Chumathang Hot Spring – A hot spring village beside the Indus and a rest stop on the way from Leh to Tso Moriri, with simple pools and a small monastery.
• Mahe Bridge – A bridge over the Indus and a checkpoint marking the gateway to the Tso Moriri wetland conservation area from the Leh direction. A permit i…
• Polokongka La – A high alpine pass linking Puga Valley and Tso Kar at about 4,970 m. It is a required point on the Tso Moriri–Tso Kar loop.
• Taglang La – A pass on the Leh–Manali highway at about 5,328 m. It is required on the way north from Tso Kar back to Leh.
• More Plains – A vast high-plateau stretch along the Leh–Manali Highway, about 40 km long, where sand dunes and snow-capped peaks frame the road.
• Changpa Nomad Camps – Summer pastures of the Changpa nomads on the Changthang Plateau, where you can visit yak-hair tents, watch milking, and see pashmina wool b…
• Mentok Kangri – A snow peak of about 6,250 m on the western shore of Tso Moriri, and a popular entry-level six-thousander for climbing and trekking in Lada…
• Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary – A high-plateau reserve covering Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, and the Pangong Lake area, where you may spot kiang (Tibetan wild asses), bharal (blue…

Itineraries

• Manali-Leh Highway & Tso Moriri Overland – Cross the four major passes of the Manali-Leh Highway, then detour to Tso Moriri and Tso Kar.