Tso Moriri: Ladakh's Most Beautiful Hidden Lake

If Pangong Tso is Ladakh's famous lake, Tso Moriri is its soul. Sitting at 4,522 metres in the remote Changthang Plateau, Tso Moriri is larger, higher, wilder and far less visited than its famous neighbour. The lake's deep blue and turquoise waters are set against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks, and the surrounding wetlands are home to an extraordinary concentration of high-altitude wildlife.

How to get to Tso Moriri from Leh

Tso Moriri is approximately 240 kilometres from Leh — about 5 to 6 hours by road through the Changthang Plateau via Chumathang. The road passes through spectacular high-altitude landscapes and crosses several rivers. Most visitors combine Tso Moriri with nearby Tso Kar (another stunning lake) into a 2 to 3 day circuit. An Inner Line Permit is required for Indian nationals; foreign visitors need a Protected Area Permit.

Wildlife at Tso Moriri

The wetlands around Tso Moriri are protected as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The lake and its surroundings support an exceptional range of wildlife including the Bar-headed Goose (which breeds here), Great Crested Grebe, Brown-headed Gull, Eurasian Coot and the rare Black-necked Crane. Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), Tibetan gazelle and occasionally Snow Leopard are spotted in the surrounding Changthang grasslands.

Best time to visit

June to September is the ideal window for Tso Moriri. The lake is at its most beautiful in July and August when the surrounding grasslands are green, breeding birds are active, and the sky is at its clearest. September brings fewer visitors and excellent wildlife viewing as migratory birds prepare to depart. The lake is inaccessible in winter due to snowfall blocking the roads.

Where to stay at Tso Moriri

The only settlement at Tso Moriri is Korzok village, which has a few basic guesthouses and homestays. We recommend staying one night at the lake and returning to our farmstay the following day for a comfortable bed, hot shower and organic home-cooked meal after your Changthang adventure.

Arrange your Tso Moriri trip from our farmstay

Nature Palace Farmstay is the perfect base for exploring both Tso Moriri and Tso Kar. We can help arrange permits, taxi hire and a detailed route plan. Contact us at care@naturepalace.in or WhatsApp +91-9599385259.