Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri is the lake which is situated in the Changthang area in the state of J&K. In Tibatian the meaning of Tso-Moriri Lake is “Mountain Lake” and is the largest high altitude lake in Ladakh region and in Trans-Himalayan region. The water is this lake is fed by snow melt and springs from the high mountains in Changthang plateau. The major source of water coming in this lakes comes from the southwest and northern part. On the west side of the lake there is a monastery called Korzok Monastery. This is a 400 years old monastery which attracts tourist and Buddhist pilgrims.

Tso-Moriri is covered by snow-capped high mountain ranges from all sides. Tso-moriri can be accessed either while coming from Manali side from Pang to Tso Moriri, which is 152KM. Another route is directly from Pangong Lake to Tso moriri via Changthang plateau, which is around 294 KM. While coming from both of these route options there is no petrol en-route. Third option is from Leh to Tso Moriri and the distance is 220KM.

One can visit to Tso Moriri Lake from May to September. These are the months when roads are in good shape and one can even enjoy the landscape.

Korzok Monastery

Korzok Monastery is situated in an ancient village on the west side of the lake. This Monastery belongs to Drupka Lineage and this is a Tibetan Monastery. The Kurzok Gustor festival attracts many travelers and Buddhist pilgrims. This Monastery is around 400 years old.

Wildlife Expedition

This region of Ladakh has many wildlife which includes the popular Blue Sheep (Ladakhi Bharal), Himalayan Goat. And some of the other rare animals like grey wolves, Snow Leopard and Lynx.

Birding

Tso-Moriri is also an important place in terms of bird breeding. Specially for the famous avifauna species and around 34 other type of birds. Moreover, around 14 of the water bird species like Brown-headed Gulls, Bar-headed Geese, Black-necked Cranes endangered, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe and Podiceps Nigricollis.

As per the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, in 6th month the two days long Korzok festival takes place. For this festival many locals, travelers, Changpa nomads and Buddhist visit to Korzok Monastery. The ceremony denotes the victory of good over evil. They pay respect to the elimination of a traitor Tibetan King by a Buddhist Monk. An ‘Argham’ ends the festival with the dispersal of the ‘Storma’ by the leaders wearing Black Hat at the ceremony.

For Domestic and Foreign visitors, a small Guest House and Luxury Camps are available near Tso Moriri.

Tso Moriri Lake is situated at a distance of 220 KM to the southeast part of Leh Ladakh. Travelers can come directly from Manali to Tso Moriri via Pang or directly from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri through Changthang platau. Make sure while coming on this terrain you should keep enough fuel as there is no Fuel Pump en-route.