Leh: Ladakh is known as land of pristine lakes and each of them is enough to enthuse the awe anyone, especially the Tsomoriri lake. Situated in Changthang plateau in south-east Ladakh, Tso Moriri or Lake Moriri is also famous for its scenic splendour.
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Cradled in the lap of the Himalayas, the lakeside offers all its sightseers a captivating blend of nature and adventure. Flanked by lofty mountains, this serene lake is about 4,000 meters above sea level. Tsomoriri is approximately 29 kilometres long and up to 8 kilometres wide.
Tso Moriri attracts a range of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots and rarely the Tibetan wolves. That is because this beautiful blue pallet lake is the largest high altitude lake in the country. It is also the world’s highest Ramsar site and hence, the place is replete with flora and fauna.
Being part of the wetland reserve under the Ramsar site, it is actually known as Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and one cannot pitch any tents or construct anything near the banks of the lake. Since, it is very near to the Line of Actual Control, one needs to get an Inner Line Permit to visit Tso Moriri.
How to reach Tsomoriri Lake
Most convenient way to reach Tso Moriri from Leh is via Chumathang and Mahe Bridge. If you are coming from Manali, you can choose the shortest road via Tsokar lake and Puga Hot Water Springs. The third road leading to Tso Moriri Lake starts from Pangong Lake via Man, Merak, Chushul, Rezang-la, Loma and Mahe Bridge.
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Best time to visit Tsomoriri lake
The best season to visit Tsomoriri is mid-May to September. You can visit the lake in October, late April or early May but morning, evening and night temperature will be too low during that time. The water starts freezing by end of September.
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Inner Line permit to visit Tsomoriri Lake
You need to have an inner line permit to visit Tso Moriri Lake. If you are coming from Manali side via Tsokar and Puga, then you need to show the permit at the entry point to Korzok only. If you are coming from Leh via Mahe Bridge, then you need to show it at Mahe Bridge and Korzok. Remember if you are coming to Tsomoriri via Pangong, Man, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga La, you need to obtain a special permit to use this route as well. And you should have at least 6-7 copies of the permit which you need to submit at the traffic check posts established by Army and ITBP.
