In Ladakh, Pangong Lake gets all the fame, but have you heard about Tso Moriri? It's the best-kept secret, away from the crowd, and has not been discovered by tourists yet. If you want to see the real, untouched Ladakh, Tso Moriri is the place you must visit before the world discovers it. Know how to reach this beautiful lake and what the best time to visit it.
Why Is Tso Moriri Ladakh’s Best Kept Secret?
For the unversed, Tso Moriri is the largest high-altitude lake in India, located in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh. It's about 28 km long and 8 km wide. An interesting fact about the lake is that its water changes colour from deep blue to turquoise to grey depending on the sunlight.
Moreover, Tso Moriri is home to rare birds like black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and brown-headed gulls. The nearby village of Korzok is also one of the highest settlements in the world. Unlike Pangong, only a few travellers reach here daily. Due to zero light pollution, it is one of the best places in India for Milky Way photography. Korzok Monastery and Changpa nomads give you a glimpse of authentic Ladakhi life.
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How To Reach Tso Moriri?
There are a few routes you can take to reach Tso Moriri:
Route 1: Leh to Tso Moriri (via Chumathang)
- Leh to Chumathang (Hot Springs) to Mahe to Korzok to Tso Moriri
- The distance is approximately 220 km from Leh and it will take around 7-8 hours.
Route 2: Pangong to Tso Moriri (via Chushul)
- Pangong to Chushul to Tsaga La to Loma to Mahe to Korzok
- The distance is around 240 km with 8-9 hours of time.
You need a shared taxi, private cab, or bike to reach as there is no direct bus to Tso Moriri. A permit is required for Indian tourists, which can be obtained in Leh.
What's The Best Time To Visit Tso Moriri
May to September is the best time to visit Tso Moriri. The road opens after winter, and the weather is pleasant.
- May to June: Snow on mountains, the lake starts melting, very beautiful
- July to August: Best weather, clear skies, perfect for photography
- September: Golden light, fewer tourists, best for stargazing
You can avoid October to April as it can get extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -30°C.
So on your next Ladakh trip, skip the crowd and go where the sky touches the water. Visit Tso Moriri once, and you will never forget it.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)
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