Also Known as ‘Mountain Lake’, Tso Moriri is a spectacular site amidst mountain ranges in Leh and
thanks to its serenity, is a good place to relax. Picturesquely
situated in secluded, breathtakingly beautiful Rupshu Valley, the
high-altitude Tso Moriri Lake is situated at an altitude of 15,000 ft
above sea level and is at a distance of 240 kms from Leh in the south
eastern sector of Ladakh. The lake is pearl shaped and contains large
mineral deposits. Korzok village is situated on the South-west bank of
this lake. Korzok Gonpa and its inhabitant’s nomads by tradition are
most outstanding features of this area.
The
Lake measures about 28 km in length from north to south and about 4-6
km in breadth and about 100 feet average in depth. Maximum depth of Tso
Moriri Lake is 248 feet. Tso Moriri Lake is surrounded by barren hills,
with the backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
The
shadows of the surrounding mountains and the varying depths of the
water give the Tsomoriri most amazing hues of blue and green,
alternating between jade and turquoise emerald and an unbelievable
indigo. The water is
crystal clear and of a deep blue color. However, since the Tso Moriri
Lake has no outlet, its waters are consequently brackish, although not
very detectable to the taste. In fact, the Tso Moriri Lake was once a
popular source of salt.
Where is Tso Moriri Lake located?
Tso Moriri Lake is situated in the middle of the elevated district of Rupshu. The Ropsu valley lies south east of Ladakh on the road from Manali to Leh at
altitude ranging from 16,500 feet. The 137 km drive from Leh to Rupshu
can be covered in 7 to 9 hours. This pretty valley is inhabited by a
small population of ‘Changpas’, who are nomadic shepherds. The area is
rich in wildlife including the wild ass, black necked cranes and geese flock to the lake side for breeding during the summer months.
What gives the lake the name ‘Mountain Lake’?
Its
name is characteristic of its positioning. This tranquil lake is
nestled in the midst of peaks towering over a height of 20,000 feet,
completely shutting the lake from the outside world.
Wildlife at Tso Moriri:
Administratively
Tso moriri has been declared as a wetland reserve. A Number of species
of birds included bare-headed goose, the great-crested grebe, the
Brahmin duck and the brown-headed gull. Himalayan hares are abundantly
found here.
Reaching Tso Moriri and obtaining permits:
Tso
Moriri is inaccessible by public transport; you should contact a tour
operator at Leh who will arrange and include your permit to the package.
You will need two photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport
and visa. Permits are required to travel to this lake. Once you have
your permit, usually only valid for a maximum period of seven days, make
at least 5 copies before setting off, as checkpoints like to keep a
copy when you log in.
There are two routes to Tso Moriri from Leh:
1. Leh- Upshi- Debring- Puga- Tso Moriri
2. Leh- Upshi- Chumathang- Mahe- Puga- Tso Moriri.
The
roads are moderately good. The first half is on tar road and makes for a
comfortable drive. There is a small stretch of road which is rough
owing to the rugged terrains of the region. However, all through the
driving route, picturesque mountain ranges serve as a mesmerizing
backdrop making the drive absolutely worthwhile!
