T S O . M O R I R I

How to reach there?

Tso in the Ladakhi Language means a Lake. Tso Moriri is one of the most exciting places in Ladakh, and I would personally rate as better than Pangong Tso. A visit to Ladakh is incomplete without Tso Moriri.

Tso Moriri is a brackish water lake situated at an altitude of some 4300 metres above sea level. It is a more or less deserted place, such a height being not conducible for human settlement. But Indian Army Contingents may be found there, and during season time, temporary commercial tents made there. However, it seems to be very popular among the fauna, and is a haven for a variety of birds and animals.

One can circle from Leh to Upshi to Mahey bridge to Tso Moriri to Tso Kar to TanglangLa to Leh. This is the best route and includes an overnight halt at Tso Moriri. The road is metalled except the last 60 km which is completely unmetalled and rough. A Tata Sumo will do. The road is accompanied by Indus upto Mahey Bridge. The permit is checked at 3 places. After crossing May Bridge, the scenario changes. A small brook accompanies you (it runs in opposite direction, i.e. joins Indus). Yaks will be seen in plenty, with their nomad masters sitting nearby. Two shepherd dogs are enough to take care of more than a hundred yaks or a thousand sheep. One unusual animal you will find here is the marmot. The moment it sees you, it will hide in it's hole. Keep your zoom lenses ready. If you are lucky, you may even see a full marmot family, with three or four kids. Ahead, there comes a small lake called Tangtse karu. See the section on the same for details.

As you are about to reach Tso Moriri, excitement is on the high, coz you will have achieved a height of more than 4000 metres in this desert land,without a single tree, and thousands of shrubs, the last thing to expect there is a lake. The lake appears huge, you will see some ducks swimming around. As you drive along the border of the lake for about 300 metres to reach a proper tenting site, the scene is amazing. The lake is at such a height that it is surrounded by only small mountains, which actually are peaks. There is a strong wind blowing causing waves in the lake. The sun about to set gives a golden tinge to the peaks. And the dense blue colour of the lake against the light blue colour of sky is simply captivating. You will meet some Indian Army Jawans there. Still ahead is the site for tenting. Ready tents are also there. Check in one of those tents. And then sit to enjoy the sunset. After an early dinner, do not miss to see the reflection of a clear starry sky in the clear waters of the lakes. But any wind movement will not give a reflection. The sunrise also will give enough scenery to click. Return to Leh via tanglang La, on the Manali Leh Highway, and see Tso Kar which comes on the way. It is not unusual to see tornadoes on this road. The description on Tso Kar is on the page of Tangtse karu.