At the end of the long Rupshu Valley, situated nearly 250 kilometers from Leh, lies the dazzling Tso Moriri Lake, literally meaning the lake of the mountain. The largest and the most beautiful lake in this valley, Tso Moriri, unlike Pangong Tso, is situated entirely in India. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks from all the sides. This mildly brackish lake is home to some fascinating birds. Also, the region around is well known for spotting some of the popular wild species of Ladakh. The lake is situated slightly off the Leh-Manali road, and it makes sense to visit it while making this journey.

A dusty road passing through the Rupshu Valley leads to Tso Moriri. The surrounding region is dominated by grassy planes and small mounds rising here and there. This is the terrain of the nomadic Khampa people, who herd pashmina goats and yaks and mostly lead a harsh life. As you enter the region, you spot several of their dwellings characterized by cheap yet modern tents rooted in the numbers from five to fifteen.

Some of these people who roam around in the Himalayan territories with changing seasons have stabilized in the valley and retain slightly better homes, which you see as you arrive at Tso Moriri. An old gompa here is usually visited by the tourists. This small settlement is the only permanent colony in this region. The locals, apart from their traditional businesses of gathering salt and trading pashmina wool, also depend on the cultivation of barley, which is done at a high amount. Tourism is also an important dependency resource for them. They facilitate tourists with restaurants run in temporary tents, which, out here, are nothing short of a great service.

The first view of Tso Moriri is beautiful. But as you drive over a dusty road winding around the lake, the view becomes mesmerizingly beautiful. The water of the lake, a lovely shade of blue, reflects the snow-clad mountains on the other side and the brilliant forms of clouds in the sky. At the shore of the lake, the clarity of the water seems admirable as you can observe the bottom slope away into the depth for several feet.

Among the birds here the most easily sited are Brahmni ducks, bar-headed geese and pin tails. You can also spot brown-headed gulls, great crested grebes and ferruginous ducks. Black necked cranes can also be seen, although you will need good binoculars to spot these amazing birds standing in the shallow grasslands at the shore of the lake. This spectacular water body has been declared as a wetland conservation reserve for the protection of the habitat and preservation of birdlife.

The wildlife here is gifted with a handsome number of mammalian races. Amongst the not so hard to spot are kiangs and marmots. The marmots, especially can be easily seen at the roadsides before your arrive at the lake. The famous Ladakhi Bharal, commonly referred to as the blue sheep, and the Himalayan mountain goats can also be spotted at a good frequency. Amongst the rare to spot are the lynx, snow leopards and grey wolves. Dedicated wildlife enthusiasts root a stay here for a number of days to get one sight of these amazing species.

Tso Moriri offers multiple camping sites with facilities passable for a relatively convenient stay, considering that this is almost a wild region. A night stay here can be an amazing experience, depending on the weather and how low the temperature falls during the night. The best option is to visit this place and stay here overnight during the Leh-Manali journey.

Sunset at Tso Moriri is considered to be a spectacle not to miss, during which the water changes shades and offers brilliantly scenic views. The breathtaking place that Tso Moriri is, it not only makes beautiful pictures on your camera but also in your mind, the images you will cherish for a long time.

Quick Reference

The enchanting Tso Moriri Lake is around 250 kilometers away from Leh. It is the largest and the most beautiful lake of Ladakh. It is situated slightly off the Leh Manali road. Tso Moriri hosts an amazing bird and wildlife. Birds like Brahmni ducks, bar-headed geese, pin tails, brown headed gulls, great crested grebes and ferruginous ducks and black necked cranes can be spotted here. Animals like Kiangs, Ladakhi marmots, Ladakhi Bharal or blue sheep and the Himalayan mountain goats are also seen. Tso Moriri offers multiple camping sites that facilitate a comfortable stay in the wild region. Restaurants are run in temporary tents but they are of a great service in this wilderness. The sunset at Tso Moriri is spectacular and should not be missed.