Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh
The Tso Moriri is another enchanting glacial lake, located in the high mountain escapades of Ladakh at a height of 4522 meters above sea level. The lake is accessible from Leh and can be reached easily from the Pangong Tso. The place is known for its pristine blue waters and views of the surrounding Himalayas.
Tso-moriri or Lake Moriri is a High Altitude Lake (officially named as Tso-moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve), located in the Changthang (literal meaning, northern plains) area with an altitude of 4,595 m (15,075 ft). The Tso-moriri 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 beautiful snow-covered mountains.
Tso-moriri is mind-numbingly beautiful, Calm and sacred lake for Ladakhis. Tso-moriri is slightly higher than Pangong Tso and the water is far less brackish supporting more birdlife. 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.
Tso-moriri Lake is situated in the middle of the elevated district of Rupshu. The Rupshu 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 ‘Changspa’, 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. This serene lake and the area around it attract a large range of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots, wild asses, and (rarely spotted) Tibetan wolves. Nomadic herders of goats, yaks, and cows live in the lake’s vicinity. In reality this place is extremely harsh and difficult to survive especially in winters. This eye-soothing lake is the Divine Destination in Leh.
