Tso Moriri Lake

About Tso Moriri Lake of Ladakh

Tso Moriri Lake in Ladakh is the kind of place, which, when you visit it, feel that Nature had kept it zealously guarded lest some mortal soul go into an eternal trance upon coming across its ethereal beauty. The clear waters of the lake reflect the surroundings while the graciously sloped mountains extend it a warm embrace. There are many famous tourist attractions in Ladakh which you should not miss, this is one that you just cannot!

Some facts about Tso Moriri Lake

Located in the Changthang region of Ladakh in India, about 250 kilometers from Leh, the Tso Moriri Lake is one of the highest altitude lakes in India which lies entirely in Indian territory. It is about 7 kilometers broad at its widest point and 19 kilometers long.

The lake along with the surrounding areas are protected as the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is also the highest Ramsar site in the world. Since it is a protected area, camping or setting up any accommodation beside the lake is completely prohibited. The lake derives its water from springs and snowmelt from the mountains surrounding it.

Attractions at the Tso Moriri Lake

Obviously, the foremost attraction of the Tso Moriri Lake is the overall beauty of the place. For photographers and selfie takers, there are not many places which offer better backgrounds and sights than this. The beauty of the lake seems to transform itself with the passing of the day, from morning and afternoon to evening.

The lake is home to almost 34 species of birds, out of which, 14 are water birds. Some of the birds which you can spot at the lake are balck-necked cranes, brown headed gulls, black necked grebe and great crested grebe. Mammals like Tibetan Gazelle, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Tibetan Ass and Great Tibetan Sheep also live in close proximity. Snow leopard and Tibetan Wolf also live in the nearby surroundings.

On the western bank of the lake stands the Korzok Monastery, which is 400 years old and houses about 70 monks. It contains the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha along with Tibetan Buddhist painting. The Korzok Gustor Festival is celebrated at the monastery and is marked by several rituals, one of which is masked dances called Chham.