How to Get There
Tso Moriri is located in the Changthang region, about 220 km southeast of Leh. The most common route is: Leh → Upshi → Chumathang → Mahe → Sumdo → Karzok (Tso Moriri).
Drive time: 7–8 hours, depending on road conditions.
Roads are motorable from May to October.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for both Indian and foreign tourists.
Foreigners are allowed to visit and stay overnight in Karzok, but cannot travel beyond without special permission.
What to Expect
Tso Moriri sits at an altitude of 4,522 m and stretches about 28 km long, making it one of the largest high-altitude lakes entirely within India. The lake’s deep blue water, surrounding brown mountains, and lack of commercial activity give it a remote, untouched feel. The main settlement is Karzok village, where you’ll find basic guesthouses, homestays, and eco-camps. The lake is protected as a wetland reserve, and home to rare migratory birds, kiangs (wild asses), marmots, and occasional Himalayan wolves.
Camping at Tso Moriri
Camping is allowed near Karzok, but not right on the lake shore.
A few eco camps operate in summer with tents, bedding, and meals.
Wild camping is possible further from the village, but come fully self-sufficient.
Nights are extremely cold, even in summer—bring full winter gear.
For the Curious
"Tso Moriri" means "Mountain Lake" in Ladakhi.
The lake is part of the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve—a Ramsar Site.
A 17th-century monastery sits above Karzok village, still active today.
Once a trade route hub with Tibet, the region now supports Changpa nomads and pashmina goat herding.
Good to Know
No entry fee, but permits are checked at Mahe and Sumdo.
No fuel stations beyond Upshi—carry extra fuel.
No mobile signal (except sometimes BSNL at Karzok).
Best time to visit: June to September. Roads may close in winter.
Combine with Tso Kar, Puga Valley, or Hanle for a remote Changthang loop
