Mention of Ladakh takes one into the beautiful land of Himalayan snow peaks and deep mesmerizing valley views. In addition to being the ‘land of high passes,’ Ladakh also houses some of the most spectacular high altitude lakes in all of Asia. Tourists claim that these locations are serene, peaceful, and magical. Here’s a list of few lakes that you must visit during your Leh Ladakh tour;

PANGONG TSO 

Pangong in Tibetan means ‘high grassland lake,’ which pretty much describes the place. The lake is famous for the changing color of the water at different times throughout the year. Pangong Tso has featured in many Bollywood movies for its scenic beauty.

Situated at 4350 meters (14,270 ft.) above sea level, Pangong Tso is a saltwater lake shared by India and China. Since it is on the Sino-Indian Actual Line of Control, traveling to the lake requires a permit. It is approximately 250 kilometers from Leh and takes approximately 5-hours by road to get there via the Chang La pass (the 3rd highest motorable road in the world).

Stay options at Pangong Tso include camps, hotels, and homestays.

TSO KAR

Tso Kar lake is a paradise for bird watchers. It is famous for its abundant wildlife. Birds like Brahmini ducks, the bar-headed geese, the great crested grebe, the black-necked cranes and mammals such as kiangs, the snow fox, snow leopard and ibex frequent this lake.

Situated approximately 160 kms from Leh, Tso Kar is well known as ‘White Lake’ because of the white salt deposits on its shores. It is the smallest of all the lakes in Ladakh. Note that the Tso Kar lake region experiences harsh, unpredictable weather. 

Stay options here include camps, hotels, and homestays. 

TSO MORIRI

Tso Moriri Lake is known to be a freshwater twin to Pangong Tso Lake. Located at a higher altitude comparatively, Tso Moriri has crystal clear waters and reflects deep blue color. The mountain stream and snow melting from surrounding mountains converge into this lake. It is the largest high altitude lake in India and officially known as Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. Lakeside camping is banned to protect the rich fauna and flora in the reserve.

Tso Moriri Lake is located in Chumathang at an altitude of 4,375 meters (15,075 ft.). It is 6-7 hours drive from Leh to cover a distance of 220 kilometers to get there. A permit is needed to visit the Tso Moriri Lake lake as well.

Accommodation is available in the Korzok village nearby.  

TSO KIAGAR

Tso Kiagar is a small lake, easy to miss, as you pass by Chumathung on the way to Tso Moriri Lake. Situated at a height of 4000 meters with beautiful landscapes that are a treat to eyes. The lake is ideal for a camping experience. 

YARAB TSO

Around 180 kms from Leh, Yarab Tso is situated near Sumur village in the Nubra Valley. You need to trek down to the lake for 20 minutes from Panamaik village. Swimming or washing in the lake is prohibited as it is considered to be a holy place. 

MIRPAL TSO

Mirpal Tso is an emerald green lake in between the widening black-brown mountains. The lake can only be reached by hiking for a short distance as there is no road leading to it. Located at a distance of about 200kms from Leh, visiting Mirpal Tso requires a permit to get past the Chusul-Nama army check post.

YAYE TSO 

Yaye Tao Lake is a heart-shaped volcanic lake, situated 12 kilometers from Mahe Gompa in Mahe village. This lake is approximately 240 kms from Leh. It offers a mesmerizing sight of picturesque landscape and is one the least visited by tourists.

Each of the above lakes has a unique scenic beauty that words fall short of describing. You must visit and experience it to acquire a beautiful memory for a lifetime. Go back to your itinerary and tweak it to accommodate as many of the above as possible or select a Ladakh tour package that covers most of them.