Tso Moriri, Korzok
A quiet high lake in the Changthang plateau
- Type
- Lake
- Location
- Korzok, Ladakh
- Time needed
- 1 night
- Best time to visit
- June to September. Outside these months, nights are bitterly cold and most stays are closed.
About Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri lies at about 4,500 m in the Changthang plateau of south-eastern Ladakh. It is smaller than Pangong Tso and sees far fewer visitors, so it is quieter and feels more remote. The lake is surrounded by bare hills and snow peaks, and the water changes from blue to green in the light.
Korzok is the only village on the shore, with a small monastery, a cluster of houses and a few homestays and camps. The Changpa, nomadic herders of yak, sheep and pashmina goats, live in this region and move with their animals across the high pastures. The lake and its wetlands are protected and are home to birds such as bar-headed geese and, at times, black-necked cranes.
Tso Moriri is higher than Pangong, and facilities are basic. It suits travellers who have already spent several days in Ladakh and are well acclimatised. Some trips combine it with Tso Kar, a smaller salt lake on the way.
Things to do at Tso Moriri
- Walk along the lake shore and watch the light change
- Visit Korzok village and its monastery
- Look for bar-headed geese and other birds on the wetlands
- Watch for wild asses and marmots on the drive through Changthang
How to reach Tso Moriri
- By road from Leh: about 220 km via Upshi and Chumathang along the Indus, about 6 to 7 hours by car.
Tips before you go
- Go only after at least three or four days in Ladakh, ideally after Nubra or Pangong
- Carry the permit for the Tso Moriri area and several ID copies
- Facilities are basic and nights are close to freezing, so carry warm layers and any medicines you need
- Tso Moriri is not ideal for very young children, older people or anyone with heart or lung conditions
Nearby places to visit
Hemis Monastery
One of the largest and best-known monasteries in Ladakh, set in a side valley south of Leh. It hosts the Hemis festival with masked dances every summer.
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hoursRead more →Leh
Ladakh's main town, with Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and a busy main bazaar. Your base for the first and last nights, and the place to acclimatise.
Time needed: 2 to 3 days, split between the start and end of the tripRead more →Pangong Tso
A high-altitude lake at about 4,250 m that stretches into Tibet, known for its changing shades of blue. Nights are cold even in summer.
Time needed: 1 night, or a long day trip from LehRead more →Tso Moriri: FAQs
Tso Moriri or Pangong: which is better?
Pangong is easier to reach and has more stays. Tso Moriri is higher, more remote and quieter. With limited time, choose Pangong. Add Tso Moriri if you have an extra two days and are well acclimatised.
Is a permit needed for Tso Moriri?
Yes. A permit and an environment fee are required for the Tso Moriri area. Your operator can arrange it in Leh.