How to Travel From Leh to Tso Moriri

Ladakh is home to several glacial lakes, including Tso Moriri, one of the sacred and popular tourist destinations. In Ladakh’s Changthang region, Tso Moriri Lake is a beautiful, calm, high-altitude lake. This serene lake is nestled at a whopping altitude of 4,595 m above sea level amidst the snow-clad mountains. Settled in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tso Moriri is a hidden gem in the cold desert. This azure lake runs up to 28 km in length, 2 to 5 km in width, and is 100 feet deep. You can enjoy camping near the lake and enjoy the scenic vistas. We have gathered all the essential details about the route and journey for those looking for information about how to travel from Leh to Tso Moriri.

Tso Moriri is home to some exotic migratory birds you can spot here during the trip. This is an ideal tourist destination for nature lovers and caters to every kind of traveler, including families, friends, backpackers, solo travelers, and honeymooners. You can start your journey from Leh and explore other tourist places en route. This freshwater lake is fed by melting snow and springs and has no outlet.

It is easily accessible in summer from various routes; however, from the Leh to Korzok route, it is accessible throughout the year. You can reach the lake by multiple routes and from other popular tourist attractions of Ladakh. Look at the travel guide, which helps you gather information about how to reach Tso Moriri from Leh, things to carry, tips, places to stay, routes, permits, and other important information.

How to reach Tso Moriri From Leh

Tso Moriri is 220 km from Leh and easily accessible by different routes. You can reach it directly from Leh or visit it via Pangong Lake and Chushul. En route, you will cross several high-altitude mountain passes while traveling on different routes, such as Namashang La, Tanglang La, Kongka La, Chang La, and Tsaga La Pass. The other Leh to Tso Moriri route is from Tso Kar and Moore Plains, which offers a unique road trip experience.

Tso Kar is another placid lake of Ladakh and a less-explored place. Here is detailed information about the three routes, places to visit, places to stay, and places to eat en route.

Route 1:

Leh – Shey – Karu – Upshi – Kumdok – Kere – Chumathang – Mahe – Sumdo – Namashang La – Korzok – Tso Moriri

• Distance from Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang: 220 km
• Travel Time: 5 hours 20 minutes (approx.)

Places to visit en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Chumathang

• Thiksey Monastery
• Nyingma Monastery
• Shey Palace
• Shey Monastery
• Stakna Monastery
• Stakna Bridge
• Hemis Monastery
• Shara Monastery
• Chumathang Hot Spring
• Chumathang Gompa
• Kyagar Tso
• Mahe Bridge

Places to eat en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Chumathang

• Rancho Cafe, Shey
• Punjabi Dhaba, Shey
• Chang La Queen Cafe, Shey
• Cafe Cloud, Thiksey
• Lazeez Restaurant, Bilal, Thiskey
• Namdruk Restaurant
• Pangong Restaurant, Karu
• The Singey Villa Restaurant, Karu
• Cafe Backpackers, Chumathang

Places to stay en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Chumathang

• Shel Photang Towaling Camp, Shey
• Dokpa Guest House, Shey
• Chamba Camp, Thiksey
• The Ice Guest House, Thiksey
• Zimskhang Homestay, Thiskey
• The Verda Driftwood Lake Homes, Karu
• Midway Guest House, Karu
• The Singey Villa, Karu Highway Inn, Upshi

Route 2:

Leh – Shey – Karu – Upshi – Rumtse – Tanglang La – Debring – Tso Kar – Polo Kongka La – Puga – Sumdo – Namashang La – Korzok

• Distance and Travel Time from Leh to Tso Kar: 153 km and 4 hours (approx)

• Distance & travel time from Tso Kar to Tso Moriri via Tanglang La: 88 km and 4 hours (approx)

Places to visit en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Tso Kar

• Shey Palace
• Shey Monastery
• Thiksey Monastery
• Nyingma Monastery
• Stakna Monastery
• Stakna Bridge
• Hemis Monastery
• Moore Plains
• Tanglang La Pass
• Shri Krishna Temple
• Tso Kar
• Startsapuk Tso
• Puga Hotsprings
• Kiagar La
• Kyagar Tso

Places to eat en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Tso Kar

• Rancho Cafe, Shey
• Punjabi Dhaba, Shey
• Chang La Queen Cafe, Shey
• Cafe Cloud, Thiksey
• Lazeej Restaurant, Bilal, Thiskey
• Namdruk Restaurant
• Pangong Restaurant, Karu
• The Singey Villa Restaurant, Karu
• Ice Stupa Cafe, Rumtse
• Pang Cafe, Pang Intersection Point
• Kunday Chan Restaurant, Tso Kar

Places to stay en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Tso Kar

• Shel Photang Towaling Camp, Shey
• Dokpa Guest House, Shey
• Chamba Camp, Thiksey
• The Ice Guest House, Thiksey
• Zimskhang Homestay, Thiskey
• The Verda Driftwood Lake Homes, Karu
• Midway Guest House, Karu
• The Singey Villa, Karu
• Highway Inn, Upshi
• Nawang Homestay, Rumtse
• Wild Camp, Tso Kar
• Lotus Camps, Tso Kar
• Druk Resort, Tso Kar

Route 3:

Leh – Sakti – Chang La – Tangtse – Spangmik (Pangong Tso) – Man – Merak – Chushul – Tsaga La – Tsaga Village – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Korzok (Tso Moriri)

• Distance & Travel time from Leh to Pangong Tso via Chang La: 223 km / 6 hours (approx)
• Distance & Travel time from Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri via Chushul: 328 km / 9 hours (approx)

Places to visit en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Pangong Tso

• Thiksey Monastery
• Shey Palace
• Shey Monastery
• Hemis Monastery
• Stakna Monastery
• Stakna Bridge
• Nyingma Monastery
• Chang La
• Tangtse Monastery
• Spangmik Village
• Chagar Tso
• Pangong Lake View Point
• Chushul War Memorial Park
• Mirpal Tso
• Horla Pass
• Yay Nunnery
• Yaye Tso
• Mahe Bridge
• Kyagar Tso

Places to eat en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Pangong Tso

• Chang La Queen Cafe, Shey
• Punjabi Dhaba, Shey
• Lazeez Restaurant, Thiksey
• Namdruk Restaurant and Lounge, Thiksey
• Pangong Way, Durbok
• Wah Ji Wah, Durbok
• Pangong Cafe, Tangtse
• 3 Idiots Food Stall, Spangmik
• Kaksang La, Chumathang

Places to stay en route Tso Moriri from Leh via Pangong Tso

• Gobi Guest House, Shey
• Saktipa House, Shey
• Dokpa Guest House, Shey
• Chamba Camp, Thiksey
• Midway Guest House, Karu
• Pangong Delight Camp, Tangtse
• The Golden Cottage, Lukung
• Hotel Pangong Residency, Tangtse
• The Pangong Inn, Tangtse
• Royal Tangtse Guest House, Tangtse
• Good Luck Camp, Pangong Lake
• The Golden Cottage and Restaurant, Spangmik
• World Attic Camp, Pangong Lake
• JKTDC Camp Resort, Pangong Lake

Petrol Pump en route Tso Moriri

There are minimal fuel pumps available in the Ladakh region. If you plan to visit Tso Moriri via Leh, Pangong Lake, or Tso Kar, the last fuel pump is in Karu. After that, there is no pump en route to Tso Kar, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri.

It is highly recommended that you carry extra fuel from Leh and refill your tanks at Karu. Carry enough fuel to avoid any problems, as there is no other fuel pump at any of the villages en route to Pangong Lake, including Sakti, Tangtse, Durbuk, Lukung, and Spangmik. You may find fuel in black at some of the Dhabas; otherwise, you will not get fuel.

Traveling to Tso Moriri by Car

Traveling by car is the most convenient and best way to Tso Moriri. You can start your drive from Leh and reach Tso Kar via Chumathang. You can also travel to Tso Moriri from Pangong Tso via Chang La or Tso Kar via Tanglang La Pass and Moore Plains. The route from Tso Kar is less explored but offers an incredible experience to travelers.

There are several rough patches and water crossings involved in this route. You need a tough car with a solid engine to cross rugged terrains and high-altitude mountain passes, including Chang La, Tanglang La, Namashank La, Tsaga La, and Kongka La. Some of the recommended vehicles for the journey:

• Sedans/ Hatchbacks: If you are confident in your driving skills, you can travel to Tso Moriri from Leh in this vehicle. These vehicles are suitable for climbing up and down Chang La, Tanglang La, Namashank La, Tsaga La, and Kongka La. If you plan to travel in the early summers, you might face problems as there are several water crossings, and the route is challenging.
• High Ground Clearance SUVs (4×2): Compared to sedans and hatchbacks, SUVs are a good option for traveling to Tso Moriri. They have good ground clearance, and you can easily cross the high-altitude passes. However, traveling in this type of SUV in early summer is difficult as the streams on the road and ice-melting make the road slushy and muddy.
• High Ground Clearance SUVs (4×4): This is the perfect option for traveling in Ladakh. It has good ground clearance and a powerful engine, which is undoubtedly helpful in crossing streams and climbing mountain passes in summer.

Some of the best cars for the trip to Tso Moriri via Chang La, Tanglang La, Namashank La, Tsaga La, and Kongka La are:

• Mahindra Thar
• Toyota Fortuner
• Tata Safari
• Mahindra Scorpio
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Mitsubishi Pajero

Tips

• Always carry important documents, such as a Pollution Check, Driving Licence, Vehicle Registration Card, and photo identity proof, and keep them handy.
• Do not carry extra luggage with you while traveling to Tso Moriri. Leave your extra baggage in Leh, as the ascent to the high-altitude mountain passes takes work.
• Get your car serviced before the trip, and check all the components.
• Ensure you get your car’s engine oil and oil filter changed before going on the trip, as this will help you obtain optimal performance from your car engine.
• Ensure that the car’s electrical system works fine with no worn-out wires.
• Check all the shock absorbents and fluids.
• Fill up the tanks, carry extra fuel, and check the tires.
• Carry the essential kit and check the car’s braking system.
• Check the wheel alignment and adjust the wheel steering.

Traveling to Tso Moriri by Motorcycle

Exploring the breathtaking beauty of Ladakh by bike is every traveler’s dream. You can also visit Tso Moriri by bike from Leh, Pangong Lake, and Tso Kar. Traveling by bike on these winding terrains is a unique experience that you will cherish throughout your life. You will cross some of the high-altitude mountain passes during your journey. With the choice of the best bike and your riding skills, you can climb these mountain passes and explore the region without any hassle. For this route, you need a powerful engine motorcycle that will ride on rugged terrains and slushy muddy roads.

Some of the best bikes for the road trip to Pangong Lake are:

• Royal Enfield 350
• Royal Enfield 550
• Hero XPulse 200
• Royal Enfield Himalayan
• Bajaj Dominor 400
• Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Tips

• It is advisable to travel light and solo.
• If you have extra luggage, then leave it in Leh. Carry only essential baggage.
• Ensure it is in good condition and get it serviced before the trip.
• Check wheel alignment before starting the trip.
• Make sure about carbonator tuning.
• Ensure suspensions are in good condition.
• Double-check fluid levels such as engine oil, brake oil, and coolant.
• Check tires for air pressure.
• Ensure the chains are properly lubricated and not too tight or loose.
• Make sure the bike has gear oil and suspension oil.

Travelling to Tso Moriri by Bus

You can board a bus from Leh to Tso Moriri. It is the cheapest option among other modes of transport. However, the buses are not frequent, and the timings and the schedule are fixed, which you must confirm at the Leh bus stand. It is advisable to book your ticket in advance, which can be done only from the Leh bus stand one day before the journey. The government-run buses from Leh to Korzok ply only three times a month. You can travel in a shared taxi if that does not match your itinerary.

Tips

• Tickets are available one day in advance from the Leh bus stand. Book early to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Confirm the timings and schedule of the buses in advance.
• Carry dry eatables, chocolates, biscuits, and dry fruits for the journey.
• Carry a water bottle, which you can refill en route.

Travelling to Tso Moriri by Taxi

You can travel in a shared taxi or book a private taxi from Leh to Tso Moriri. Regular taxi services are available in Leh for Tso Moriri. Private taxis are costly and comfortable; however, shared taxis are cost-effective. You need to confirm the shared cab from the taxi stand in advance.

Tips

• Make sure you will confirm the timings of the shared taxi one date before the journey.
• Book the private taxi in advance.
• Do not carry extra luggage if you are traveling in a shared taxi. Travel lightly and leave extra luggage in Leh.
• Keep warm clothes handy.
• Carry dry foods such as chocolates, biscuits, and dry fruits. Also, carry a refillable water bottle.
• Keep your important documents like permits, identity proof, and cash handy.

Best time to visit Tso Moriri

The tourist season peaks from June to September, which is the best time to visit Tso Moriri. During this time, the weather remains pleasant, and all the routes to the lake are open. The days remain balmy, and the temperature starts to dip in the evening. The lake freezes completely in the winter, and the mountain passes get blocked due to heavy snowfall.

Make sure you book accommodation in advance, as finding a good place to stay becomes difficult during the peak season. Traveling to the lake in winter is not advisable, as the chances of getting stuck due to heavy snowfall increase, and public transport is also unavailable this season. However, in the summer season, you can quickly get a conveyance to travel to the lake.

Road Conditions till Tso Moriri

If you travel from Leh to Tso Moriri, you will find a smooth road from Leh to Upshi and from Upshi to Mahe; the road is a mix of good and bad. From Mahe to Sumdo, the road is in bad condition, and after Sumdo to Korzok, the road combines slushy and muddy trails. You will find a good and smooth road to Sumdo from the Tso Kar route, except for Tanglang La and Kongka La Passes, where the road is usually broken. If you are traveling from the Pangong Tso side, you will find a dirt trail to Chushul and after that, until Loma, there is a patch of good road. From Loma to Sumdo, the road is a mix of smooth and rough patches.

Mobile Connectivity at Tso Moriri

There is no mobile network reception at Tso Moriri. In most parts of Ladakh, only postpaid MTNL or BSNL networks are available, but at Tso Moriri, no mobile network is available.

Altitude Mountain Sickness at Tso Moriri

Situated at 4,522 m above sea level, Tso Moriri is one of the Ladakh tourist places where travelers are more likely to suffer from altitude mountain sickness (AMS). A sudden change in atmospheric pressure and oxygen at Tso Moriri’s altitude causes AMS. The most common symptoms of AMS are dizziness, nausea, headaches, and shortness of breath. You need to be very cautious about AMS and ensure your body acclimates.

Travel slowly and acclimate properly so your family will not face AMS. If you are uncomfortable and uneasy, lower your altitude immediately. This can help them recover soon and will not put their health at any further risk.

Places to stay near Tso Moriri

A wide range of accommodation options is available near Tso Moriri; however, the availability of hotels and guesthouses is lower than that of the staying options near Pangong Lake or Nubra Valley. So, it is advisable to book your stay in advance to save yourself from the last-minute hassles as there are chances you will not get the accommodation you choose.

The stay options available here cater to each kind of tourist, such as families, friends, solo travelers, and honeymooners. You can choose to stay at a hotel, resort, guest house, or camp. Tso Moriri is located in a wetland reserve, so no one can pitch their tents near the lake.

In Korzok, you can find accommodation options ranging from economical to leisure guest houses and hotels. If you are looking for budget stay options, choose guesthouses and homestays. If you have no budget constraints, you can go to camps, which are also equipped with modern facilities. Basic facilities are available in the guest houses.

Here are some of the popular places to stay near Tso Moriri during your trip:

• Tso Moriri Camp & Resort
• Lake View Guest House
• Nomadic Life Camp
• Goose Homestay
• Mentok Homestay
• Crane Guest House
• Wander Hut Tso Moriri
• Wild Camp
• Golden Mark Camps
• Nomadic Life Camp
• Tso Moriri Hotel
• The Norling Camp

Permits

Tso Moriri is situated in restricted/ protected areas, and a permit is mandatory to visit. You also need a permit to visit Tso Moriri from Pangong Lake and Tso Kar. There are two types of permits: Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Protected Area Permit/ Restricted Area Permit (PAP/ RAP).

Indian nationals must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be applied online or offline. You can apply for the permit online on the official website of LAHDC (Leh Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council): http://lahdclehpermit.in/. For offline mode, you can directly visit the DC Office in Leh, where you have to fill out the form, pay the fees, and get the permit stamped. However, you can avoid freaking out for permits when you plan with Indian Holiday. With years of expertise in booking Leh Ladakh tour packages, it offers customizable Ladakh tours to suit your preferences. Our team will handle all your needs, from getting permits to arranging transfers and stays, to ensure you have a stress-free Ladakh trip.

Things to Carry during Leh to Tso Moriri

• Carry extra fuel from Leh and make sure you fill tanks in Karu, as this is the last fuel pump before Tso Kar, Tso Moriri, and Pangong Tso. Otherwise, you will have to buy fuel in black from small dhabas and roadside shops.
• Carry enough cash from Leh, as there is no ATM en route or in Pangong Tso, Tso Kar, and Tso Moriri. Most shops and hotels accept cash only.
• Keep warm clothes handy. Ensure you will carry woolen layers, as the weather is unpredictable in the region. During the daytime, it remains balmy, and in the evening, the temperature dips.
• Sturdy and comfortable shoes.
• Keep important documents like photo ID proof, accommodation tickets, and permits in a waterproof bag and handy.
• First aid kit along with the prescribed medicines and essential medications for fever, cough, cold, and mountain sickness.
• Chargers of all your electronic devices, along with the power bank.
• Carry a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and a windcheater in the monsoon season.
• Make sure your backpacks are waterproof.
• Rechargeable torch and cells for the torch.
• 3 socket Belkin Surge Protector, lighter, and matchbox
• Goggles (for protection from sun rays) and sunscreen lotion with high SPF (50 or above)
• Mustard Oil (for applying on legs, arms, and face as they can become dry due to cold winds)
• Toiletries
• Eatables such as dry fruits, chocolates, and biscuits. Also, carry water bottles.

Tips to keep in mind while traveling from Leh to Tso Moriri

• Ensure you have a basic understanding of your vehicle and know how to repair it in case of urgency, as there is no village after Karu. You will be in trouble if your vehicle
• breaks down, so ensure you learn about vehicle repair.
• To avoid motion sickness, drink plenty of water and eat small meals as snacks. Do not travel on an empty stomach, and do not overeat either.
• It is vital to get adequately acclimatized before traveling to high-altitude places.
• Apply moisturizer and sunscreen lotion to save yourself from sunburn.
• Wear sunglasses in snowy areas to protect your eyes from direct sunlight. UV rays reflected from the snow can cause snow blindness or sunburn on your cornea.
• Heavy woolen garments are necessary when traveling to such high-altitude passes and lakes.
• Carry a first aid kit with medicines for nausea, headache, and vomiting, as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is expected at high altitude places.
• Keep yourself warm and hydrated. It helps in saving yourself from AMS.
• Be a responsible traveler; do not litter packets and wrappers anywhere.
• Drive well within speed limits as the roads are too treacherous to handle.