Mountains reflected in Tso Kar lake in eastern Ladakh
Tso Kar, the white lake, takes its name from the salt that crusts its shores. It is part of the Tso Kar Wetland Complex in the Changthang region of Ladakh, two connected lakes at more than 4,500 m: the freshwater Startsapuk Tso to the south and the larger, hypersaline Tso Kar to the north. The complex became India's 42nd Ramsar site in 2020.
Tso Kar is one of the most important breeding areas in India for the black-necked crane, and an important stopover on the Central Asian Flyway. In summer look for bar-headed geese, ruddy shelduck, great crested grebe and brown-headed gull on the water. Kiang graze the surrounding plains, and Tibetan argali, Tibetan wolf and snow leopard also use the basin. The nomadic village of Thukje stands on the north eastern bank, and Changpa herders graze their animals around the lakes.
The best time is roughly May to September. Keep well back from nesting birds and stay on the tracks, as the marshy meadows are breeding grounds. Indian visitors need the LAHDC Leh environment fee receipt from lahdclehpermit.in and a photo ID; no Inner Line Permit is required. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit. Acclimatise in Leh for at least 48 hours first.
- Address: Tso Kar, near Thukje, Changthang, Leh district, Ladakh
- Hours: Open year round; best May to September.
- How to Reach: Drive south from Leh on the Leh to Manali highway over the Taglang La, then turn east onto the side road to Tso Kar near Debring.
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