Korzok village on the shore of Tso Moriri with Chamser Kangri behind
Tso Moriri is a high-altitude lake in the Changthang region of south eastern Ladakh, about 26 km long and lying at more than 4,500 m. It became a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 2002 and sits inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. Its marshes are a breeding ground for the black-necked crane and the only breeding ground for bar-headed geese in India. Kiang (Tibetan wild ass) graze the plains around the lake, and Tibetan argali live in the surrounding hills.
The village of Korzok, with its centuries old monastery, stands on the north western shore and has homestays and seasonal camps. Summer, roughly June to September, is the best time for open roads, breeding birds and kiang; the cranes arrive from late March or April and leave by early November. Nights are cold even in July.
The lake is sacred to local Buddhists, so don't swim or wash in it, and keep vehicles on the marked tracks; driving across the shore meadows damages nesting 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, arranged through a registered travel agent in Leh. Acclimatise in Leh for at least 48 hours before driving up.
- Address: Korzok, Tso Moriri, Changthang, Leh district, Ladakh
- Hours: Open year round; best June to September. Winter is extremely cold and services are limited.
- How to Reach: A long day drive from Leh, south east via Upshi and the Indus valley through Chumathang and Mahe, then up to Korzok on the western shore.
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