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Time Lapse of the Milkyway Galaxy captured on Tso-Moriri Lake Ladakh.
If you have ever dreamed of a place where your eyes cannot perceive the difference between the land and the sky, you probably have reached Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh. Nestled in the breathtaking region of Changthang Plateau, Ladakh, above an altitude of around 15000 ft, the lake offers captivating views with its crystal clear water and ambient surroundings. Tso Moriri is one of the great Himalayan lakes, 26 Km long and 5 km wide, with a surface area of around 120 square kilometres. The lake and its surrounding area are protected as part of the Ramsar site, a wetland conservation reserve. In this article, I will detail everything you should know while planning your trip to Tso Moriri Lake in 2025.
There are many routes to reach this nature masterpiece but the best route in terms of comfortability and climate acclimatization is from Leh, the route map for this breathtaking journey is like this:
Route 1: Leh – Shey – Upshi – Kumdok – Kere – Chumathang – Mahe –Namashang La – Kurzok (Tso Moriri)
Route 2: Leh – Chang La – Tangtse – Pangong Tso – Merak – Chushul – Tsaga La – Mahe – Sumdo – Kurzok(Tso Moriri)
This is the most sought after question when travelling to cold desert areas like Ladakh. I have witnessed almost every month at Kurzok village from chilling winds to warm sun rays. I have prepared a detailed month-wise temperature chart so you can plan the journey accordingly.
Summer (mid-May to mid-September): Summer is the best time to visit Tso-Moriri Lake. At the beginning of May, the lake starts to melt, exhibiting its blue hue matched by the blue sky over it. The temperature in summer reaches a maximum of up to 25 degrees Celsius in the months of August and September, making travel and stay more cosy. This is the time preferred by most tourists when Ladakh unfolds its beauty with magnificent colours and facilities like shops and kiosks, which are otherwise closed in winter months, open their doors to tourists again. In addition, this is also the best time for stargazers and astrophotographers like me.
Winter (October to April): These are basically the winter months of Ladakh when the influx of tourists is reduced to the least. The lowest temperature at this time falls below -25 degrees Celsius, making Tso Moriri Lake completely frozen. Most of the accommodations and other facilities are closed in Kurzok village due to the blockage of roads with heavy snow. It’s not advisable to travel there in the winter months. However, if you’re still adventurous enough to embark on your winter journey there, you can stay in Nyoma village before starting your journey. Nyoma village has all the basic facilities along with a newly opened petrol pump where you can refill your vehicle.
You can find a few homestays and two hotels in Kurzok village. During my visit, only one hotel, Tso Moriri Inn, was operational, and the other hotel, Tso Moriri Lake View, was closed. In my opinion, to support local Ladakhis, one should stay at home stays. I have stayed in Dorjay Khangsa’s homestay, which is located opposite Tso-Moriri Lake in Kurzok Village. As far as I have explored the homestays in that region, it is the most budget-friendly stay, where you can get accommodation, including three meals and high tea, which will cost you Rs. 500 per night. One of the best things about it is the exquisite view of the lake from the window while lying on the bed. On top of that, Dorjay Khangsa home stay is around 800m far (7-8 Minutes walk) from the Tso-Moriri Lake. The details of the owner are as mentioned below:
Owner Name: Dorjay Khangsar || Contact No.: +91 7078358416 ; +91 9419762639
Hotels, as I have mentioned above, will cost you around Rs. 3000-5500 depending on the season and availability. A question generally asked about the pitching of the camp on the bank of the lake. The lake is part of the Ramsar site; no camping is allowed near the lake. In peak season time, you may find private camps 2 km away from the lake.
Korzok Monastery : This is the only Monastery in the Kurzok Village which is 300 years old. It is around 400m from the Kurzok Village and 32km from Tso Moriri lake view point. It is an ancient monastery which once in the past was headquarters of Rupshu Valley.
Tso Moriri View Point : If you want to have a bird eye view of the whole Tso-Moriri Lake along with Kurzok village, you can plan a sojourn to Tso-Moriri Lake View point. Located just at a distance of 6km from the Kurzok village, the view offers breathtaking landscape. I highly recommend visiting this place during sunset when the lake transforms into a picturesque offering a blend of tranquility and magic.
Kyagar Tso Lake: Although a less popular lake as compared to Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso lake but words cannot describe the beauty it beholds. Located just at a distance of 29km, this lake is a nature’s masterpiece. I vividly remember the awe moment when I had the first glance of the lake. It feels as if it didn’t belong to this planet. This lake is a true paradise for landscape photographers and stargazers.
Puga Hot Springs: Located in the Puga Valley from a distance of around 47km from Kurzok Village, Puga Hot Springs is getting quite famous among tourist these days. If you are lucky enough you can spot species like Tibetan wild asses, marmots, and snow foxes in this region
Photography: Imagine deep blue water resting against the snow-capped mountain with sun rays forming diamonds over it in one frame. Tso-Moriri landscape is a gem for every photographer, whether they are professional or not. From Sunrise to Sunset and night sky, this lake will never stop mesmerising everyone with its beauty. So whenever you visit the lake, take out your Smartphone/Camera and let it create wonderful Memories for you.
Stargazing: There are only a few places in India with a Bortle scale one sky. Tso Moriri Lake is one of them. The night sky over Tso Moriri Lake is truly a nature gift. One can witness our Milky Way galaxy with the naked eye. I visited this lake for astrophotography in June, which is one of the most preferred months for doing it, and captured the Milkyway Galaxy along with other constellations.
Wildlife Excursion: From Black-necked Crane to Snow Leopard, Tso-Moriri Lake is home to many endangered species. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, this region will greet you with never-seen species of birds, mammals, etc.
Tso Moriri Lake is not just a lake but a nature wonder which will leave you spell bound by its untouched beauty, serene ambiance, and awe-inspiring landscapes make it a paradise not only for nature lovers but also for adventure seekers. So what are you waiting for? Just pack your bags and embark on your journey to this ethereal lake.
Below is the month wise chart of temperature at Tso-Moriri lake. I have also indicated favourable months for a common traveler.
