Tso Moriri

Again, Tso Moriri is not a region. It is the name of a lake situated at Korzok village of Ladakh. Tso Moriri is a difficult trip from Pangong via Chushul and Mahe bridge. The roads are basically absent. No proper infrastructure is available in the village that is near the Tso Moriri lake. This is precisely what makes it lovely. At times you will have stunning views of hills and meadows and then absolute nothing. The path is such that it doesn’t even appear to be a road leading somewhere. At one point we thought we are meandering on top of a vast plateau like landscape which we later came to know was Kyagar La pass. All other routes were beautiful but we were most amazed by this route from Pangong to Korzok village.

Undoubtedly, it is one experience I would never forget in my lifetime. Most people avoid going to this area as it is far from Leh and there is not much to do as it is conserved. But, I request you to take this trip as it is once in a lifetime experience. We have tried to describe each of the places we saw. Although the trip is longer, try not to sleep during your journey. Please do read to know more.

Kyagar La

The road from Hanle to Tso Moriri in Karzok via the Mahe bridge is nothing but absolute adventure as well as beautiful. We had never been on such roads where there are undefined stretches of land only where you have to navigate your own path. The entire route was fun. You will know what we are talking about when you go there yourself. Kyagar La is the pass that marks the entrance to Rupshu valley which houses the village Karzok where the Tso Moriri Lake is located. The height of this pass is about 16000 ft.

Kyagar Tso

The lake Kyagar Tso is a not so small salt water lake but its surroundings make it noteworthy. The lake appears just as you pass the Kyagar La. It is at a height of 15,472ft and you must walk a little to reach the lake from the road. We found the lake completely frozen since we visited in April. It was just the beginning of tourist season so, the lake was completely deserted. The sunlight shining lightly on its surface gave it a mesmerizing appearance.

Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation

Tso Moriri lake or the Mountain lake is the highest Ramsar Wetland Conservation site. As a result, no human activity like camping etc. can take place on its sides. It is also a sacred lake for the Ladakhis. Tso Moriri attracts a range of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots and rarely the Tibetan wolves. There were huge number of different birds that we could not even recognize flocking the lake. You can stroll along its fencing or go to the viewpoint to admire it in its full glory. Its water is azure blue but we could not see it. The place is extremely harsh and hence, difficult to survive especially in winters and facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find. As a result, accommodation is very costly here.

Puga Hot springs

This is one unique spot in Ladakh. On your way from Karzok to Leh, there are many areas where you will see mounds of land jutting out of the surface. These mounds are marshy areas formed due to the geothermal activity under the ground. In Puga village, you will find hot springs of water coming out of the ground like fountains. It is very hot and impossible to touch. Although the springs are visible from the road, you will need to hop on those mounds in the marshy land for about 1 km to find your way to these springs. The feel of the surface beneath the feet is a little funny- soft, wobbly but ungiving at the same time. It is a strange experience but one that you will enjoy. Although the spring appears far from the road and it probably is, do not skip it.

Taglang La

A high pass connecting Manali to Leh situated at the height of 17,480 ft. The conditions are similar to the Khardung La but you will not feel it much as by now you would have become accustomed to the climate of Ladakh. There is snow all around and is the perfect spot for making your own snow angel. When we were crossing Taglang La, it had snowed early morning and we got to play in fresh snow. There was no soul in sight. For that reason, it was a delight to be there at that time (April). We had the time of our life.

Hemis Monastery

It is the largest monastery in Ladakh. Thousands of tourists flock it every year. There is a intricately carved and designed gateway to the monastery. You will find a structure on the foothills of the monastery where there is a Buddha statue. The main complex is on the hills and has several buildings all perched atop a fleet of stairs. It includes a prayer hall, an assembly hall, Sakyamuni statue, Padmanabhav statue, Museum and Gallery. Colourfully built, the courtyards offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills. Thankas, the colourful prayer flags, hung on the walls.  One of the thankas, the largest one, is displayed every 12 years. The campus is very large and will take time in exploring around. An annual Hemis festival is held here. It is a must visit.

Stakna Monastery

This monastery perched on top of a hill, it offers a beautiful views of the surrounding Indus valley. It is also called the Tiger’s nose due to its resemblance to a the nose of a tiger in the way it appears from a distance. The road leading up to the monastery is as beautiful as the monastery itself. There are many horticulture farms along the road. There are many other monasteries in Ladakh. Explore about them in this post.