An awe-inspiring high-altitude Ramsar wetland lake tucked deep in the Changthang plateau, framed by 6,000-metre snow peaks and the ancient monastery village of Korzok.
Elevation: 4,522 m (14,836 ft)Status: Ramsar Wetland Site 1210Settlement: Korzok VillageWildlife: Black-Necked Crane Breeding SitePermit: Inner Line Permit (ILP) Required
Tso Moriri (4,522 m), designated Ramsar Wetland Site No. 1210, protected for its fragile alpine wetland ecosystem.Quick Orientation
Elevation
4,522 m (14,836 ft)
Length
26 km (width 3 to 5 km)
Maximum Depth
107 metres
Distance from Leh
220 km (6–7 hours via Chumathang)
Primary Settlement
Korzok village (one of world's highest)
Chapter I — Geography & Ramsar Status
The Pristine Alpine Jewel of Changthang
Tso Moriri (also known as Lake Moriri or 'Mountain Lake') is an exquisite, high-altitude oligotrophic wetland lake situated at 4,522 metres (14,836 feet) in the southeastern Changthang region of Ladakh. Measuring approximately 26 kilometres in length and 3 to 5 kilometres in width, the lake is flanked by snow-capped peaks exceeding 6,000 metres, including Mentok Kangri and Chamser Kangri.
Unlike Pangong Tso, which is heavily commercialised, Tso Moriri retains an untouched, deeply spiritual wilderness character. In 2002, the lake and its surrounding bogs were officially designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (Site No. 1210). It is the only high-altitude breeding site in India for the globally endangered Black-necked crane, holding immense ecological and conservational importance.
Chapter II — Korzok Village & Monastery
Ancient Monastic Heritage at 4,595 Metres
Perched on the northwestern shore of Tso Moriri is the historic village of Korzok, recognized as one of the highest permanently inhabited human settlements on the planet. For over three centuries, Korzok has been the cultural and spiritual anchor for the nomadic Changpa pastoralists who herd pashmina (Changthangi) goats across the surrounding wind-swept plateaus.
Dominating the village is Korzok Monastery (Korzok Gompa), founded in the 17th century by Lama Kunga Lodro under the patronage of the King of Ladakh. Belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, the monastery houses ancient statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, exquisite wall frescoes, and historical scriptures. Every summer, the monastery comes alive with the Korzok Gustor festival, where monks perform sacred masked cham dances to commemorate the triumph of dharma over spiritual obstacles.
Chapter III — Ecology & Nomadic Life
Changpa Pastoralism and High-Altitude Wildlife
The wetlands surrounding Tso Moriri provide critical summer grazing pastures and water sources for the indigenous Changpa nomads. These semi-nomadic pastoralists inhabit traditional woven yak-wool tents called *Rebo*, producing the world's finest grade of raw Cashmere (pashmina wool) sourced from the down undercoat of Changthangi goats.
The lake's shoreline marshes support rare high-altitude wildlife, including breeding pairs of the majestic Black-necked crane (*Grus nigricollis*), Bar-headed geese, Great crested grebes, and Brown-headed gulls. The surrounding mountains are home to herds of Himalayan ibex, Tibetan gazelle (Goa), Tibetan wild ass (Kiang), and predatory Tibetan wolves and snow leopards.
Logistics & Practical Advice
How to Reach, Permits & Travel Rules
Critical Information for Visitors
Route from Leh: Reached by driving south along the Indus River via Upshi, Karu, and Chumathang (famous for hot water springs), turning south at Mahe Bridge through Sumdo and Kiagar Tso to Korzok (220 km, 6 to 7 hours).
Connection to Tso Kar & Manali Highway: Travelers can complete a circuit by driving from Korzok to Tso Kar (approx. 85 km) via Polokongka La pass (4,970 m), joining the Manali-Leh Highway at Debring.
Permits: An Inner Line Permit is mandatory for domestic and foreign tourists. Apply online via lahdclehpermit.in.
Altitude Precaution: At 4,522 m, night temperatures are freezing throughout the year. Do NOT visit Tso Moriri directly on your first days in Ladakh without prior acclimatisation in Leh.
What is the elevation of Tso Moriri, and is it higher than Pangong?
Tso Moriri sits at 4,522 metres (14,836 feet), which is nearly 200 metres higher than Pangong Lake (4,350 metres).
Can I visit Tso Moriri on a day trip from Leh?
A day trip is strongly discouraged. Because Tso Moriri is 220 km from Leh (6 to 7 hours each way) and sits at extreme altitude, spending at least one night in Korzok is essential to avoid severe altitude sickness and exhaustion.
What accommodation is available at Tso Moriri?
Basic guesthouses and family homestays operate in Korzok village. Tented camps operate outside the village during summer (June to September). Facilities are basic, and electricity is limited to a few hours of solar power each evening.
Why is Tso Moriri designated as a Ramsar site?
Tso Moriri was declared a Ramsar site in 2002 because it represents a rare, intact high-altitude wetland ecosystem that serves as the only known regular breeding ground in India for the globally endangered Black-necked crane.
Is Tso Moriri open in winter?
The road to Korzok remains nominally open via Chumathang except during heavy snowstorms, but temperatures drop below -30°C and most tourist homestays close from November to April.
