Tsomoriri

The drive to Tsomoriri seems eternal. Once you drive off the tarred road along the Indus you’re faced with miles and miles of land running through the mountains with nothing on the way, save a few refreshment tents flapping away in the scorching afternoon wind. The drive to Tsomoriri is no doubt grueling and long; but where you reach at the end of it all is probably worth a hundred such journeys.

When the lake is just round the next mountain, it yet can’t be seen, but you know it’s there as you are suddenly hit by a blast of chilled air. And the rough, dusty brown landscape starts easing out into shades of green; Small marmots peek over rocks at passing cars like a Disney animation, the snowcaps fade into view and the cold breeze continues to blow.

A few more miles and the landscape changes abruptly like a click to the next frame of a view-master as the lake slides into view. Like a magical piece of the sky it stretches before your eyes, ending only at the feet of the distant mountains. Sparking and blue, suddenly Ladakh’s landscape comes to life. After miles of soundless moonscape the air is rippled with sounds – of the water lapping against the shores, of marmots, horses and goats rustling in the grass and of the mélange of birds.

In unspoken beauty the lake is breathtaking yet formidable. Guarded by myths and mountains it induces in you an inexplicable respect as you find yourself following local advice and not letting your feet touch the water. They call them holy waters, belonging to the Gods themselves.

Situated at a height of 4595 meters above sea level, the 27 km lake is the largest high altitude lake to be situated entirely within the country. Surrounded by mountains, only the west bank of the lake is inhabitable.

Orientation

Tsomoriri is located about 220 km south of Leh and about 160 km from Manali. It is situated in the Changthang Plateau region which stretches from western Tibet into Ladakh. The lake is nestled at the foot of Ladakh’s highest mountain (Lungser Kangri 6666m).

Weather

At such an altitude, Tsomoriri is chilled nearly throughout the year. In winter however, the temperatures are particularly bitter, dropping below 0 degrees. The whole region lies under thick ice cover in the winter months and those are hibernation months for tourism in Ladakh.

The best time to visit would be between June and September, when the average temperature is about 11 degrees.

 

Getting There / Route Information

Distances from major cities

Leh: 220 km

Manali: 160 km

Tsomoriri lies in a restricted zone, and tourists require special permits to visit. The only way to get there is by hiring a licensed private vehicle (which are easily available in both Leh and Manali), or going along with a tour operator.

 

Pictures of Tsomoriri

 

Accommodation and Things to see

The Korzok monastery area on the west bank of the lake is one of the oldest settlements in the world. The monastery itself is a beautiful construction standing in the silence of the lake and the mountains. The area is known as the land of the nomads and the land is specked with the white and black tents of the nomads. Accommodation for visitors too is only in the form of warm, insulated tents, which are easily available.

Spend the day ambling aimlessly through the village watching children play, beautiful Pashmina goats being milked or herded along the narrow streets; pay a visit to the monastery and attend a prayer service; enjoy a cup of warm butter tea with the villagers; walk down to the lake, pick up the crystals that line the shore and watch the colour of the water change as the day passes.

Tsomoriri is home to some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful birds like Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose, the Ruddy Shelduck, Brown Headed Gulls, Sand Plovers, Ibis Bill, Stilts, Terns, Alpine Swifts, Oriental Dove, Red /Yellow Billed Choughs and the Tickells Leaf Warbler. Walk along the lake in the morning and enjoy spotting all these birds.

Vital Tourist Information

· Carry lots of warm clothes as it is very cold and windy, and always keep your head covered.

· Wear good trekking shoes, as a walk in the area is never a simple stroll.

· Always wear sunscreen. The cold can be misleading, as you can’t feel the sun’s heat despite being at such a high altitude.

· Keep your emergency medicines and mountain sickness medicines handy.

· Consume lot of hot soups and liquids; keep yourself hydrated to prevent headaches and fatigue.