Tso Moriri Highland Lake — Leh to Korzok viaChumathang.
Distance
440 km
Duration
2 days
Climb
4,200 m
Tso Moriri Highland Lake — Leh to Korzok via Chumathang.
Two days from Leh deep into the Changthang plateau to one of India's most beautiful high-altitude lakes — Tso Moriri (4,522m). The 19km-long turquoise lake is a Ramsar Wetland Site where black-necked cranes nest and Tibetan kiang (wild ass) graze the shore. Korzok Village on the lake's northwestern shore is one of the world's highest permanent settlements at 4,570m. The route follows the Indus River south through Chumathang hot springs before climbing onto the cold desert plateau. Inner Line Permit required.
Quick facts
SurfaceMixed
Distance440 km
Days2
Total climb4,200 m
Fuel stops1 along route
DifficultyExpert
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2 days, 2 moods.
A suggested split across 2 days with 9 waypoints to discover along the way.
LehStart · Start in Leh (3,500m). Acclimatise at least 2 days before riding south. Permits for Tso Moriri arranged through TIC or local agent the day before.
UpshiFuel Stop · Last reliable fuel station before the Changthang plateau. Carry 5-10L spare. Confluence of the Indus and the Manali-Leh highway.
Chumathang Hot SpringsScenic Point · Geothermal hot springs on the Indus River. Sulphurous water bubbles up through volcanic rock. Roadside dhabas for thukpa and chai.
Korzok VillageOvernight · Overnight in Korzok at 4,570m — one of the world's highest year-round villages. Pashmina goat herders. Homestays and basic tent camps only.
Tso Moriri Lake ShorePhoto Spot · Sunrise on the 19km turquoise lake. The Mentok Range rises 6,000m behind. Black-necked cranes (rare endangered species) nest on the marshes.
Korzok GompaScenic Point · 400-year-old Drukpa Kagyu monastery on the lake's northwestern shore. The annual Korzok Gustor festival in July features masked Cham dances.
Chumathang ReturnRestaurant · Lunch at Chumathang and soak feet in a hot spring before the final stretch. The altitude descent feels great after Korzok.
Upshi JunctionScenic Point · Back at the Indus-Manali junction. The road improves and traffic picks up. Final stretch to Leh.
LehEnd · End in Leh. Celebrate with mok-mok (yak butter momos) at the bazaar. Watch for altitude headaches still — drink water.
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