Needless to say that Ladakh Lakes are amongst the most important attractions of the newly made union territory. This paradisiacal destination in North India boasts a number of beautiful lakes that are surrounded by valleys. True, there are three most important and popular lakes in Ladakh, namely Pangong Tso, Tso Kar, and Tso Moriri.
Being at such astonishing heights there are a lot of things that people find alluring about these lakes in Ladakh. Some change colors throughout the day whereas some have extensive fauna around. In fact, not many know that the Pangong Tso changes colors with every hour and turns from an emerald green color to varying hues of the sky and velvet blue. The best time to visit these lakes is in the summer season (May to September). Visiting any of the lakes in Ladakh, where some of them are situated at high-altitude will be at least thrilling. Some of these like Pangong lake in Ladakh offers a chance to stay around in camps which is again an experience of a lifetime.
During the winters, these lakes freeze and offer activities like walking on the lake. This is not it, there are a lot more things to know and understand about the Ladakh Lakes. This page enlists and elaborates on the majestic lakes in Ladakh. So, while you plan on a trip to Ladakh make sure to keep these lakes in your itinerary for all the good reasons.
Everything you need to know about Ladakh Lakes
Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is the most popular and amusingly beautiful lake of Ladakh. Another high-altitude lake that is only ⅓ of its portion in India. The rest of the lake lies in the Chinese area. With beautiful mountains on the backdrop, Pangong has a lot of naturally beautiful landscapes in the backdrop. This saltwater lake is located at an astonishing altitude of 4350 m. The lake is almost 5 km wide and a huge 134 km deep. It is believed that the lake is almost 328 feet deep.
- Location: Leh District, Ladakh
- Distance from Leh: 224 km (approximately)
- Attractions of Pangong Lake: Apart from the beautiful landscapes, it is the flora and fauna of the place that makes it an amazing place.
- Best time to visit Pangong Lake: You can visit here throughout the year. The beauty keeps intact and doesn’t change much.
Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri is one of the best Lakes of Ladakh and probably the place that you shouldn’t miss out on at all costs. Located just about 250 km from Leh, this majestic lake is a wonderful and peaceful place. The lake is supposed to be 7 km broad and approximately 19 km long. This is a high-altitude saltwater lake and one of those that lie entirely in India. The place is a protected wetland which means you cannot camp around the lake but surely staying at an option some km away will be good enough.
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Location: Changthang Region of Ladakh
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Distance from Leh: 221 km (approximately)
Attractions of Tso Moriri:
- There are almost 34 species of birds that can be spotted here and amongst these 14 are water birds.
- A 400 years old monastery lies on the western bank of the lake- Korzok Monastery.
- Shakyamuni Buddha Statue
- Korzok Gustor Festival
- The Buddhist painting by Tibetan
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tso Moriri is during Summer and Monsoon. It means between May and September.
Tso Kar
Tso Kar is one of the offbeat attractions of Ladakh and this lake hasn’t got the much-needed attention as the other lakes mentioned above. But that’s exactly why this place is a must-visit destination for travelers. If you wish to enjoy the serenity and pristine lake, then Tso Kar can be a wonderful option.
- Location: Rupshu Valley of Ladakh
- Distance from Leh: 154 km (approximately)
- Attractions of Tso Kar: Also called “The White Lake” of Ladakh; it is not the Snow that makes it white but the salt lining that has been created at the circumference. This lake is just about 50 km from Tso Moriri.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tso Kar is between May and September.
Yarab Tso
Situated in the Nubra region of Ladakh, Yarab Tso gets a lot of travelers every year. It is one of the best lakes of Ladakh due to many reasons. Be it the natural beauty it gets from the Nubra Valley or the rugged mountains that are located near the area. To reach this lake you will have to ride to the Panamik Village and then there is a trek of approximately 20 minutes up the mountain to reach here.
- Location: Panamik Village in Ladakh
- Distance from Leh: 141 km (approximately)
Attractions of Yarab Tso: Some of the finest attractions of Ladakh are located in proximity to the lake. Here they are.
- Panamik Village
- Sumur Village
- Diskit Village
- Diskit Monastery
- Cold Desert of Hunder
- Maitreya Buddha Statue in Diskit
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tso Kar is between May and September. However, a person can visit here anytime throughout the year.
Lang Tso and Stat Tso
Popularly known as the twin lakes of Ladakh, Lang Tso, and Stat Tso is a fine place to visit. They lie at the end of the Pensi La pass. This pass connects Zanskar Valley with Zuru Valley. It is another breathtaking place with loads of wonderful sights to admire.
- Location: Pensi La Pass that connects Zanskar with Suru Valley
- Distance from Leh: 369 km (approximately)
Attractions of Lang Tso and Stat Tso
- Pensi La Pass
- Zanskar Valley
- Zuru Valley
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tso Kar is between May and September. People do visit here during winters as well when the Chadar Trek starts.
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Famous Lakes in Leh Ladakh
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