Ladakh is blessed with unique landscapes and beautiful lakes. There are many beautiful lakes in Ladakh. People from all over the world want to explore these beautiful lakes of Ladakh. These high-altitude lakes in Ladakh are known for their crystal clear water and surrounding wildlife.
“Tso” means “Lake” in Ladakhi and Tibetan language. You will read Tso multiple times in this article, so be aware that Tso simply means Lake.
Ladakh is a region in North India situated in the Tibetan Plateau is blessed with One of the highest mountain passes, high-altitude lakes, snow-capped mountains, clear skies with no light and air pollution, rivers like Shayok, Zanskar, Suru, and Indus.
I live in Ladakh and I have visited all the destinations of Ladakh. This is why I have good knowledge of Ladakh and its beautiful destinations like the Lake of Ladakh. In this article, I will give you authentic information about the top 10 beautiful Lakes of (Ladakh) including proper routes from Leh. So let’s get started:
10. Mirpal Tso
Mirpal Tso is one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in UT Ladakh. This lake is located in the Chumathang Valley of Ladakh. This lake is surrounded by mountains the glacier water from this mountain is the source of water for this lake. Like other lakes in Ladakh, this lake also freezes completely during the peak winter season of Ladakh.
Click the link below to check the actual location and view the photos of Mirpal Tso.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Altitude/elevation: 16,122 feet (5,090 meters)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Upshi-Mahe-Mirpal Tso and Leh-Karu-Changla Pass-Pangong-Mirpal Tso
- Distance from Leh: 206 Km
9. Yarab Tso
Yarab Tso is located 15 Km from this Diskit in nubra valley. Panamik village is the nearest village to this lake. This freshwater lake is considered one of the holiest lakes of Ladakh. If you are planning to visit Yarab Tso you have to hike 20 to 30 minutes from the road. While this hike you can enjoy the surrounding mountains and flora and fauna of this region.
Click the link below to check the actual location and view the photos of Yarab Tso.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Altitude/elevation: 15,750 feet (4800 m)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Khardungla-Thirit-Yarab Tso
- Distance from Leh: 133 Km
8. Chagar Tso
Chagar Tso is situated between Leh-Pangong Road, specifically in the Changthang plateau. It’s known for its stunning blue waters, surrounded by rocky mountains and sparse vegetation typical of high-altitude regions.
You can visit this lake by taking a stop while traveling to Pangong Tso from Leh. This lake is often visited by tourists for its serene beauty and the opportunity to witness the unique landscape of the Himalayan region. Chagar Tso serves as an important habitat for various species of migratory birds and other wildlife.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Altitude/elevation: 14,270 feet (4,323 meters)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Karu-Changla Pass-Chagar Tso
- Distance from Leh: 135 Km
7. Spanggur Tso
Spanggur Tso is another stunning high-altitude lake of Ladakh in India. It is located in the eastern part of Ladakh, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Like Chagar Tso, Spanggur Tso is set amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains, offering breathtaking views.
It is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and the rugged beauty of its surroundings. The area around Spanggur Tso is a disputed land between India and China. You might read that “You can explore Spanggur Tso” on popular travel websites, but it is not true. Unfortunately, you cannot explore this Lake.
Note: Spanggur Tso is not accessible to the tourists.
6. Chilling Tso
Chilling Tso is among the many breathtaking lakes in Ladakh. located amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks, this beautiful waterbody attracts visitors with its crystal blue waters and panoramic mountain vistas.
Accessible via winding scenic routes, the journey to Chilling Tso is as enchanting as the destination itself, it offers you an immersive experience in the raw beauty of the Ladakhi landscape. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast seeking solace or an adventurous soul craving the thrill of exploration.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Altitude/elevation: 15,000 feet (4572 meters)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Upshi-Nyoma-Chilling Tso
- Distance from Leh: 210 Km
5. Yaye Tso
Yaye Tso is a beautiful high-altitude lake in Ladakh, India. It’s surrounded by breathtaking mountains, creating a picturesque and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy. Accessing Yaye Tso involves traveling through scenic routes, allowing travelers to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas along the way.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Altitude/elevation: 15,814 feet (4,820 meters)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Karu-Upshi-Yaye Tso
- Distance from Leh: 198 Km
4. Tso Kar
Tso Kar is located Ruptsu plateau in the southeastern region of Ladakh. It is a beautiful high-altitude lake of Ladakh surrounded by majestic mountains. This beautiful destination is near several other notable attractions, such as the famous Tso Moriri Lake and the beautiful villages of Thukje and Gia.
Accessible via scenic routes, Tso Kar offers visitors a unique experience amidst nature’s magnificence, with the opportunity to explore the beauty of nearby landscapes and immerse themselves in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.
- Best time to visit: May-August
- Altitude/elevation: 14,860 feet (4,560 meters)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Karu-Upshi-Tso Kar
- Distance from Leh: 179 Km
3. Kyagar Tso
Another lake on the list is Kyagar Tso. It is a breathtaking high-altitude lake in Ladakh. This beautiful lake is surrounded by towering mountains, this serene waterbody offers visitors a beautiful and memorable experience time when you visit this Lake in Ladakh. Accessible via scenic routes, Kyagar Tso provides a mesmerizing setting for travelers to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Altitude/elevation: 15,436 feet (4,705 meters)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Karu-Upshi-Kyagar Tso
- Distance from Leh: 226 Km
2. Pangong Tso
You might be wondering why Pangong Tso is in the top second on this list. No doubt that Pangong Lake is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Ladakh, but because of its popularity every tourist wants to visit this lake of Ladakh. It is too crowded during peak season. That is why I listed Pangong Lake as the number Second.
Pangong Tso situated in the Ladakh region of India, is a magnificent high-altitude lake renowned for its stunning beauty. Stretching across the border with China, this iconic destination captivates visitors with its crystal-clear blue waters and panoramic mountain views. Accessible via scenic routes, Pangong Tso offers a mesmerizing experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Himalayas.
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Altitude/elevation: 14,272 feet (4,350 meters)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Karu-Changla Pass-Pangong Tso
- Distance from Leh: 148 Km
1. Tso Moriri
The reason behind Tso Moriri being on the top of the list is that this is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever visited, it has a very small number of visitors as compared to Pangong Lake even during peak season. The surrounding biodiversity of this lake makes it more beautiful. You are lucky you can spot some of the rarest birds on this Lake in Ladakh.
Tso Moriri located in the Ladakh region of India, is a breathtaking high-altitude lake renowned for its serene beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this tranquil destination offers visitors a peaceful retreat amidst the rugged landscapes of the Himalayas. Accessible via scenic routes, Tso Moriri provides a mesmerizing setting for travelers to connect with nature and soak in the majestic vistas of the surrounding mountains.
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Altitude/elevation: 14,836 feet (4,522 meters)
- Popular routes to reach: Leh-Karu-Upshi-Chumathang-Tso Moriri
- Distance from Leh: 221
FAQ
How many lakes are there in Ladakh?
There are around 10 lakes in Ladakh and most of them are located in the upper reaches of the Himalayas.
Which is the highest lake in Ladakh?
Pangong Tso is the highest saltwater lake in the world. It is situated at an elevation of 14,272 feet (4,350 meters) above sea level.
Which is the deepest lake in Ladakh?
Pangong Tso is the deepest lake in Ladakh.
How deep is Tso Moriri lake?
The maximum depth of Tso Moriri Lake is around 350 ft (106m).
Which is the largest lake in Ladakh?
Pangong Tso is the Largest Lake of Ladakh which is around 699.3 km². The lake stretched 134 Km. About 50% of the lake is in Tibet, which is administered by China, while 40% is in Ladakh, India, and the remaining 10% is disputed and serves as a buffer zone between the two countries.
Conclusion
Ladakh is blessed with its breathtaking landscapes, water bodies, crystal clear skies, and many more. We have gone through some of the most beautiful high-altitude Lakes of Ladakh. It is very important to protect these beautiful gems of Ladakh.
In this article, I’ve tried to share my knowledge and experience of the beautiful lakes in Ladakh. Which you should know before planning to explore these beautiful lakes of Ladakh. I hope I was able to solve your problem through this blog.
If you still have any doubts or want to send feedback feel free to send it. Thank you very much for reading this article. I hope you liked it, have a nice journey.
Julley!
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