Nature · Tso Moriri, Ladakh
Tso Kar salt lake and kiang plains
A detour to Tso Kar, a smaller saline lake with white salt crusts, on the way to or from Tso Moriri. The open plains around it are good for spotting kiang, the Tibetan wild ass, and the occasional herder camp.
Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK · CC BY 2.0 · CommonsTso Kar lies north-west of Tso Moriri, in a wide basin close to the Leh–Manali highway. Its edges are crusted white with salt, which herders and traders once collected and carried to markets. Today the basin is part of a protected wetland, and a few camps operate in summer.
The plains around it are some of the best places in Ladakh to see kiang grazing in loose herds. Foxes, marmots and birds such as black-necked cranes may also appear. Ask your driver to stop well short of animals and switch off the engine.
Linking Tso Kar with Tso Moriri adds rough driving and time, so it works best on a two-night Changthang loop or as part of the drive to or from the Manali road. Everything here is above 4,500 m; keep exertion low and drink plenty of water.
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Also in Tso Moriri
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Photo: Steve Hicks · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Korzok monastery and village at 4,522 m
A slow walk through Korzok, the only permanent village on Tso Moriri, up to its monastery of around 400 years, with vie…
Photo: Vinay Goyal, Ludhiana · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Birdwatching on the Tso Moriri wetland
Tso Moriri's marshes are the only Indian breeding ground of the bar-headed goose and a summer stop for black-necked cra…
Trips through Tso Moriri
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Each of these trips stops in Tso Moriri. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Anirvan Shukla · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Signature
Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri with a guide
Private SUV with driver and a private naturalist guide
Questions
Before you book
How far is Tso Kar from Tso Moriri?
By road it is roughly 3–4 hours, depending on the route via Sumdo and Polokongka La and the condition of the track. From the Leh–Manali highway near Debring, Tso Kar is a short detour. Plan it as part of a Changthang loop, not an extra day trip.
Can I see kiang near Tso Kar?
Often, yes. Kiang, the Tibetan wild ass, graze on the plains around Tso Kar and along the Mahe–Korzok road in summer. They are wild animals: stop at a distance, stay in or beside the vehicle and do not chase them. Morning and late afternoon are best.
Is there accommodation at Tso Kar?
A few seasonal camps operate near Tso Kar in summer, with simple tents and meals. It is above 4,500 m and very cold at night, so most travellers prefer to stay at Tso Moriri or drive on. Check current status before you travel.