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Leh Ladakh is a magical high-altitude desert in northern India and is known for its stunning hills, snow-capped hills, and crystal blue water lakes. Every Famous Lakes In Leh Ladakh, nestled against the backdrop of towering peaks, draws explorers, photographers and nature lovers from all over the globe. The lakes are an aesthetic aspect of the region, but they also have cultural, ecological, and spiritual importance. It is no surprise that the well-known lakes in Leh Ladakh are unforgettable and touring them is worthwhile.
10 Famous Lakes Of Leh Ladakh
From the most explored to the least explored, every Famous lakes in Leh Ladakh possesses its unique beauty.
1. Pangong Tso
Photo: Akash Satpathy / Wikimedia Commons
Pangong Tso, the crown jewel among Ladakh’s lakes, is a mesmerising stretch of saline water that runs from India to Tibet. Located at an altitude of 4,350 meters, this magical lake is famous for changing colours, from azure to green to grey depending on the time of day and the season. Its contrasting surroundings in the stark, high-altitude desert and around serene blue waters are striking enough to attract travellers as well as filmmakers and photographers. While the lake’s saline waters lack fish, it is a stopover for migratory birds, especially in summer.
Length: 134 km
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Activities: Camping, birdwatching, photography
2. Tso Moriri
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Tso Moriri is the largest high-altitude and Famous Lakes In Leh Ladakh that lies wholly within India in the remote region of Changthang. Set at 4,522 meters, it provides a pristine oasis for tourists. Its water is so clear it reflects the snow-capped peaks around it in a surreal panorama. If you are a solitude seeker, then Tso Moriri is a better option. Cognizant of its ecological significance, the lake has been declared a Ramsar wetland reserve and is home to countless migratory birds including the bar-headed geese, Brahminy ducks and the endangered black-necked cranes.
Length: 26 km
Best Time To Visit: May to August
Activities: Trekking, camping, and wildlife photography
3. Tsokar
Photo: GerthMichael / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the Rupshu Valley at 4,530 m, Tso Kar, a high-altitude saltwater lake, is also called the “White Lake.” As a component of the Tso Kar Wetland Conservation Reserve, it is a crucial habitat for migratory birds, particularly rare black-necked cranes. Tso Kar is a more pristine, lesser-known paradise. The lake’s name derives from the thick outward deposits of white salt that surround its shores, creating a glaring contrast with the surrounding barren mountains. The area is also home to Ladakh’s nomadic Changpa herders, who graze their livestock in the pastures nearby.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Activities: Wildlife photography, birdwatching, camping
4. Yarab Tso
Photo: Omendra Singh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located near Sumur village in Nubra Valley, Yarab Tso is often referred to as the “Hidden Lake” owing to its quiet remoteness. Perched at an elevation, this crystal-clear lake is considered holy by the locals, giving it a religious allure amidst its raw beauty. The pristine waters of the lake mirror the surrounding dry cliffs and expansive skies, making for a relaxing and poignant backdrop. This Famous Lakes In Leh Ladakh has not been fully commercialised yet and is perfect for travellers looking for solitude and some quiet time. The lake is a 5-10 minute hike, but the drive is well worth it for the stunning views.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Activities: Meditation, hiking, nature walks
5. Mirpal Tso
Photo: SlartibErtfass der bertige / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The stunning Mirpal Tso is a high-altitude lake in Changthang. Its glistening azure waters provide a stunning juxtaposition to the rocky, arid land surrounding it, making for an awe-inspiring site for those willing to step off the beaten path. Mirpal Tso’s isolation makes for a crowd-free experience for those adventurous souls who seek solitude. A place for photographers and trekkers, the rocky terrain and towering mountains surrounding the lake are nothing but a treat. It is not an easy trip though, with off-road trails and steep ascents, but the trip is well worth it for the unspoiled beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Its unvarnished character reflects Ladakh’s raw and rugged allure.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Activities: Trekking, off-road biking, photography
6. Stat Tso and Lang Tso
Photo: Prabhu B / Wikimedia Commons
Sitting at 15,400 feet near Pensi La Pass in Zanskar Valley, Stat Tso and Lang Tso are stunning twin lakes with uniquely different colours. One is a deep blue colour that leans towards a violet hue, and the second is a lighter blue, more turquoise and softer, that uses the colours to create a dramatic contrast. The lakes are ringed by snow-peaked mountains, whose reflections shimmer on the surface of the water, creating a photogenic paradise. Although the trek to Stat Tso and Lang Tso involves challenging terrain and high alpine scenery, the untouched wilderness and soothing atmosphere make it utterly worth the effort.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Activities: Camping, trekking, photography
7. Chagar Tso
Photo: Alosh Bennett / Wikimedia Commons
Tso Chagar is a known hidden gem when heading to Pangong Tso. Calm, crystalline water reflects the surrounding harsh, nature-grey mountains at this small lake. With its laid-back vibe and less touristy footfall, it is a great place for solitude seekers. At sunrise and sunset, the lake becomes a colourful painting, inspiring photographers in search of the ultimate shot. The pristine beauty and serene vibe at Chagar Tso make it a welcome throw away from the more explored tourist treats of Ladakh and a must-see for those in love with solitude as much as nature.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Activities: Photography, relaxation, short hikes
8. Kyun Tso And Ryul Tso
Photo: CortoMaltese_1999 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Twin Lakes Kyun Tso and Ryul Tso, located close to Hanle, are each Famous Lakes In Leh Ladakh. These lakes, found at high altitudes, are well known for their surreal blue-coloured water that sharply contrasts with barren rocky areas around them. Their great remoteness guarantees that only the most adventurous travellers undertake the trip, boosting their mystique. With scenic beauty that cannot be compared, the road to these lakes is not easy and requires off-road trails and high passes. Kyun Tso and Ryul Tso, enchanting as they are, also promise seclusion and tranquillity in contrast to the mainstream tourist spots, making them a perfect choice for the offbeat traveller. The region’s clear night skies also make it an ideal location for stargazing.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Activities: Off-road biking, camping, stargazing
9. Yaye Tso
Photo: Pawanmandawat / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Yaye Tso, an incredible crater lake, ranks as a Famous Lakes In Leh Ladakh’s best-kept secrets. Located near Chushul, in the Changthang region, this lake is contained within an extinct volcanic crater, which makes it unique among the many water bodies in Ladakh. The ocean waters are an incredibly deep blue, encircled by barren rocky hills, making for a surreal landscape that loses you within it. It also serves as a habitat for migratory birds, so birdwatchers and nature lovers are in for a treat. The unique volcanic origin of Yaye Tso and its pristine surroundings make it one of the most extraordinary places to see in Ladakh for offbeat travellers.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Activities: Birdwatching, photography, trekking
10. Kiagar Tso
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in the Tso Moriri area is Kiagar Tso, a pristine freshwater lake with mirror-like waters reflecting snow-clad peaks and a tranquil escape. The lake’s brilliant blue surface contrasts sharply with the arid, rocky landscape around it for a stunning panorama. Despite its proximity to the highly populated Tso Moriri, this lake is less trodden and perfect for people looking for some solitude. A wide range of species is attracted to calm waters, so birdwatchers should consider it. With a calm atmosphere and striking landscape, Kiagar Tso is an ideal location in the wide-open spaces of Ladakh.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Activities: Camping, birdwatching, photography
Each stunning lake in Leh Ladakh is a treasure that adds to the region’s beauty, providing stunning views, peace, and adventure. Whether it be the colourful Pangong Tso, the peaceful Tso Moriri, or the secretive Yarab Tso, these lakes leave you with unforgettable memories. Visiting the lakes in Leh Ladakh is not only a trip but also an experience that bonds with the pristine nature, which should be on the bucket list of every traveller. So plan your trip with TripXL and experience the wind of Leh.
Cover Photo: Always urs0509 / Wikimedia Commons
