LAKES IN LADAKH
 

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake, one of the most famous high altitude lakes in Leh Ladakh. This scenic wonder derives its name from the Tibetan word, Pangong Tso, which means high grassland lake. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Pangong Tso is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times of a day. If you have decided to go on a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, don't forget to visit Pangong Lake. The beauty which awaits you there cannot be described in words. It has to be seen, felt and absorbed all by yourself.

The beauty of Pangong Lake is in itself a reason enough to plan a trip there. However, there are other things to do at Pangong Tso that will keep you excited during the duration of your stay here. One of them is camping. Camping at the Pangong Lake can be an enthralling experience. Place a bonfire, get a barbecue going and enjoy the beauty surrounding you - it can't get better than this!

Tsomoriri Lake

Tsomoriri Lake is positioned at an altitude of 15,075 feet and the largest lake in the Ladakh region. It has been declared as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2003. It is fed by two streams and springs. 7 kilometers wide and 19 kilometers long, this beautiful blue lake plays host to a large number of flora and fauna. Adjacent to this lake is a picturesque village known as Korzok, which is a popular tourist attraction due to its Buddhist monastery. This lake plays host to as many as 34 species of birds.

Tso Kar / Tsho Kar Lake

Tso Kar / Tsho Kar is popular for its depth and size. Being situated at a high altitude, the winter is at an extreme and the temperature falls below -40C. During summer, the maximum temperature rises to 30C. Along with this, during the day extreme fluctuations are experienced. Precipitation, either in the form of rain or snow, is extremely rare.

At the south-west end, the Tso Kar is connected to a Startsapuk Tso through an inlet stream. Both these lakes make More Plains pool of 9 sq km, which is overshadowed by tow mountain peaks namely Gursan (6370 m) and Thugje (6050 m). A couple of years ago, Tso Kar was one major source of salt which was then exported by Changpa nomads to Tibet. At a distance of 3 km towards the north, there is a nomadic settlement of Thugje.