Location: Ladakh
Top Things to do in Ladakh
Things to do in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir: The Best Bodies of Water
Bounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains, Ladhak is the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The landscape of Ladhak, a high altitude desert, is defined by craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Ladhak is a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts, offering unique adventures in trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting. While rafting options are available on both Indus and Zanskar rivers, the Zanskar course is more difficult and exciting. The trekking options range from short, day-long walks to visit monuments or monastic settlements to long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. Ladhak celebrates a numbers of monastic festivals - annual events of the major monasteries primarily in winters. The month of September, hosts the Ladhak Festival, that gives a peek into the richness, depth and pageantry of Ladakh's centuries-old culture, traditions and folk heritage. One can witness the best samples of the region's performing arts, Archery contests and the Ladhak Polo Cup.
Restaurants in Ladakh
1. Tso Moriri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By SavvyFernwehBlog - New Delhi, India
Tso Moriri is mountain lake in Ladakh, little less popular than Pangong, and at a height of 4595m above sea level. It is said to be the largest high-altitude lake, being entirely in India. The lake and surrounding area are protected as the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. So, pitching tents/ camps right along the lake is not allowed. But a little far and with a view of the lake, some camps are set up, which can be booked for accommodation. The lake is surrounded by snow clad mountains all around and the lake is mostly felt by the snow meting from this mountain top and some springs. The pristine waters of the lake have blue colors and it is surprisingly calm and serene. There is reflection of snow-clad mountains and clear blue sky in this beautiful lake. Tso Moriri is relatively untouched and experiencing this breathtaking beauty is totally worth the very long drive from Pangong or Leh to Tso Moriri. It is not ideal for a day trip. It is more popular to drive from Leh to Tso Moriri. We drove from Pangong to Tso Moriri (240 kms) through the Changtang region which is quite remote. It is often said to be one of the most beautiful drives in entire Ladakh. So imagine, how breathtaking it could be! We did not see any petrol pump in the route and less toilets/ food stops. To visit Tso Moriri, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory. Ask your travel agency or driver to arrange the permit for you. We stayed in Korzok village which is in a highland on the shores of Tso Moriri. Korzok is quite remote but has some simple and traditional homestays and guest houses. We stayed with Goose homestay and absolutely had a great experience. At the same time, much of the places nearby to the lake is army area and in my opinion there are lot more restrictions in Tso Moriri than in Pangong.
2. Pangong Tso
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,466 reviews
Reviewed By LataV - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This is one of the few endorheic basins in India...i.e the water does not naturally flow as a outlet to another water body like a river etc. This is also a salt water lake which lies in India and China and no prize for guessing why it does not have any kind of marine life or flora habituating its waters. In fact a line of control also lies within the lake...While this part of the review takes care of some hard facts pertaining to the lake...now comes the amazing magical part. No visit to Leh can be complete without a visit to this mesmerising lake. The colour of the lake is a reflection of the sky at any point of the day. The water is always calm and peaceful with little gentle waves touching the shores silently. Its so still that you can actually hear your own breath when the man made noise around you comes to a stop. The best way to visit this place is to stay overnight as one then gets to see the lake in its various moods and time....in the afternoon under the blazing day sun, in the evening while the sun is setting , the early morning sun-rise. Each of these bring a different facet of this beautiful water body and should not be missed. There are many camps lining up the Pangong Tso and its worth its while to stay back at one of these.
3. Tsarap Chu River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
4. Karste River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Hemasharma - Navi Mumbai, India
This is also know as the mountain river and has beautiful mountain along the side of river. It has a very beautyfull view of the valley and will be a great place for picknik with family. My kids were totally enjoying it.
5. Yarab Tso Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By imprash_p - Mumbai, India
Located almost 15 km from Diskit, near Panamik village, this is a very beautiful and secluded attraction, though I won't say its a must-visit place if you are around Panamik or Nubra and got some extra time, then do make a plan. It's a small lake, with an associated story of a monk (best heard from locals only). We visited during December when the air was freezing cold and also the lake was rock frozen, there was not a single soul expect we four friends, we enjoyed Cup noodles beside the lake, cooked on our Butane Stove.
6. Kyagar Tso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By LetsGoSightseeing - Noida, India
Not many know about Kyagar Tso & only discover it accidentally on their way to Tso Moriri. But I'd researched about it & had told my cabbie I wanted to halt here. The best part was having the lake all to myself. The Kyagar Tso is a small brackish lake surrounded by mountains. From afar, you can spot it from its turquoise colour. As you get closer, you'll notice salt deposits on its bank. It was too pretty for words!
7. Tso kar Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By aruneetdutta - Mumbai, India
Tsokar is more of a fluctuating saline water lake near Leh- Manali highway, not as grand picturesque as Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri. But this lake offers salt beads, snow capped peaks and barren rugged fields going up to horizon. Also this lake hasn't been invaded by tourists, so it's way peaceful than other places.The lake gives a good chance of wildlife spotting including gazelles, kiang and crebes, black necked cranes among the birds. It was truly a great visit.
