Tso Kar Lake

About Tso Kar Lake

In the southern part of Ladakh, there is a marvelous lake called Tso Kar which is known to be the most beautiful yet fluctuating saline lake. The lake is situated in the Rupshu Valley or Plateau and has attracted hundreds of people with its unique features especially the size and depth it possesses. The lake is located at an elevation of more than 14700 feet. The surroundings or more clearly, the banks of the lake are marshlands which play an important role in the lives of a variety of migratory birds.

They come to lay eggs and breed over here and thus make the environment cherish-able. During the time of the arrival of these birds, the lake and its nearby places will be filled by innumerous bird watchers and nature lovers. Some distance away from the lake is the space where certain nomadic groups are staying. They collect salt from the lake and sell to the needy and thus make a living. If we take about the geographical features of the lake, the importance of Startsapuk Tso comes to the scene. Tso Kar is connected to Startsapuk by an inlet stream at the south-west end. With this small lake, Tso Kar creates the 9 sq.km wide More plains pool. The towering Thugje and Gursan are the guardian angels of this pool.

Height: The surface elevation of Tso Kar is 4530 meters.

Location: From Leh, one has to drive about 160 kms to reach Tso Kar. The Leh Manali Highway passes about 30 kms west to the lake. About 540 kms of distance is there between the lake and Srinagar.

Best time to visit: The months of May, June, July and August are considered to be the ideal time to visit the lake.