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Famous For Its Wilds
Famous for the large herds of Kiang, or Wild Ass, which graze on its
shores, the lake of Tso Moriri, 210-km to the southeast of
Leh , lies in
the sparsely populated region of Rupshu. Like
Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri has only recently become accessible to visitors,
and permits are needed to travel in the region. With its great trekking
potential, the region is becoming a popular destination for Jeep Safaris
out of Leh, which head to Karzok, the only large village in the area,
located on the shores of the lake at an altitude of 4,000m.
Prime
Attractions Within The Region
Nestling in a wide valley flanked by some of the highest peaks in
Ladakh-Lungser Kangri and Chanmser Kangri - the 20-km long lake is also
home to flocks of migratory Nangpa or Bar-headed Geese.
Karzok, which has a small Gompa, home to a group of nuns, is a friendly
place, but the ill effects of tourism with its accompanying litter are
beginning to show. To help protect the fragile eco system, a new directive
stipulates that no habitation can be built within 700m of the shore of the
lake. Visitors should bring their own food supplies and make sure they
take all their rubbish away.
Accessible Through Jeep Safari
With the absence of any public transport except for the odd truck, the
only really feasible way to get to Tso Moriri from
Leh is on a
Jeep Safari. These usually follow a circular itinerary via Upshi and
Chumathang to Mahe Bridge, 144-km from Leh, before turning towards Pulga
and over the Namshang-la on a rough road to Karzok.
To complete the round trip, the tour continues on towards the
Manali -Leh
highway taking in the lake of Tso Kar and the small village of Thukse on
the way. Some taxis travelling from Manali to Leh take this route to avoid
the tanglang la on the highway when it is snowbound.
Trekking
Tso Moriri makes for some pleasant trekking including the relatively easy
- if one is acclimatized - three day, 40-km circuit of the lake. Another
possible route links Tso Moriri to Tso Kar. Trekking operators in Manali
and Leh are developing plans for long and challenging itineraries, some of
which follow old trade routes, linking Spiti to Tso Moriri and Leh.