A paved mountain road to Tso Kar Lake
Tso Kar is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4,530m (14,860ft) above sea level, located in the southern part of Ladakh in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Why is Tso Kar Lake famous?
The lake, also known as the "White Lake," is celebrated for its scenic beauty and the wide variety of wildlife it supports. It’s one of the three high-altitude saltwater lakes in Ladakh and is very popular with birdwatchers since the surrounding marshlands host an amazing array of bird life.
How long is the road to Tso Kar Lake?
The road to the lake was fully paved in the 2020s. It’s 70km (43.49 miles) long, running east-west from Nyoma to the Leh–Manali Highway in Meroo. Be sure to carry an extra can of fuel because the nearest fuel stations are only in Leh or Keylong. There are no ATMs nearby, so remember to carry cash.
What’s the weather like at Tso Kar Lake?
The road to the lake tops out at Polongka La, a high mountain pass with an elevation of 4,844m (15,892ft) above sea level. Due to the high altitude, winter temperatures can plunge below -40°C, while in summer, the temperature may rise above 30°C with extreme fluctuations during the day. Precipitation, whether rain or snow, is extremely rare. If you plan to stay overnight in one of the tents, be sure to wear protective woolen clothes and carry an extra pair. It can get very chilly and windy in the open grasslands.
Pic: Viraj Vyawahare