The road to Kyagar Tso Lake is truly an unforgettable experience

Kyagar Tso is a very small saline lake at an elevation of 4,705 meters (15,436 feet) above sea level, located in the Ladakh region of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kyagar Tso

Is the road to Kyagar Tso lake open in winter?

Set high in the Changthang Plateau, the area experiences freezing temperatures during the winter months. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. It’s a high mountain road, and be aware that you'll cross several very high passes and experience very cold nights even in mid-summer. The road climbs up to Kiagar La, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,859 meters (15,941 feet) above sea level, Namshang La, a high mountain pass at 4,960 meters (16,273 feet) above sea level, and Charchagan La, a high mountain pass at 4,924 meters (16,154 feet) above sea level.

How long is the road to Kyagar Tso lake?

The road is 103 kilometers (64 miles) long, running north-south from Sumdo to Chumur. The area is very remote and very sparsely populated, but is full of amazing beauty. There are essentially no villages en route to provide shelter, and there are no petrol pumps in the area. Therefore, carrying enough fuel is necessary.

Is the road to Kyagar Tso lake paved?

The road is fully paved. Picturesquely located in the beautiful Rupshu Valley, facilities such as electricity, medical aid, hot running water, and western toilets are rare. The road leads to Karzok (or Korzok), one of the highest towns in the world.
Pic: Michael L