10 Beautiful Lakes In Leh Ladakh That You Should Visit On Your Next Trip

Leh Ladakh; Whenever someone hears this name, they mainly imagine high altitude mountains, vast cold, dry desert complimented by the flow of the Indus and a rich Tibetan-Buddhist culture that attracts thousands of travellers every year. But that’s not all! Leh Ladakh is also blessed with some of the most magnificent high-altitude lakes that look like gems from far and above. Lakes in Leh Ladakh are famous for their unique shades and hues, the altitude, size and the stories associated with them. Lakes in Leh Ladakh should definitely be a part of your ‘places to visit in Ladakh’ list. If Leh Ladakh and the mesmerising lakes in Leh Ladakh are on your mind now, you must check out our Leh Ladakh tour packages and start your ultimate adventure.

Here are some lakes in Leh Ladakh that every traveller needs to stumble upon

1. Pangong Tso

Thanks to the movie ‘3 Idiots’, the Pangong Tso lake is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh. This Ladakh lake is the No. 1 destination for travellers and tourists. Situated at a height of 4,300m, Pangong Tso lake spreads over three countries- India, China and Tibet. It is known for its unique turquoise colour that has different shades at every corner. If you’re standing at a height and look at the lake from above, you will see the different shades of blue everywhere. You can reach Pangong Tso from two roads. 

The first route, which 99% of the people travel upon, is through one of the highest roads and passes, which is via Khardung La. The second route, which most people need to be made aware of, is from the other end of the side of the lake via Chushul. The lake is surrounded by beautiful tents that offer magnificent views during the season. In the off-season of winter, the lake is frozen and reaching the lake is a task because the roads are blocked. Flora and fauna of this Leh Ladakh lake are very minimal. The 360-degree views from the lake are spectacular and breathtaking, with the lake at the foot of mighty mountains.

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2. Tso Moriri

Situated in eastern Ladakh, Tso Moriri is another Ladakh lake known for its beautiful hues, isolation and mountains exceeding 6,000 metres on both the east and west sides. It is situated at an elevation of 4,522 m. Associated with myths and legends, Tso Moriri is known to be a cursed lake from where nobody derives water for any purpose. Legend has it that a girl drowned in the frozen lake saving her Yak. Since then, the village of Korzok has not used the lake as a water source.

You can reach this Ladakh lake through two routes. The first is via Upshi – Chumathang – Mahe route, and the second is from Manali Leh Highway via Tso Kar – Puga – Sumdo. Recently, the lake has come under threat from tourism which has disturbed the ecosystem around the lake. The lake freezes during winter, with temperatures dropping to -40 degrees in the region.

3. Kyagar Tso

The weather here is harsh, so it is necessary to be prepared before everything. There are no petrol pumps around this area as well. The lake is small, yet it is as beautiful as other lakes in Ladakh- pristine colours and its size (7.5km) define it!

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4. Tso Kar

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5. Yaye Tso

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6. Chilling Tso

The best time to visit the lake is between the months of May and September, and It is highly recommended that one travels in groups when visiting the lake since help might not be available in case anything goes wrong. Moreover, a special permit is required if you’re visiting the lake from Hanle. To know more about the permits required in Ladakh, you must read our guide for routes and permits in Leh Ladakh.

7. Spanggur Tso

8. Chagar Tso

The lake hiding in plain sight is just 20 Kilometres before Pangong Tso and gives out the same vibes as its counterpart but with less crowd. Located at a distance of 135 kilometres from the main city of Leh, the lake is one of the best offbeat destinations currently present in Leh Ladakh that surely deserve more attention than what they are getting.

9. Yarab Tso

This unique gem is one of the highest altitudes lakes, which is considered holy and is perfect for those who looking for peace and serenity with a dash of tranquillity. The lake possesses crystal-clear water, which is a treat for many. The lake, surrounded by unparalleled beauty, also makes up an amazing spot for clicking some aesthetic photos for your Instagram feed. 

The best time to visit this Ladakhi gem is from the months of July to September, and when at this lake, don’t forget to visit the nearby attractions like Panamik Village, Diskit Village and the cold desert in Hunder.

10. Mirpal Tso

Different from its Ladakhi counterparts that get tons of footfall, Mirpal Tso is one of the offbeat lakes in Leh Ladakh that surely deserves your visit. With less footfall, the lake is surely the perfect companion for those looking for a soulful time surrounded by peace and serenity. Located in Chushul, it takes around 4 hours to reach the lake from the main city of Leh. The best part? In order to reach the lake, you’ll need to drive through one of the highest motorable passes in the country; the Kaksang La. 

Upon reaching the lake, you’ll be left bewitched by the beautiful views of the surroundings, which for sure will lighten up your Instagram feed. So if you’re looking for an offbeat destination in Leh Ladakh, there’s nothing better than this lake.

We hope your travel plans for the year are sorted after this read. Happy Traveling now!