Nestled in the Kashmir region of India, Ladakh has recently earned the status of a Union Territory. Previously part of Jammu and Kashmir state, Ladakh is now a distinct entity. Its majestic backdrop against the Himalayas renders Ladakh unlike any other place in India.
Ladakh has garnered attention among tourists for its myriad adventure tourism offerings. Adventure enthusiasts are drawn to engage in popular activities such as rock climbing, river rafting, and trekking. The region's high-altitude trails contribute to a distinctive trekking experience, setting it apart from other trekking destinations.
Before considering to travel to Ladakh, you need to know that around October, the roads and the passes get closed until May. During these times, the only option to reach Ladakh is by taking a flight.
Ladakh is an ideal travel destination for both adventure seekers and regular vacation seekers. The land of Ladakh has many things to offer to the visiting tourists. Some of these attractions include Buddhist monasteries, beautiful white Stupas, and vast landscapes. Ladakhi people are a friendly community of people whose culture is similar to that of the Tibetan people.
# Tso Moriri Tso Moririlake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Ladakh that is also the most famous among the tourists. This lake is almost always mentioned in the popular tourist destination listings. For the photographers, this lake provides the ideal conditions to make a photograph rich.
Tso Moriri is one of the biggest lakes in Ladakh. This lake is situated at a height of around 15,000 feet above sea level. Tso Moririlake gained the international spotlight after it was declared as the lake of international importance.
Tso Moririlake is formed from the waters flowing in from two streams. The nearest village of Korzok also became popular due to the tourists visiting the Tso Moririlake. The lake is accessible only during the summer season because that is when the snow cover melts away.
# Pangong Tso LakePangong Tso is one of the most beautiful lakes in Ladakh. The unique feature of this lake is that it is shared by both Indian and Chinese borders.
Camping near the lake is a perfect activity to engage in. During the night, the clear sky gives the view of the stars like nowhere else. It is one of the best experiences that tourists talk about after returning from their trip.
The Pangong Tso is a saltwater lake with minimum vegetation in and around the lake. This lake is popularly known as the world’s highest lake with brackish water. To visit this lake, the tourists need to acquire a permit from the local authorities. The required permit is called ‘In-Line Permit (ILP)’. The application for the permit is available online.
# Mirpal TsoThis lake is also considered one of the best Ladakh lakes to visit. Mirpal Tso is a lesser-known lake and due to this, there are not many tourists visiting this lake. That means if you wish to avoid the crowd and are looking for a secluded destination, then this lake is perfect for you.
For a peaceful and quiet destination, Mirpal Tso should be considered a must-visit. To visit this lake, you need to acquire a permit just like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes. This lake is situated between the area of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.
Mirpal Tso is a freshwater lake with sandy shores and a perfect place to admire the beauty of the Ladakhi landscape. This lake is located in the Chushul area and the best time to visit is during the summer months.
# Twin lakes of Ryul Tso & Kyun TsoThese twin lakes are considered by many tourists to be the most peaceful destinations to visit. The gorgeous sunset and sunrise are the scenes that are admired the most at this location.
These twin lakes are usually not included in the popular Leh Ladakh tour packages. This is because the location is quite secluded and only travelers who are seeking solace choose this destination.
The view of the lake with its turquoise waters is a wonderful sight to behold. This destination is not necessarily for adventure seekers. Most travelers visiting here are looking for sites that are away from the crowd and a little isolated from civilization.
The silence of the place with its scenic beauty is enough to entice people looking for a peaceful destination. For a short vacation from the hectic city life, these twin lakes are an ideal destination for a peaceful quiet time. The best time to visit the twin lakes of Ryul Tso and Kyun Tso is from May until August.
# Yarab TsoYarab Tso is clearly among the best Ladakh lakes you can visit. This magnificent lake is surrounded by mountains and it is a peaceful experience to be here. The nearest village to Yarab Tso lake is called Panamik Village which is just a walking distance to the site of the lake.
This lake is an ideal destination for the people who love to trek. Situated in the famous and magnificent Nubra Valley, this lake can only be reached on foot. There is no road made for this destination. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful lakes in Ladakh.
Some people even consider Yarab Tso lake as a holy lake and the site is considered by the local people to be spiritual. This lake was also visited by His Holiness the Dalai Lama who is the political leader of the Tibetan people.
# Kiagar Tso LakeThis wonderful lake is situated in the Rupshu Valley. Travelers going through the road to Tso Moririlake can take a route towards Kiagar Tso lake. This lake is situated at a height of 4,000 meters above sea level.
The beautiful view that is commonly experienced by travelers is that of the grazing sheep with the majestic background of the mountains and the lake. This saltwater lake right in the middle of the cold desert looks like something out of the storybooks. Among the tourist community, this is a popular lake that people visit every summer.
The best time to visit is in September and October when the climate is perfect for an ideal vacation. Traveling is much easier during these months because of the lack of heavy snow which impedes your trekking and camping plans. However, many adventure seekers visit this lake during the winter season to challenge themselves against the natural elements.