Tso Moriri

Flora: While the deeper parts of Tso Moriri don’t have much vegetation, the shallower parts of it are enriched with unique species of flora, which include Caragana and Astragalus, Potamogeton species, Carex, Primula, Pedicularis among the popular mammals.

Fauna: Tso Moriri also prides in being home to various birds, mammals and some carnivorous animals, which include 34 species of birds, including 14 vulnerable water birds. Some of the famous species include Black-Necked Cranes, Bar Headed Geese, Brown-Headed Gulls, Tibetan Gazelle, Goa Antelope, Tibetan Ass, The Great Tibetan Sheep, Snow Leopard and The Tibetan Wolf among others.

• The weather is quite unstable in this area, so it is always better to carry warm clothes.
• Tso Moriri is inaccessible by public transport; you should contact a tour operator at Leh who will arrange and include your permit to the package. You will need two photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and visa. Permits are required to travel to this lake. Once you have your permit, usually only valid for a maximum period of seven days, make at least 5 copies before setting off, as checkpoints like to keep a copy when you log in.

Leh to Tso Moriri 

Direct bus is available from Leh to Tso Moriri which is run by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation(JKSRTC). Many bus stations are available and tourists have the option of taking a taxi or riding motorcycles, which can be taken on rent. In all the cases, it takes 6 hours to reach Tso Moriri
The route that is usually taken is Leh-Upshi-Debring- Puga- Tso Moriri.
Alternate route: Leh- Upshi- Chumathang- Mahe-Puga- Tso Moriri.

Pangong to Tso Moriri

Direct Route
There is a route that goes directly from Pangong to Tso Moriri. It goes via Changthang (starting from Man). This route is only for the Indian citizens and one needs to avail cab services or private vehicles in order to reach the destination.
The route is: Pangong- Man- Merak- Khaltse- Chusul- Tsaga La- Tsaga Village- Loma - Nyoma- Mahe- Sumdo- Tso Moriri

Indirect Route
There is a route that goes from Pangong to Tso Moriri and that is a longer route as compared to the direct route. Like the direct route, the only way to reach the destination is via cabs or private vehicles. This route is especially for the foreign tourists as they don’t have permission for the Changthang route. They have to take the route via Chumathang compulsorily.
The route is: Pangong- Lukung- Tangtse- Durbuk- Chang La- Sakti- Karu- Upshi- Kumdok- Kere- Chumathang- Mahe- Sumdo-Tso Moriri

Even though Tso Moriri is a declared wetland reserve and it is prohibited to pitch tents around the lake, some camps and tents are set up a little further away. These can be booked for an overnight stay to enjoy the surreal view of the lake at sunrise. However, it is advised to plan a stay in the tents only if you are going in the summer months.

There are also a couple of homestay options a little far away from Tso Moriri but facilities like electricity, hot running water, etc make it a little difficult to stay.

A travel agent or even your hotel in Leh can help in getting a permit. A typical Inner Line Permit would host only a 3-day validity. Ensure to have valid identification documents (Aadhar, Pancard, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport) and a sum of about INR 1000 for the entire procedure. Foreign visitors are expected have to have a valid passport with a visa or an OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card would do.

Travellers could also apply online for an Inner Line Permit by logging into the official website, https://lahdclehpermit.in/. Upon clicking on the 'Issue' button, press the 'Domestic Clients' section to proceed to the personal details page. It is essential to fill out personal identification details, which can be Aadhar, Voter ID or Passport verification. Once the entire session is complete, make sure to have a concrete copy of the permit, either through a screenshot or a printout.