Similar to the previous article on 17 High Mountain Passes, in this article, I will present you the pictures of 14 Magical Lakes which we visited without talking about much about the story on how we landed up there. The complete detailed story shall be covered in time to come in subsequent articles on this Epic Ladakh Travelogue.
The Journey so far…
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Visting 14 Magical Lakes in Ladakh Trip
Check these 14 lakes that you can visit on your Ladakh trip. Of course, you need to have that many days in hand.
1. Dal Lake
The first one of the lakes we visited was Dal Lake. It was Ghaat No. 1 of Dal Lake, only where we all assembled for the first time. Then we all did a kind of drive around the periphery of this lovely piece of nature, a jewel in the beauty of Kashmir to exit on NH-1.
2. Tso Tak
It is a tiny glacial lake which one can witness right after descending the mighty Chang La Pass towards Pangong Tso side. The lake is about 8 KMs only from Chang La top and mostly in the enthusiasm of witnessing Pangong Tso people generally pass by this small lake.
3. Chagar Tso
This one is yet another decent-sized lake on the way to Pangong Tso after crossing Tangste but emits the beauty of its aqua colors. Again most of the time in the enthusiasm of witnessing Pangong Tso people generally pass by this lake as well in a hurry, so is the desperation to see Pangong Tso…
But spending some time on the shores is worth enough. Maybe Ladakh authorities should work an effort for its cleanliness too, IMHO.
4. Pangong Tso
We do not need any introduction to Pangong Tso lake and those who are looking for the detailed information can refer to the article: Travel Guide for Pangong Tso
5. Un-named lake near Tsaga
Well, there comes a lake just on the right-hand side of you when you travel from Chusul to Tsaga, which is quite unnamed but again decent in size. Though we were in a hurry and had no plans to go to the banks. So, stopped, clicked some far shots, and resumed back the journey. In winter this lake does freeze, and you can enjoy skating over it 😀
6. Kyon Tso 1
Kyon Tso twin lakes are one of those hidden gems of Ladakh which only a few people have seen so far. Though the colors of Kyon Tso 1 are greenish toned but still the long walk from the dirt track is worth enough to spend some time over there in peaceful surroundings.
7. Kyon Tso 2
As mentioned, this hidden gem of Ladakh is much much more beautiful than its sister with its aqua green color shades and red color toned mountains at the backdrop. The walk here is much more lengthy as we have marshes in between where your vehicle can get stuck.
So, avoid venturing too close to the shores and better walk the paths there. Time spent there was much more pleasant, and well, there was freedom in the air all around that place.
8. Yaye Tso
This heart-shaped, volcanic lake at an altitude of 4988 Mtrs is difficult to access from close unless you ready to trek down. One has to either hike down or take a challenge to take his vehicle from Chusul – Mahe route. The lake is majorly visible from the Hora La Pass that comes on the way. It is just 20 KMs from Mahe. So while visiting Tso Moriri, you can easily do it in case you are ready to spend some extra time on the road.
9. Kiagar Tso
This lovely small lake falls on the way to Tso Moriri itself, and popularly the road usually converts to dirt track further to Tso Moriri after this lake 😀 …Well, the lovely backdrop and wilderness around this lake are worth watching.
10. Tso Moriri
I feel no one needs an introduction to Tso Moriri, which is quite popular among the tourists visiting Ladakh. Somehow I feel it be more beautiful and enchanting than Pangong Tso lake, but that is my personal choice, so don’t beat me if you don’t agree 😉 Those who are looking for the detailed information can refer to the article: Travel Guide for Tso Moriri
11. Tso Kar Lake
Another marvel of a lake in Ladakh is Tso Kar, which is quite popular for the birds and animals found around the region. It is quite famous among Bird Watchers, and you can even spot Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass), Foxes, etc.. around this lovely lake.
12. Suraj Tal / Vishal Tal Lake
As you descend from Baralacha La while traveling from Leh side on Manali – Leh Highway, you get to see this small lake by the name Suraj Tal. With the absence of snow around the surrounding hills, it had lost its charm at the time we were there in September.
When we saw it, nothing kind of excited us after seeing it as compared to last time when I saw it when it was surrounded by snow and emitted the aqua green to perfection.
13. Deepak Tal Lake
It is another small lake as you travel further towards Darcha – Keylong on Manali – Leh Highway from Baralacha La. Sometimes, it has lovely reflections of adjoining hills.
14. Chandratal Lake
No words can describe the beauty of Chandratal. After eluding me on the previous three attempts, I was finally able to see the masterpiece of nature though even this time, I missed the magical reflections for which it is quite famous.
This was the last lake we visited on this epic journey of Ladakh. Those who are looking for detailed information can refer to the article: Travel Guide for Chandratal Lake
The Journey Ahead…
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19 Comments
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Awesome pictures !..No. 13 is quite similar to Tsangu lake in Sikkim… 🙂
Thank you, and yeah these were some real jewels of nature we witnessed in the North part of Himalayas.
Brilliant!
Let’s do it again:)
Thanks Gagan, but this time you know where we are heading. Be ready from 12th Sept to 21st Sept for Spiti Valley … Tapan ji is also interested again to join in.
I was thinking of doing Srinagar- Leh- Manali again, this time planning to cut nubra valley & Tso moriri. But undoubtedly traveling with you would be a better experience. Even Neha suggested Spitti.
Lets see how it works
what all you’ll be covering at spitti?
Well, have plans to cover loads of things in Spiti Valley. I will Message you the almost finalized itinerary which we have in mind… I am sure its gonna be rocking exploration of some really unknown parts of Spiti Valley … Do keep me posted, if possible at I will see if I can join in or not. All depends upon if I will do White Spiti in March or not.
Dheeraj, can u guide me regarding Zanskar tour as I want to go Zanskar this year?
Debasis, how many days you have in hand for your Zanskar Valley trip ex. Delhi and which month are you planning?
Dheeraj,
I want to tour for 2 weeks (journey time extra). Like the year 2013 I want to travel kolkata to Srinagar on air.Please tell me detailed route and place of Zanskar.Also my plan is to travel in the month of September. However, if any other month is better please inform me.
Debasis, September will be perfect. Just for Zanskar Valley, even a 8-10 days would be sufficent enough including the trek to Phuktal Monastery. You can check my itinerary of couple of years back and add one or two rest days in between to completely enjoy it. Here is the link: Itinerary for My Zanskar Trip in September – 2012
Umba La route might not be open but once you there you can of course try out.
Regards
Dheeraj
Does Rigzing know the route as you have stated in ” Itinerary for My Zanskar Trip”?Also let me know how tough is trek to Phuktal Monastery as the female member in last year trip shall be present this time now. How much time is required from near about place? Moreover I want to know the other places to be included in and around Ladakh, as I want a tour of around 14 days this time also.
Rigzin cannot travel with you because from Kargil to Zanskar only Kargil taxis are allowed and then in Zanskar only Padum based taxis are allowed to roam in Ladakh and then come back to Kargil. Rigzin can pick you up from Kargil for Ladakh. It will take 4-5 days at easy pace for Phuktal Monastery and since you have time on hands, I will surely suggest to go for it.
Dheeraj, can you provide any information regarding good taxi drivers of Kargil region /Padum region or their phone number?
Have you travelled Phuktal Monastery
Debasis, check the thread: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Zanskar – Manali
Aahhh!!!! Dheeraj Bhai I missed Kya phir aisa chance milega. Dal Lake…reminded me of my honeymoon. Waiting for ur journey ahead. DOW store ka kya scene hai
Yadvinder ji, yes yes… FB Page Cover Photo is Updated with this year’s DoW Mega Meet !! It will be in Spiti Valley, ope you join it this time 🙂
DoW Store is stuck in formalities of taxing and payment gateway 🙂 … Might take a month more.
How nice is this! I love lakes, must’ve been wonderful. Now I have to do something about Kyun Tso and Yaye Tso. 😀
Yeah, these were fabulous set of lakes we visited. If you get a chance, you can even visit a small lake near Panamik too that is Yarab Tso, commonly called as wish pond being sacred lake. You can some pictures from my last visit at the link: Sacred Yarab Tso Lake at Panamik – Nubra Valley