Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

Many times I get questions about traveling on the direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri in one day without coming back to Leh. Today I am going to talk about this topic and will summarize the tips for traveling on this direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. It will help you understand this route in detail and how it can help you save time along with associated risks.

Well, to start with the answer to the basic question “Can I travel from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri directly without coming back to Leh“? Then, the answer is “Yes”, there exists a direct route to travel from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri.

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I have already talked about the road conditions of the direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri. As you know the road conditions are not that great between Pangong Tso – Chusul with most of the route being a dirt track all the way up to Tsaga La pass. It is a bumpy ride or drive up to Tsaga La and then improves almost up to Tso Kiagar ahead of Sumdo village when nearing Tso Moriri lake.

Apart from that, I always suggest everyone keep in mind that all the remote routes in Ladakh are isolated and most are dirt roads. Better stick to the traditional routes in case it is your first trip to Ladakh to avoid the uncertainties of different kinds on these unconventional routes in Ladakh 😉 …

To get a more detailed understanding of the routes in Ladakh along with distances, you can also refer to DwD – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang. As you can see in the DwD maps of Ladakh there exist a couple of routes to travel to Tso Moriri from Pangong Tso directly. I will talk about both of them in detail one by one for you. 

Road Conditions – Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

Let us check these two routes in detail one by one.

1. Pangong Tso (Spangmik) – Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Kiagar Tso – Tso Moriri (Korzok)

This is the first route we are going to talk about that runs along the shoreline of Pangong Tso Lake and then goes deep towards Tsaga La Pass, further to Loma-Nyoma, and meets at Mahe Bridge. Then, from Mahe onwards, it meets the conventional route of reaching Tso Moriri from Leh. You take the route further as Sumdo – Kiagar Tso – Tso Moriri after Mahe.

This route is mostly desolate but one of the most beautiful routes in Ladakh. And why not?? It runs along the shoreline of Pangong Tso Lake. A couple of sections of the roads between Tsaga La and Man-Merak are a bit tricky and some with quicksands. Small ground clearance vehicles can get stuck if you are careless when driving. So better be prepared with essential things to carry when you self-drive to Ladakh, especially with a hatchback and sedan. 

Then, Tsaga – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe is a well-laid tarmac where it will be easy to drive any kind of vehicle. Even the diversion road to Hanle from Loma is in very good condition barring a few patches in between. 

2. Pangong Tso (Spangmik) – Man – Merak – Chusul – Nama – Kaksang La – Horala – Mahe – Sumdo – Kiagar Tso – Tso Moriri (Karzok)

This route diverges from Chusul towards Kaksang La – Horala – Mahe, as you might have already seen in the DwD Maps of Ladakh. So, the road conditions of this route up to Chusul are the same as what we have already discussed.

The road conditions from Chusul towards Kaksang La pass are much better now with mostly tarmac roads. The ascend to Kaksang La from Nama side used to have sharp stones and it is similar on the other side of Kaksang La. However as of 2024, most of the route is now well-tarred. I remember from my 2015 trip, that those stones cut the tires of our car. We had to fit a Pajero tire in a Fortuner to save ourselves, somehow. Kaksang La to Horala and Horala to Mahe is all black tarmac too. So barring few patches in between, the road is good in condition.

You will be very very lucky to spot some soul on this route as no one takes this route being so desolate. Since 2022, the army has allowed tourists to travel beyond Nama and take this route. There will be no help around in miles in case required. So, travel in a group of at least 2-3 cars bikes.

Permits for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri

As of 2022, permits are not required for domestic tourists to travel anywhere in Ladakh including Hanle, Umling La Pass, or even Demchok. You only need to pay the environment/green/ecology fee and carry a receipt of the payment. 

Indians do not need any permits anymore in Ladakh for regular sightseeing. You just need to pay the Ladakh Environment Fee on the website and carry the receipt of it. Here is the link where you need to pay it: https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/register-as-domestic.

Current Ladakh environment fees are broken down as follows: 

• Environment Fee = Rs 400 one time
• Wildlife Fee/Something = Rs 20 per day
• Red Cross Fee = Rs 50 one time but Optional, you don’t need to pay if you don’t want to.

DO NOT confuse the environment fee receipt with a permit. You just need to carry this fee receipt, hard copy, or soft copy. This receipt may be checked at some checkposts. Hence, people are confusing it with a permit but this is just verification that you have paid the fees. 

Again, please keep in mind that these routes are totally desolate and very few people travel on them. Hence, with no one around in miles of distance for any help, you must think twice and take a calculated risk only. 

Don’t have time to read the full article? Check this short video on Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel on these essential tips for traveling directly from Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri lake. If you like my video, please do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.

Conclusion

I hope knowing these direct routes from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri will help you assess the risk and make a call of either taking this route or going to Tso Moriri via the conventional route through Upshi or Chumathang. 

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Do you still have any questions or suggestions or need any help in planning your trip from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri? If yes, please feel free to post them either in the comments section of this article below or in the “Ask a Travel Question” section of the website.

I will be happy to hear from you on other suggestions about this wonderful route in Ladakh. Have you done this route?? Tell me what was your experience and help others travel better in Ladakh. Do not forget to share this article with your friends and family who are planning the trip to Ladakh.