Tso Moriri is a high-altitude remnant of a vast prehistoric lake in Ladakh

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Perched 4,522 meters above sea level in the remote Changthang Plateau, Tso Moriri is India's largest high-altitude lake. This endorheic, nutrient-poor ecosystem serves as a critical refuge for endangered species and nomadic herders, yet it faces mounting pressure from climate extremes, tourism, and the degradation of its fragile alpine pastures.

Located in the union territory of Ladakh, Tso Moriri is classified as a remnant lake, a geological classification for water bodies that are the surviving fragments of much larger prehistoric lakes. Spanning roughly 26 kilometers north-to-south, the lake is fed by glacial streams like the Karzok Phu and Gyama Phu. Because it lacks an outlet, it is an endorheic basin, meaning water is retained and does not flow into rivers or oceans. The surrounding landscape is a cold desert, where temperatures can plummet to −40 °C in winter, creating an environment where only specialized flora and fauna can thrive.

The lake is a vital biodiversity hotspot, supporting thirty-four bird species, including the endangered black-necked crane and the bar-headed goose, which uses the site as its only breeding ground in India. The basin also sustains large mammals such as the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and the kiang, an ass endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. These species share the landscape with the Changpa, a nomadic pastoral community of Tibetan origin. The Changpa rely on the region's pastures to graze their livestock, including sheep and goats raised for fine Pashmina wool, a practice that has intensified in recent decades.

Conservation is a complex challenge for the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. While the area is a protected Ramsar site, it faces significant anthropogenic threats. Increased tourism, unregulated jeep safaris, and road construction disrupt breeding grounds, while expanding livestock populations have led to pasture degradation and forage shortages. Efforts to mitigate these impacts involve organizations like the World Wildlife Fund-India and the Wildlife Institute of India, alongside local community initiatives. In 2000, the local community declared the lake a 'Sacred Gift for a Living Planet,' reflecting a commitment to balancing traditional pastoral life with the preservation of this unique, high-altitude wilderness.

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