How to drive the beautiful road to Lake Moriri in northern India?

How to drive the beautiful road to Lake Moriri in northern India?

India, asia

Length

26 km

Elevation

4,522 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Tso Moriri, a stunning jewel nestled high in the Ladakh region of India, sits at a dizzying 14,836 feet above sea level! This high-altitude lake, south of Namshang La, is a must-see in Jammu and Kashmir, though you can't swim in it.

Stretching 26 km north-south and 3-5 km wide, Tso Moriri is the largest lake entirely within India. Think crystal-clear waters reflecting snow-capped peaks – it’s a photographer's dream! But it’s not just pretty; it’s a vital wetland reserve teeming with migratory birds like the Bar-headed Goose and the endangered Black-necked Crane.

The 28-mile road from Sumdo to Korzok (one of India's highest towns!) is paved and takes you through the Rupshu region. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views, including Kyagar Tso, a smaller saline lake at a cool 15,436 feet.

The road peaks at a staggering 15,889 feet! Situated on the Changthang Plateau, expect freezing temps in winter, making summer the best time to visit. Be warned, though: even in summer, the nights are COLD.

This is a remote area with few inhabitants, but the beauty is out of this world. There aren't many villages along the way, so come prepared. Fill up on gas beforehand because there are no petrol pumps around. Located in the secluded Rupshu Valley, don't expect fancy amenities like electricity or hot running water – this is a true adventure!

Where is it?

How to drive the beautiful road to Lake Moriri in northern India? is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 21.0388, 80.8988

Share this road

Road Details

Country
India
Continent
asia
Length
26 km
Max Elevation
4,522 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
21.0388, 80.8988

Related Roads in asia

A beautiful mountain road to Anbarkesh Passhard

A beautiful mountain road to Anbarkesh Pass

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, adventure-seekers, let me tell you about the legendary Anbarkesh Pass in northern Iran! This beast of a road straddles the border between the Mazandaran and Qazvin provinces and hits an altitude of 2,776m (9,107ft). Picture this: you're south of NaftChak Peak, inching your way along a 23 km (14 mile) unpaved track that connects the tiny village of Separ Deh with Viar. This high-altitude link is your ticket between Ramsar and Alamut-e Gharbi District. Now, hold on tight! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking hairpin turns galore, steep drops that'll make your palms sweat, and a seriously loose surface. You'll need some solid mountain driving experience to tackle this one. Forget your sedan; a 4x4 is non-negotiable to handle the terrain and those killer gradients. Aim for late spring or early summer (June and July) for the best chance to get through, because the Alborz Mountains can get seriously snowy and gnarly the rest of the year!

How to Get by Car to Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh?moderate

How to Get by Car to Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh?

🇮🇳 India

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along NH 1 in Ladakh, India, heading towards the legendary Lamayuru Monastery. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 150km (93-mile) adventure into the Himalayas! The monastery itself sits at a staggering 3,510m (11,515ft), nestled in the Zanskar Range, a little east of the formidable Fotu La pass. The drive is pretty new and paved now, but don't let that fool you – prepare for some serious hairpin turns! Trust me, though, the views are worth it. You're surrounded by this unreal, lunar-like landscape that Lamayuru is famous for. And the monastery? Forget about it! Rich paintings, ancient murals, and a vibe that's been attracting trekkers and photographers for ages. It’s also called Tharpa Ling, or "Place of Freedom," and is the oldest and largest in the region. If you are looking for breathtaking scenery this is a must see!

The wild road to Tipta Lahard

The wild road to Tipta La

🇳🇵 Nepal

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tipta La, a seriously epic pass straddling China and Nepal! This isn't just any border crossing; we're talking a lung-busting 5,118m (16,791ft) above sea level! Prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain air, marking this crucial trade route high in the Himalayas. You'll be traveling between Xigazê in Tibet (China) and the Taplejung District in Nepal. Be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. The entire route is unpaved, so a sturdy 4x4 is a must. On the Chinese side, prepare for a wild ride with around 40 hairpin turns to the top. Word on the street is that the Chinese have helped upgrade the track from the Nepali side (Olangchungola) up to the pass. The road stretches for 41km (25.47 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure, connecting Riwu (China) and Olangchung Gola (Nepal). The views? Absolutely breathtaking, showcasing the raw beauty of both Tibet and Nepal. Just a heads up: this route is usually snowed in and impassable during the winter months.

Where is Badawi Pass?hard

Where is Badawi Pass?

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Badawi Pass! Nestled way up in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, this beast of a mountain pass sits at a whopping 3,523m (11,558ft). You'll find it in the northwestern part of the country, acting as a wild link between Upper Dir District and the Utror & Kalam valleys. Clocking in at 42.7 km (26.53 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road goodness, the Utrar-Dir Road (as it's also known) is not for the casual driver. Forget pavement – we're talking a totally unpaved, rugged climb to the summit, also called Do Teer Pass, Badgoi Pass, or Badogai Pass! Seriously, this road demands respect. A 4x4 with high clearance is a must, and a healthy dose of bravery wouldn't hurt either. The trail gets seriously steep in places, hitting gradients of up to 29 percent! Hairpin curves and stomach-dropping cliffs? Oh yeah, they're part of the fun. But the views from the top, marked by the iconic two-faced hill overlooking both the Swat and Dir Kohistan sides, are absolutely worth it. Just a heads up: this high-altitude pass, straddling the border between Kumrat and Kalam Valleys, is usually snowed in and impassable from November to June. Plan your trip accordingly!