Tso Kar

Situated in the stunningly beautiful Rupshu Valley, Tso Kar is the smallest high altitude lake in the region. The lake is also referred to as the ‘White Lake’ due to the layers of salt that get deposited on its banks. The famous Tso Moriri Lake, India’s highest brackish water lake, is around 50 km from here. You have to drive on a rough terrain to reach Tso Kar from Tso Moriri, and there is no habitation in between so keep yourself loaded with basic necessities. Due to the remoteness of the place, there are no accommodation options except for a few nomadic camps.

The lake is quite popular among wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The surrounding marshes are inhabited by rare species of birds such as grebes, brown-headed gulls, strip geese, rust geese and terns. However, the main attraction is the black-necked crane that flies to Tso Kar to lay eggs. Kiang, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan wolves, foxes and marmots can also be spotted in the adjoining areas of the lake.