What accommodation at Tso Moriri?

We're planning to visit Ladakh again in August/September.

Can somebody who has been to Tso Moriri lake tell me what kind of accommodation is available there. Is it just tents or are there lodges? Is it worth spending a few days in this area?

I know from previous posts that we need to get a permit and go on an organised tour.

Amazing the changes that have taken place in Korzok (the village near the northwestern shore of Tso Moriri) over the years. Oh, how I wish i could give more recent information, but here's what I can tell you: Construction was ongoing from 1999 to 2001 on a modest guest house at the edge of the village, which the Lonpo (village headman) said would be completed for the 2002 season. Some people stayed there while it was under construction. In 2002, however, I heard (completely unconfirmed) reports that the guest house was not opened due to lack of demand. I haven't heard further, but I would guess it must be operational now (in season, of course). There has been a tent camp by the stream below the village at least since 1999 (don't remember seeing it before then), but it was of poor quality and overpriced in the years that I saw it.
Permits for the area are easily obtainable in Leh, the group of 4 persons minimum rule is not enforced, and a trip there needn't be any more "organized" than simply a permit and transport to/from the lake (not even that if you're walking). The area is spectacular, and well worth a few days, or much more.

Hi!

Since you seem to have a very good knowledge about India - I am sure that you know that you need a permit to visit Tsomoriri. Therefore most people who go there - go on an organised trip. Though I have seen some people who took a lift on a bus/ truck - that runs once in a while, getting off at the Mahe bridge (where there is a checkpost to check your permit etc).

Officially you need to be 04 people to visit Tsomoriri.
These people walked from Mahe to Tsomoriri - talking lifts from the trucks of the border road organisation.
Or, you can trek from Hemis to Tsomoriri - a lot of people do some climbing enroute (illegally).

Roads are almost non-existent here (there is only a dusty motorable trail that disappears once in a while!)- so it is also prefereable to have drivers from Ladakh.

Accommodation: There is a guesthouse in front of the Korzok monastery (should be 3 by now) and in case of emergency, you can always knock on someone's door or beg to let you stay in the circuit house....you can find maggie instant noodles, tea, biscuits and basic food items in the shop.

Since most people go on an orgainsed trip - carry their tents and toilet tents.

Don't forget to walk towards to the valley behind the monastery - you might bump in to the nomads....very interesting.

PS: if you need a map mail me and i will send it to you.

In the summer of 2002 I set off on a trek from Leh to Tso Moriri. There was only 3 in the party and getting a permit was no problem. We spent a slow 10 days getting to Tso Kar and then bumped into a nomad camp. The nomads way of life in a fantastic setting was so captivating that I stayed with them for another 10 days and didn't get to Tso Moriri. But as a photographer, and a tourist, I got to see and photograph a way of life that few other people get to see (or do), have you ever tried to milk a yak?
If you want the names and addresses of some good Tibetan guides, ponymen and cooks just let me know.

Thanks rickshawwallah, mountaingirl and IainC for the replies.

I should have made things a bit clearer. We're not planning to do any trekking. What we intend to do is take hired transport up to Tso Moriri, stay in the area for 3-4 days (preferably in a guest house) and then return to Leh. Normally we enjoy camping but at this altitude we think we would prefer the comfort of some accommodation.

Our reason for going is that Tso Moriri lake is a breeding area for various species of water birds and at 4500 meters there should also be a selection of other high altitude species around. We would take day walks in the area and see what we can find in the way of birds, mammals, wild flowers and butterflies.

Mountaingirl

Would it be possible to have someone drop us there plus whatever supplies we need and then pick us up 3-4 days later? I'm quite capable of doing our own cooking if there are facilities available or do you think the guest house can also provide meals?

Perhaps you can also recommend a reliable company that could make these arrangements.

Also is the 4 people restriction rigidly enforced? (IanC thinks not) I doubt if we would be able to find another 2 people who want to do exactly the same thing.

Hi Alan!

The 04 people's restriction is not strictly applied - that is why i said 'officially'.

Yes, you can be dropped and picked up at a later time...let me PM you for further things...

PS: for birds, September is a better time

Correction: Birds with feathers

HaHaHa!! I've heard that joke before mountaingirl. Only about 500 times!

According to my books the main breeding season is June/ July but I am hoping that parents and young will still all be around in August/September.

Hello IainC,

Couldnt help but notice your remark about guides and cooks in the region. I am planning to climb Lungser and Chumser Kangri in the Tso Moriri area. I climbed the Mentok range last season which is also in the Tso Moriri area.

I would truly appreciate if you could share some info about the guides and cooks and about how to get in touch with them.

Thanks much,
Jerry