Ladakh’s high plateaus are dotted with surreal lakes – some saline and teal, others glassy and deep blue – each set against towering snow peaks. Visiting a few of them is a highlight of any Ladakh trip. Here are the must-see lakes and what makes each unique:

• Pangong Tso (Lake) – Possibly the most famous, Pangong is a breathtaking saline lake 4,250 m above sea level. Stretching 135 km (60% in China, 40% in India), its color continuously shifts from azure to emerald as the sun moves (an effect of glacial sediments and depth). In summer, you might see grazing kiangs (wild donkeys) and Tibetan gazelles on its distant shores; in winter, Pangong freezes completely, creating a vast field of ice. Spectacular sunrise/sunset views reflect the mountains on its calm surface. (Tip: The village of Spangmik on Pangong’s Indian side has guesthouses for overnight stays. A permit from Leh is required, so arrange it when you get to Leh.)
  

• Tso Moriri (Lake) – Hidden in the Rupshu Plateau of southern Ladakh, Tso Moriri is a quieter alternative to Pangong. At about 4,080 m elevation, it is Ladakh’s largest intact freshwater lake​. The stark brown mountains encircling Tso Moriri (often called “old man paisley mountains” for their curves) make it feel like a secluded Himalayan sea. One unique feature: when vast numbers of migratory birds (ruddy shelducks, migratory ducks, and sometimes black-necked cranes) settle here in summer, the lake teems with life. There are small nomad camps and a few guesthouses at Korzok village, but overall it feels unspoiled. Legend says the lake is protected by a serpent deity, and you’ll see villagers feeding fish during festival days as offerings.
  
  

• Tso Kar (White Lake) – Literally “Lake of Little Birds,” Tso Kar lies a short drive northeast of Tso Moriri. Smaller (roughly 7×6 km) and saltier, this high-altitude wetland is less known but ecologically important (it’s a Ramsar site). In summer the shores turn white with salt crystals and pink with flamingo colonies. The crescent shape and black basalt outcrops resemble a miniature Ngorongoro Crater. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching (bar-headed geese, Himalayan stilts) and solitude – many travelers bypass Tso Kar for its more famous neighbors, so you can often sit alone by the shore. (Tip: Campsites are available, but bring high-energy snacks – the nearest shop is many kilometers away.)
  

• Yarab Tso and Pangong Siblings – On the Srinagar–Leh road, you’ll pass the stunning twin lakes of Satsar (also called Pangong Satsar or “lake of seven sisters”), often in mirror-like reflection on calm mornings. Further along in Zanskar, small blue lakes like Suraj Tal (5,000 m, on Manali-Leh) or Ganda Tso (7 sisters) offer impromptu photostops. These high-altitude tarns may not be famous, but their emerald and turquoise hues make detours worthwhile.

When visiting these lakes, remember: they are in cold deserts. The only vegetation around is hardy shrubs like tamarisk and furze​, and few trees (except planted poplars and apricots in valleys​). The landscape is fragile. Do not swim or wash in the lakes (their salinity and ecosystem make that unwise). Carry all trash back with you to preserve the pristine waters. In summer, afternoon winds can whip up quickly on the lakes – start early for calm photos. In winter, only Pangong and Tso Moriri may freeze over thoroughly (Tso Kar often remains partly open).

Exploring Ladakh’s lakes is like visiting hidden oceans among the peaks – each has its own personality, color, and story. Whether you camp under the stars by Tso Kar or sip butter tea watching the sunset over Pangong, these serene waters will linger in memory long after the road (or trail) out of Ladakh has closed behind you.