Leh to Tso Moriri — Korzok High Altitude Desert Crossing via Puga Valley
Sacred lake at 4,500 metres. Earn every metre.
The road south from Leh toward Tso Moriri is two days of altitude-induced humility. The primary route runs via Upshi, then turns off the Manali-Leh highway into the Indus valley and climbs through Chumathang’s hot springs before pushing over the Polokongka La pass at roughly 4,990 metres. The Puga Valley thermal fields — bubbling sulphur springs on a flat, windswept plain — feel like another planet entirely. Then the track drops onto the shore of Tso Moriri, a brackish high-altitude lake at 4,522 metres ringed by snow peaks and home to the only breeding population of bar-headed geese in India. The road surface alternates between broken tarmac, loose shale, and unmarked sandy switchbacks with no barriers.
This is restricted area — Inner Line Permits are mandatory for foreign nationals and must be obtained in Leh before departure; Indian nationals need no permit but regulations change so verify locally. Stock 4WD with good ground clearance is minimum; a well-tuned engine matters at altitude. Fuel in Leh before departure — no reliable fuel between Leh and Korzok village. Best months are June through September; the road is closed October through May by snow. Acute mountain sickness is a genuine risk — acclimatise properly in Leh first. Korzok has basic homestays. This is the real Ladakh, away from the Pangong tour convoys.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 140 mi / 225 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 16370 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance, altitude-tuned preferred |
| Nearest town | Leh, Ladakh |
| Land manager | Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council / Indian Army (restricted zone) |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | LAHDC Leh Ladakh Tourism |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Mahindra Thar or Toyota Fortuner handle this route without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can complete the route, but altitude kills engine power hard above 4,000m — carbureted or older diesel engines struggle badly. A modern fuel-injected 4WD in good mechanical condition is the realistic minimum; anything with a lift and all-terrain tires has significantly more margin on the rocky sections near Puga Valley.
When does the route actually open and close each year?
June through September is the reliable window. Snow can block passes into late May and return as early as October. July and August bring the highest chance of flash flooding at the water crossings near Puga, so early June or September is the cleaner weather bet.
What permits do you need and where do you get them?
Tso Moriri and the surrounding Rupshu area is a Protected/Restricted Zone — all foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which you get from the DC Office in Leh or online via the Ladakh Tourism portal. Indian nationals currently don't need a separate ILP for this route but should carry ID. Permit rules in Ladakh change; verify current requirements at lahdc.nic.in before you leave Leh.
What's the hardest section and what makes it genuinely dangerous?
The stretch through Puga Valley and the climb toward Polokongka La (roughly 4,900m) is where the route bites — loose rock, no guardrails, and single-track shelf road with sheer drop exposure. Combined with altitude-induced slower reaction times and the real possibility of sudden afternoon thunderstorms turning dirt tracks into mud, this section demands full attention and no rushed driving.
Is there any fuel or resupply between Leh and Korzok village at Tso Moriri?
No. There is no fuel stop on the route — the last reliable fuel is in Leh. At 225km round-trip equivalent fuel burn at altitude (engines run rich and inefficient), carry jerry cans with enough reserve for at least 300km total range. Korzok has basic guesthouses and food but no fuel; plan your return tank accordingly.
Trail track
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