Korzok – The Highest Civilization Of The World

BY:JINAL INAMDAR PUBLISHED ON JULY 12, 2020

The ‘Mountain Lake’ of Ladakh, or lake Tso Moriri is situated at an altitude of 15,000 ft and has a village of its own called the Korzok village, the highest civilization in the world!

Surrounded by purple hills and with a beautiful of backdrop of snow-capped mountains, this Tso Moriri lake is a must-visit for all those who wish to be one with nature. The lake in itself is mind-numbingly beautiful and the calm and peaceful surroundings would make you want to sit by the lake and gaze all day long.

The lake has a neighbouring village called the Korzok village, which lies about 3km away from the lake. The eye-soothing view of the lake makes living at the village a visual-treat. But the USP of this village is that it is the world’s highest permanent village, located at an altitude of 4,572m. The locals here rear livestock and this is their major means of living. Pashmina wool comes from the sheep in this region. Pashmina is the costliest and the most luxurious variety of wool.

The entire village comprises of just 50 houses. It is also home to 35 monks. Considering the height at which this village is, they mainly commute by means of horses or by walking. You won’t spot cars or other vehicles here, unless it belongs to tourists visiting the village.

The field here is the highest agricultural land of the world and the locals here grow barley, oats and vegetables during the summer months. Water for irrigation comes from the glaciers and the agricultural lands are situated near the streams of this river.

The climate of this region is quite cold and dry; there’s snowfall during the winters, but the summers are hot. The best time to visit the Tso Moriri or the village is between the months of May and September. Winter is definitely the worst time to visit, since temperatures here dip to minus 25 degrees!

But despite a lack of electricity at most times and other basic facilities, the locals here are happy and always smiling. I was delighted to meet the ever-happy local kids here, who taught me, no matter what, take life one smile at a time!

A Brief Note of Tso-moriri Lake Tso-moriri Lake also known as Mountain Lake is a spectacular site amidst mountain ranges in Leh. Tso-moriri or Lake Moriri is a High Altitude Lake (officially named as Tso-moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve), located in the Changthang (literal meaning, northern plains) area with an altitude of 4,595 m (15,075 ft). The Tso-moriri Lake measures about 28 km in length from north to south and about 4-6 km in breadth and about 100 feet average in-depth. Maximum depth of Tso-moriri Lake is 248 feet. Tso-moriri Lake is surrounded by barren hills, with the backdrop of beautiful snow-covered mountains.

Tso-moriri is mind-numbingly beautiful, Calm and sacred lake for Ladakhis. Tso-moriri is slightly higher than Pangong Tso and the water is far less brackish supporting more birdlife. The water is crystal clear and of a deep blue color. However, since the Tso-moriri Lake has no outlet, its waters are consequently brackish, although not very detectable to the taste. In fact, the Tso-moriri Lake was once a popular source of salt. Tso-moriri Lake is situated in the middle of the elevated district of Rupshu. The Rupshu valley lies south east of Ladakh on the road from Manali to Leh at altitude ranging from 16,500 feet. The 137 km drive from Leh to Rupshu can be covered in 7 to 9 hours. This pretty valley is inhabited by a small population of ‘Changspa’, who are nomadic shepherds. The area is rich in wildlife including the wild ass, black necked cranes and geese flock to the lake side for breeding during the summer months. This serene lake and the area around it attract a large range of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots, wild asses, and (rarely spotted) Tibetan wolves. Nomadic herders of goats, yaks, and cows live in the lake’s vicinity. In reality this place is extremely harsh and difficult to survive especially in winters. This eye-soothing lake is the Divine Destination in Leh.

Best Seasons to visit:

May, June, July, August and September