Ladakh, often called the “Land of High Passes,” is dotted with mesmerizing high-altitude lakes. While most tourists know of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, the region hides several unexplored gems that remain far from the hustle of mass tourism. One such hidden treasure is Ryul Tso Lake, also known as Kyun Tso Lake, tucked deep in the Changthang plateau near Hanle in Ladakh. The lake lies on the newly built Hanle - Chumar (Chumur) road near Salsa La pass. The high altitude Ryul Tso lake at altitude of 16,430 ft (5,010 meters) is next to Chilling Tso lake and both the lakes are known as twin lakes. Remote, pristine, and breathtakingly beautiful, Ryul Tso (Kyun Tso) is one of the least-visited lakes in Ladakh. Its blue waters, surrounded by barren mountains and wide-open landscapes, provide an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking peace, photography opportunities, and the thrill of exploring Ladakh’s untouched wilderness. In this guide, let’s explore everything you need to know about Ryul Tso Lake (Kyun Tso)—its location, best time to visit, how to reach, permits, nearby attractions, and essential travel tips. Location of Ryul Tso (Kyun Tso) Lake Ryul Tso Lake, also called Kyun Tso, lies in the southeastern part of Ladakh in the remote Changthang region, close to the Indo–China border along the Hanle-Chumar road. The lake sits at an altitude of around 5,010 meters (16,430 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in Ladakh. It is situated near Hanle, which is famous for its observatory, and not too far from other high-altitude lakes like Chilling Tso, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar. Ryul Tso is often visited along with Kyedul Tso (another small lake nearby), as the two are considered twin lakes by locals and explorers. Why Visit Ryul Tso (Kyun Tso) Lake?
Ladakh, often called the “Land of High Passes,” is dotted with mesmerizing high-altitude lakes. While most tourists know of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, the region hides several unexplored gems that remain far from the hustle of mass tourism. One such hidden treasure is Ryul Tso Lake, also known as Kyun Tso Lake, tucked deep
When we talk about Ladakh, the first images that come to mind are of majestic monasteries, high mountain passes, and the famous lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. But Ladakh is home to several lesser-known high-altitude lakes that remain untouched by mass tourism, and one such breathtaking destination is Chilling Tso Lake at altitude of 16,430ft from sea level. Nestled in the remote Changthang region of southeastern Ladakh, Chilling Tso (also spelled Tsokar Chilling) is a small but stunningly beautiful lake that rewards travelers with solitude, pristine landscapes, and surreal views. This beautiful lake along with Ryul Tso lake (or Kyun Tso lake) is now easily accessible by newly built Hanle-Chumar-Tsomoriri road. Chilling Tso is about 4 sqkm lake and is higher than Pangong and Tso Moriri lakes. The lake mostly remains frozen from November to April due to altitude and extreme cold in the area. For those who love exploring offbeat Ladakh, away from the crowded tourist circuits, Chilling Tso is a dream come true. This article brings you a detailed travel guide to Chilling Tso Lake, Ladakh—covering its location, history, travel routes, best time to visit, permits, nearby attractions, and essential travel tips. Location of Chilling Tso Lake Chilling Tso is located in the Changthang plateau, close to the Indo–China border, at an altitude of about 5,010 meters (16,430 ft) above sea level. It lies in the southeastern corner of Ladakh, between Nyoma and Hanle, two of the most famous remote settlements in the region. As Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has built Hanle-Chumar road via Salsa La pass that further connects to Tso Moriri, this road also connects the twin lakes of Chilling Tso Lake and Ryul Tso Lake (Kyun Tso Lake). This road is now open for tourists. The lake is relatively small compared to Pangong or
When we talk about Ladakh, the first images that come to mind are of majestic monasteries, high mountain passes, and the famous lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. But Ladakh is home to several lesser-known high-altitude lakes that remain untouched by mass tourism, and one such breathtaking destination is Chilling Tso Lake at altitude
