Tso Kar

Tso Kar is a high salt lake on the Rupshu plateau in the Changthang region of southern Ladakh, about 102 km from Leh and over 4,500 metres above sea level. Its name refers to the white crust of salt left around its edges as the saline water evaporates. A stream joins it to the small freshwater Startsapuk Tso, and together they form a wetland complex listed as a Ramsar site, overlooked by the peaks of Thugje and Gursan. Changpa nomads once gathered salt here to trade into Tibet.

The climate is harsh, with winter temperatures that can fall below minus 40. Floating islands of pondweed form at the freshwater inlets in spring, and buttercups and sedges line the smaller lake. Tso Kar is a stopover on the Central Asian Flyway and one of India's most important breeding sites for the black-necked crane; saker falcons, dholes and snow leopards are also found. A tented camp on the west bank houses visitors.