Tso Moriri in July

The July story

July Tso Moriri is at peak biological activity. The Changpa pashmina goats graze the thin grassland. The black-necked crane nests have eggs or chicks. Kiang herds of 20-30 gallop across the plateau. Marmots whistle warnings from their burrows. The Tibetan wolf — elusive, ghost-grey — hunts at dawn and dusk. The lake itself is at its bluest, the surrounding grassland at maximum green (which is subtle — this is high-altitude desert, not Valley of Flowers). The rain shadow keeps skies clear — the Changthang receives maybe 50mm all monsoon. The road from Leh is at its most reliable. The Korzok homestays and camping at the lake shore are fully operational. July combines peak wildlife, peak Changpa activity, and peak accessibility. The permit is essential — checkpoints are manned. The altitude remains the challenge: drink water constantly, don't overexert, respect the 4,522m.