The history of Tso Moriri is inextricably linked to the Changpa people, a semi-nomadic Tibetan ethnic group who have inhabited the Changthang plateau for centuries. Their ancient pastoral lifestyle, moving with the seasons to find grazing land for yaks and goats, forms the historical backbone of the region's human presence. Because of the extreme altitude and harsh climate, large-scale permanent settlements were never established, preserving the landscape's wild character.
The most significant historical landmark on the lake's shores is the Korzok Monastery (Korzok Gompa), founded approximately 400 years ago. Belonging to the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, it has historically served as the spiritual and social center for the scattered nomadic communities.
In modern history, the region became part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under British rule, and subsequently part of the Republic of India following independence in 1947. Geopolitically sensitive due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with Tibet, the area was long closed to outsiders. It wasn't until 1994 that Tso Moriri was opened to limited tourism. In 2019, the region transitioned administratively when Ladakh was designated as a distinct Union Territory.
