Viewpoints · Kupup
Elephant Lake from the road above Kupup
From the road near Kupup, look down on Bitang Tso, a small glacial lake shaped like an elephant, held to be the source of the Dichu river. It is a short stop on the Silk Route, best on clear days when the water turns deep blue.
Bitang Tso lies in a hollow below the road near Kupup, on the far side of a moraine ridge that forms part of the watershed between the Teesta and Dichu rivers. From the right point above, its outline looks like an elephant, with a long trunk curling off one end, and that is the name everyone uses. It is conventionally held to be the source of the Dichu, which flows east through the Chumbi side of the border.
Drivers know the viewpoint and stop on request. On a clear day in October or November the lake is deep blue against brown grass and grey scree; in April and May the snow around it is melting; from December to March it is usually frozen and white. The shape shows best from a little height, so stay on the road edge rather than walking down to the shore, which is an army area and very cold.
At about 4,000 m even this short stop takes effort. Walk slowly from the car, keep your hat and gloves on and do not linger in the wind. Photography of the lake is generally fine, but do not point cameras at the army installations around Kupup. If cloud is down, which happens often in the afternoon, the lake may not be visible at all.
Cost: Included in your Silk Route car
Questions people ask
Good to know
Why is it called Elephant Lake?
Seen from the road above Kupup, Bitang Tso's outline looks like an elephant, with a long trunk at one end. Travellers and soldiers call it the Elephant Lake for that reason. The shape shows best from a little height on a clear day, and is lost in snow when the lake freezes.
Can we walk down to Elephant Lake?
Usually no. The shore lies in an army area and visitors view the lake from the road. The ground is also boggy in summer and icy in winter, and walking at 4,000 m is hard work. Stay on the road edge, take your photographs and move on.
When is the Elephant Lake frozen?
Bitang Tso usually freezes from about December to March and can keep ice into April. The road to Kupup may be closed by snow in the same months. For the blue water, come in October and November, or in May once the ice has gone. Check current status before you travel.
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