The Puga Hot Springs are a cluster of boiling-to-warm springs, mud pools and mineral deposits in the Puga valley, in the Changthang region of Leh district, in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Most travellers see them as a quick, steaming roadside stop on the long drive to Tso Moriri. Scientists see something larger: one of India’s most active geothermal fields, and the chosen site for the country’s first geothermal power project.
Puga Hot Springs, in the Puga valley of Leh district, Ladakh, is a high-altitude geothermal field at roughly 4,400 m with more than a hundred hot springs plus sulphur and borax deposits. According to the Geological Survey of India, it is India’s leading geothermal prospect, reached en route to Tso Moriri.
Key takeaways
- Puga Hot Springs sit at about 4,400 m (around 14,400 ft) in Leh district’s Changthang region, where water boils at only about 84°C, per the Geological Survey of India.
- The Geological Survey of India records more than 100 hot springs here, with surface temperatures of 28–84°C spread over roughly 5 sq km, alongside sulphur and borax deposits.
- Puga is the site of India’s first geothermal power project; ONGC Energy Centre drilled two 1,000 m wells, commissioned on 17 July 2026, toward a planned 1 MW pilot plant.
- It lies on the road from Leh to Tso Moriri, over 100 km from Leh city via Upshi, Chumathang and Mahe (distances approximate — reconfirm locally).
- The usable season is short: Changthang is a cold desert with a limited fair-weather window, so plan for roughly late spring to early autumn and reconfirm road status.
What are the Puga Hot Springs?
The Puga Hot Springs are the surface expression of an active geothermal field in the Puga valley, Leh district, Ladakh. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) describes vigorous geothermal activity here in the form of hot springs, mud pools, and sulphur and borax deposits, sitting about 3 km south of the Indus Suture Zone where the Indian and Asian plates meet.
Do not confuse Puga with Ladakh’s other geothermal spots. Chumathang, a village on the Indus you pass on the way, has its own riverside hot springs, and Panamik in the Nubra valley has separate springs. Puga is the field that GSI and ONGC single out for its power potential. For the wider region, see our Ladakh travel guide.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Puga valley, Changthang, Leh district, Ladakh |
| Elevation | About 4,400 m (around 14,400 ft) |
| Number of springs | More than 100 hot springs |
| Surface temperatures | 28–84°C (water boils at about 84°C at this altitude) |
| Area of activity | Roughly 5 sq km along the valley river |
| Surface minerals | Sulphur and borax deposits, mud pools |
| Nearest well-known lake | Tso Moriri (via Mahe and Sumdo) |
The geothermal field: sulphur, borax and the heat below
Puga is one of India’s most active geothermal fields, with more than 100 hot springs spread over roughly 5 sq km. According to GSI data summarised in a 2023 ONGC study, surface temperatures range from 28°C to 84°C, and the field forms a marshy zone in the centre of the valley. At about 4,400 m, water boils at only around 84°C, so the hottest springs are effectively at the local boiling point.
The valley floor is covered by about 60 m of loose deposits — talus, glacial moraine and borax evaporites — cemented in places into a hard breccia by the hot fluids, over a bedrock of Precambrian gneisses, schists and granitic intrusives. Natural discharge is estimated at around 30 litres per second, with the largest single spring giving about 5 litres per second.
Systematic exploration began here around the 1970s. GSI reports a total of 34 exploratory boreholes; most reached only 50–150 m, with the deepest at about 385 m. A conceptual model puts the subsurface temperature near 160°C at about 450 m depth, while magneto-telluric surveys by NGRI image a deep conductive structure at 2–8 km with an estimated 260°C. Puga forms part of the roughly 1,500 km Himalayan geothermal belt that runs from Ladakh to Assam.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Hot springs | More than 100, surface temperatures 28–84°C |
| Natural discharge | About 30 L/s total; up to about 5 L/s from one spring |
| Exploratory boreholes (since 1970s) | 34; deepest about 385 m |
| Subsurface temperature (model) | About 160°C at around 450 m depth |
| Deep conductive structure | 2–8 km depth; estimated about 260°C |
| India’s geothermal potential (GSI estimate) | About 10,600 MWe, almost entirely undeveloped |
India’s first geothermal power project
Puga is the chosen site for India’s first geothermal power project, developed by ONGC Energy Centre in association with Iceland’s ISOR. In February 2021, a tripartite memorandum of understanding between the Ladakh administration, the LAHDC Leh and ONGC Energy Centre set out a pilot plant of up to 1 MW, on a footprint of about 3 hectares.
Progress has not been smooth. The Print reported that on 16 August 2022 an uncontrolled release during early drilling sent steam, hot water and breccia into the Puga stream; ONGC called it a “freak incident”, dismantled the well and redesigned later operations with blow-out preventers. The programme then resumed with two deeper wells.
According to Reach Ladakh, the Lieutenant Governor commissioned the country’s first and deepest geothermal wells at Puga on 17 July 2026: two wells each drilled to 1,000 m, recording about 135°C at 400 m. The first reached 1,000 m on 22 May 2026 and the second on 8 July 2026, and the tripartite MoU was renewed for five years in June 2026. A 1 MW pilot plant is the next stage.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| February 2021 | Tripartite MoU signed for a pilot plant up to 1 MW |
| August 2022 | Early drilling; blow-out on 16 August, well later dismantled |
| 22 May 2026 | First well reaches 1,000 m |
| 8 July 2026 | Second well reaches 1,000 m |
| 17 July 2026 | Wells commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor |
A Mars-analogue research site
Puga has drawn astrobiologists as a possible analogue for early Mars. Published studies describe its deposits as rich in sodium borates (borax and tincalconite) and hydrous sulphates such as jarosite and gypsum — mineral signatures that researchers argue could help identify fossil hydrothermal settings on Mars. A Shaastra feature notes that a Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences project studies these high-altitude springs for organics linked to microbial life.
The appeal is the combination of conditions: high elevation, a cold-desert climate, intense ultraviolet exposure and a low boiling point. These make Puga a convenient stand-in for Martian environments. Treat this as active research rather than settled fact; it is why the springs matter well beyond energy, but the findings are still being studied and peer-reviewed.
Best time to visit Puga Hot Springs
Plan for roughly late spring to early autumn, because Changthang is a high-altitude cold desert with a short, limited fair-weather window noted by both GSI and ONGC. Winters bring heavy snow, frozen ground and closed high roads, while the warmer months give the safest driving and the clearest skies for the onward run to Tso Moriri. Always reconfirm road status locally before setting out.
The table below is a planning guide to the seasons, not a guarantee — mountain weather and road conditions change fast, and an early or late snowfall can shut the route.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | June–August | Most reliable driving window; cold nights even so; busiest period for Tso Moriri trips |
| Early autumn | September–early October | Clear skies, thinning crowds; nights turn sharply colder; watch for early snow |
| Late autumn to spring | Late October–May | Deep cold and snow; high roads often closed or risky; not a casual-travel window |
How to reach Puga Hot Springs
Reach Puga by road from Leh, the regional hub, over 100 km away on the drive toward the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and Tso Moriri. There is no airport, railhead or public transport at Puga itself; the nearest airport is Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee), and from there it is a full day’s journey by hired taxi or a tour vehicle. The usual line runs Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Mahe – Sumdo – Puga.
Distances below are indicative planning estimates drawn from travel reporting; reconfirm current figures and road conditions locally, as high-altitude routes shift with weather and repair work.
| Mode | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee); then road |
| By road from Leh | Over 100 km; via Upshi, Chumathang and Mahe |
| Nearest village | Sumdo, close to the field |
| Onward to Tso Moriri | Continue via Mahe toward Korzok (Tso Moriri) |
What to see and do around Puga
The main sight is the geothermal field itself: steaming vents, bubbling mud, yellow sulphur crusts and white borax patches along the valley floor. It is a short stop rather than a resort, so combine it with the lakes and villages of Changthang. The nearby Chumathang springs and Tso Moriri are the natural pairings.
Resist the urge to bathe in or wade through the vents. The hottest springs are near boiling, the mud is unstable, and the field is an active drilling and research area; treat it as a place to look, photograph and move on.
| Spot | Why go | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Puga geothermal field | Steam vents, sulphur and borax deposits, mud pools | View only; do not enter vents or drilling zones |
| Chumathang | Riverside hot springs on the Indus, passed en route | Small village with basic facilities |
| Tso Moriri (Korzok) | High-altitude lake and monastery | Protected zone; check permit rules |
| Tso Kar | Salt lake on the Rumtse–Puga side | Remote; birdlife in season |
A suggested itinerary
Treat Puga as one stop on a two- to three-day Changthang loop from Leh, built around acclimatisation rather than speed. A sample plan:
- Day 1: Leh to Chumathang via Upshi; stop at the riverside springs; overnight at Chumathang or push to the Puga/Sumdo area if staying there.
- Day 2: Short visit to the Puga geothermal field in the morning; continue via Mahe to Tso Moriri (Korzok); overnight near the lake.
- Day 3: Return to Leh, optionally via Tso Kar and the Rumtse road, breaking the long drive with photo stops.
Spend your first nights in Leh before any high-altitude night. If you feel unwell at altitude, descend — no view is worth pushing through serious symptoms.
Where to stay and eat
Stay in Leh, Chumathang or near Tso Moriri (Korzok), as Puga itself has no tourist accommodation. Options in this region are basic: homestays, guesthouses and seasonal tented camps, with the widest choice in Leh. Many visitors book a package that bundles vehicle, camps and meals, which simplifies logistics in a remote area.
The figures below are indicative planning bands, not quoted tariffs; reconfirm directly with properties, as remote-area and seasonal pricing varies widely.
| Type | Indicative band | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Homestays, basic guesthouses (Leh, Chumathang) |
| Mid-range | ₹2,500–₹6,000 | Hotels in Leh; tented camps near Tso Moriri |
| Premium | ₹6,000 and up | Better-appointed camps and Leh hotels in season |
Food in Changthang is simple and warming. Expect thukpa (noodle soup), momos (steamed dumplings), skyu (a Ladakhi pasta stew) and endless cups of tea. Carry your own snacks and plenty of water, as choices thin out quickly beyond Leh.
Permits, rules and responsible visiting
Permit rules for the Tso Moriri/Korzok zone that Puga sits within can change, so reconfirm before you travel. Reporting as of 2026 suggests Indian nationals generally do not need an Inner Line Permit within Ladakh, while foreign nationals typically require a Protected Area Permit for the Tso Moriri area; sources differ, so verify with the Leh tourism office or the Ladakh administration rather than relying on blog figures.
Beyond permits, the field is a working geothermal and research site, so keep to the roadside and do not disturb boreholes or equipment. Changthang is ecologically fragile and home to pastoral communities; carry out all waste, avoid single-use plastic, and respect that villages here are homes, not attractions.
Practical tips and altitude safety
The single biggest risk at Puga is altitude, not the heat. At about 4,400 m, acute mountain sickness is a real hazard; the standard medical advice is to acclimatise in Leh for two to three days first, ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and descend if symptoms such as severe headache, breathlessness at rest or confusion appear. Consult a doctor before the trip if you have heart or lung conditions.
- Connectivity: Mobile coverage is patchy to absent across Changthang; only postpaid Indian SIMs work in Ladakh, and even those fail in remote stretches. Do not rely on a phone for navigation or emergencies.
- Cash: Carry enough cash from Leh. ATMs and reliable card or UPI payments are scarce beyond the town.
- Fuel and vehicle: Fill up in Leh and carry a spare; distances between fuel points are long. A capable vehicle and an experienced driver matter on these roads.
- Medical: The nearest full hospital is in Leh. Carry a basic kit and any personal medication.
- Packing: Even in summer, pack layers, a windproof jacket, sun protection and a warm hat; nights are cold year-round.
- Solo women: Travel in this remote zone is usually via shared or organised trips; a reputable operator and daylight driving add a sensible margin of safety.
Nearby places
Puga works best as part of a wider Changthang circuit, pairing geothermal sights with high lakes and old monasteries. The table lists the natural add-ons.
| Place | Distance (approx.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Chumathang | On the Leh route | Riverside hot springs on the Indus |
| Tso Moriri (Korzok) | Short onward drive via Mahe | High-altitude lake and monastery |
| Tso Kar | On the Rumtse–Puga side | Salt lake with seasonal birdlife |
| Leh | Over 100 km | Regional base, monasteries, markets |
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Puga Hot Springs located?
The Puga Hot Springs are in the Puga valley, in the Changthang region of Leh district, Ladakh, at about 4,400 m. They lie roughly 3 km south of the Indus Suture Zone and over 100 km by road from Leh city, on the drive toward Tso Moriri via Upshi, Chumathang and Mahe.
Can you bathe in the Puga Hot Springs?
No, you should not bathe in the Puga Hot Springs. At about 4,400 m, water boils at only around 84°C, and many springs are near that temperature, with unstable mud pools nearby. The field is also an active geothermal and research site, so treat it as a place to view and photograph from the roadside, not to soak in.
Why is Puga important for geothermal energy?
Puga is the site of India’s first geothermal power project. According to GSI data, it has more than 100 hot springs and high subsurface temperatures, making it the country’s leading geothermal prospect. ONGC Energy Centre commissioned two 1,000 m wells there on 17 July 2026, working toward a planned 1 MW pilot plant for the power-short region.
How do you reach Puga from Leh?
Reach Puga by road from Leh, over 100 km away, as there is no airport or railhead at the site. The usual route runs Leh–Upshi–Chumathang–Mahe–Sumdo–Puga by hired taxi or tour vehicle, taking most of a day. The nearest airport is Leh; reconfirm road status, as these high routes depend on weather and repairs.
Do I need a permit to visit Puga?
Permit rules for the Tso Moriri zone that includes Puga can change, so reconfirm before travelling. As of 2026, reporting suggests Indian nationals generally do not need an Inner Line Permit within Ladakh, while foreign nationals usually need a Protected Area Permit. Verify current rules with the Leh tourism office or the Ladakh administration, not blogs.
What is the best time to visit Puga Hot Springs?
The best time to visit Puga is roughly late spring to early autumn, broadly June to early October. Changthang is a high-altitude cold desert with a short fair-weather window; winters bring snow and closed roads. Summer offers the most reliable driving, while September adds clear skies but colder nights. Always reconfirm road status locally first.
Last updated and sources
Puga suits travellers drawn to science, geology and remote high-altitude landscapes, best visited as a short stop on a well-paced Changthang trip toward Tso Moriri. Go in the warmer months, acclimatise properly, and treat the field as a place to observe rather than touch.
Last updated: 31 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Geological Survey of India, Geothermal Atlas of India (2022), as summarised in ONGC, “Exploring and Exploiting Geothermal Resources of India: Case study of Puga Geothermal Field, Ladakh” (2023); The Print, “After freak accident, it’s full steam ahead for India’s 1st geothermal power project in Ladakh”; Reach Ladakh, “India’s deepest geothermal wells commissioned in Ladakh”; Shaastra (IIT Madras), “Mars mission: Ladakh”; ChemRxiv, “Biomarkers of Puga Hot Spring, Ladakh” preprint. Accessed September 2026.
