Turtuk Village Ladakh
Highlights of Turtuk Village Ladakh
Turtuk village in Ladakh is located in the Nubra Valley and is a captivating destination that is known for its unique blend of culture, history as well as natural beauty. Its location is just 12km from the LoC and is one of the last villages where Balti culture thrives. Known for its immense beauty,, the village is quaint and counted among the off-beaten path experiences to all who seek unforgettable memories. The highlights of Turtuk village are listed below :
- It is one of the last villages just 12 km from the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, and the entire population of Turtuk is Muslim.
- Turtuk village is 205 Km from Leh and 90 km from Diskic and is located on the left bank of River Shyok and offers stunning mountain views.
- The village holds a significant place in history, and its history is reflected by its unique culture tapestry, which was reclaimed by India in 1971.
- The people of Turtuk, to date, follow the old, rich,, and vibrant culture of Baltistan, and on the 21st of March, the Blalistan festival is also celebrated with joy.
- If you plan your visit to Turtuk Ladakh, keep in mind that special permits are needed due to its sensitive nature.
- The village is known for its warm hospitality, with welcoming locals having a rich history to share.
About Turtuk Village
A resident of about 4000 people, the Turtuk village is situated in the Leh district of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Nubra Valley of Ladakh has the hidden jewel of Turtuk village. The Turtuk village is Ladakh’s northernmost point, and it is from here that the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, also known as the Gilgit-Baltistan region, begins. If you’re planning to explore the area, don’t miss the Best places to visit in Turtuk.
Turtuk Village Ladakh lies on the bank of the Shyok River (an important tributary of the Indus River). Moreover, it is located at an altitude of 2900 meters above sea level. However, this elevation is lower than in the surrounding areas of Ladakh.
The Turtuk Village Ladakh has an interesting historical story. The Turtuk village was in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This village was then taken back in 1971 in the border war along the Indo-Pakiastan border (during Bangladesh Liberation War).
The Turtuk Valle Ladakh was closed to the outer world till the year 2010. The reason behind this is that the village is one of the gateways to Siachen Glacier and the region has been a disputed area. But, in 2010, it has been opened for Indian tourists and hence, knowing about this place has become all the more important. More importantly, the Turtuk village has been even opened for foreign tourists as well.
Read the complete blog on Places to visit in Leh Ladakh.
History of Turtuk Village
Turtuk Ladakh is nestled in Nubra Valley and stands as the final settlement before the border with Pakistan. It is considered one of the last villages on the Indo-Pak border, all surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The place captivated tourists with its unparalleled calm and beautiful atmosphere. The past of the Turtuk village is all in the history that witnessed changes over the years.
It was part of Pakistan until the Indo-Pak War in 1971, and it was a point of contention between both countries. During the Indo-Pak war in 1947 – 48,, the village fell into the hands of Pakistan, and after that, a ceasefire was declared, but its hold changed when it was brought back in 1971. Both India and Pakistan had a war around Turtuk again during the Kargil War of 1999; in spite of the tension, the warm hospitality of the locals here activated all, and it was home to only 2500 people.
The village has a wealth of historical landmarks comprising a 16th-century mosque and Polo Ground. In 200,9, Turtle opened to tourists and is now one of the major destinations in Ladakh for sightseeing. Tourists have a chance to explore the Balti Heritage Home, Turtuk Goimpa, and Blati Museu,m, along with the breathtaking surroundings of the region.
Best Time to Visit Turtuk Village
Turtuk Village Ladakh is among the must-visit places but is not visited by travellers throughout the year. The village is all about stunning landscapes, rich culture, historical significance and warm hospitality. If you are planning your trip to this offbeat destination, it is better to plan your trip during the favourable months as the place is not accessible during colder months.
It experiences heavy snowfall in the winter months of December to March as it is located in the Himalayan region, where the climate is too cold. The best time to visit the place is during the summer months. From April To September, the weather is favorable, and the temperature gets enjoyable. The tourist can enjoy the region to the fullest during these months, comprising the weather and the valley’s natural beauty.
At night, mostly in all months, the temperature of Turtuk village remains mostly zero degrees Celsius. In summer months, the temperature of Turtuk ranges from 2 to 28 degrees Celsius, which is quite fine to enjoy the fullest.
Travel Tips
- Turtuk is in Ladakh and it is a land of contrasts and temperatures that varies from one place to another. The Turtuk village of Ladakh experiences subzero temperatures, and the intensity of the sun can be felt strongly. So you should be prepared for the uncertain weather.
- Tourists will need an Inner Line Permit to visit Turtuk Village as it lies in a restricted area near the India-Pakistan border.
- Tourists can face altitude sickness and resting for one to two days is vital.
- The nearest petrol pump is in Dixit, so it is best to fuel your car and keep your tank full.
- The Turtuk Village is conservative, and it is necessary to respect the local customs. I also try to dress modestly and avoid smoking and consuming alcohol in public.
- It is a dominated region, so the village during Ramzan might leave you with l; limited food options, so keep some snacks with you.
- BSNL post connection works here, so ensure that you have the connection.
- There will be a massive army presence in the region because of its sensitive nature, so you can feel free to contact the army if needed.
- Carry your water bottles to stay hydrated.
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Popular Things to do at Turtuk Village
Thang
Visiting Thang, a tiny Village located in the Chorbat region of Leh,, is among the popular things to do. The village is situated along the Shyok River, lies on the LoC and offers mesmerising views of the majestic mountains. The village boasts scenic vistas and lush green fields that perfectly b; end with the Balti culture and Ladakhi influences; the region offers an insightful view of the life of people living in extreme conditions, in natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Polo Ground
It is among the popular places to visit in Turtuk Ladakh located in Nubra valley. The landscape all around the Polo ground is breathtaking, with orchards and lush green fields that are set against the backdrop of the Karakoram Mountains. The polo ground in itself is a historic place where locals play the traditional game of polo to date. The visit to Tutrtuk gives tourists a chance to interact with the local community and to witness the game of polo as well.
Balti Heritage & House & Museum
The Balti Heritage House and Museum in Turtuk village is a unique blend of the culture and history of the Balti people. This popular museum cum heritage house is a cultural hub with unique collections of artefacts, kitchenware, historical photographs and traditional clothing that showcase the Balti Lifestyle. It is located in the scenic vistas of Ladakh Turtuk and offers people a chance to indulge in the region’s unique customs as well.
Turtuk waterfall
It is one of the mesmerising sightseeing attractions in Turtle Village, and the magic of this secluded and picturesque waterfall attracts men with its beauty and charm. The waterfall serves as a serene getaway for visitors seeking solace and also gives them a chance to explore unspoiled nature; green fields, apricot farms and unmatched beauty and tranquillity surround the waterfall.
Famous Things to do at Turtuk Village
Hike to Monastery
One of the best things to do in Turtuk village Ladakh is a hike to a monastery that is set against the backdrop of the rugged Himalayas. It is a short trek that will take you to a monastery and offer you a closer look at the natural environment. This beautiful monastery is a quiet place of worship for people who seek solace or have much interest in exploring Buddhist traditions and houses ancient scriptures and artifacts.
Sitting by the river
Turtuk village offers mesmerising views of the flowing stream from the mountains whi, ch merges with the Shyok River. Taking a stroll along the banks of the Shyok River is one of the best things that you must do. It is an area that has sand and crystal clear water and where you can enjoy a walk or sit by the river and have a picnic. The place has its magic and offers great peace to all.
Playing polo
Playing Polo in Turtuk village should not be missed as the Polo Ground here is special because it is one of the few active grounds in the region where locals gather to play this ancient sport. The grounds offer a rare chance for visitors to witness the traditional polo matches as well, which are accompanied by the local festivities and music.
Camping
Camping is one of the must-do things in Turtuk village’s natural surroundings as it offers calmness to mind and body. There are a few camping sites available in Turtle, comprising Buckwheat Root Camp and Turtuk Holiday Resort, that offer tented and comfortable accommodations. Also tourists can carry their own camping gear toenjes elf camping as well.
Buying apricots
There are many apricot and walnut farms in Turtuk Ladakh where you can learn more about farming in difficult terrains. You can also buy apricots here and also enjoy eating plenty of fresh nuts and fruits. The best experience here you can get is that you can climb a tree and pluck your apricots as well.
Essential Information about Turtuk Village Ladakh
Distance from Turtuk to some important Locations
Distance from Turtuk to Pangong Lake- The total road distance between the two points is almost 320 kilometers. This translates to around 8 hours.
Distance from Leh to Turtuk- It takes almost 6 to 7 hours to cover 205 kilometers from Leh to Turtuk.
Distance from Hunder to Turtuk- The distance of around 85 kilometers takes a little more than 2 hours to reach Turtuk from Hunder.
Distance from Nubra to Turtuk- It takes almost 5 hours to reach Turtuk from Nubra via Diksit. Distance in terms of kilometers is around 180 kilometers.
Turtuk village is well worth a visit. Untouched by the elements of urbanization, the village is a true picture of what nature truly looks like. To amplify your traveling experience to this quaint village, you must contact the team of Cliffhangers India, a Bonafide travel agency that plans out a customized travel plan suiting your needs. A trip to Turtuk Valley will leave you with lifelong memories.
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Things to do in Turtuk
Apart from sightseeing, there are different activities that you can do in Turtuk and utilize your time efficiently. Here is the list of things to do in Turtuk.
Hike to Monastery- There is a small Buddhist monastery in the Turtuk . You have to take a short trek to reach this monastery. Trekking through this place gives you a closer look at the natural surroundings.
Sitting by the river- It is quite relaxing when you sit by the river and appreciate the natural elements that the Almighty has gifted us. Since, Turtuk is situated on the river Shyok hence, taking a walk along a river or sitting by the river is enchanting.
Playing Polo- Turtuk has a polo ground, and you can enjoy a game of polo with the locals. It will help you to be physically active and mentally calm.
Camping- Camping is quite beneficial for the mind and body when would you get such a natural surrounding to relax and sleep? Camping in the natural surrounding of this village will heal you from burdened work.
Buying Apricots and Walnuts- Every travel destination has some kind of specialty that differentiates it from other places. Even Turtuk is the place which has a unique product to offer. There are vast apricots and walnut farms that are prevalent in the this village. You can savor these products and even buy them to gift to your loved ones who are waiting for you back home.
Places to see in Turtuk
Whenever one goes for a vacation, one of the requirements to look for is whether the destination has attractive places to see or not.
Thang- It is almost 10 kilometers from Turtuk village. Thang is almost 2 kilometers away from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Polo Ground- A refreshing game in the backdrop of nature is quite soothing and elevates one’s overall experience in Turtuk . Play an interesting match on this 16th-century Polo Ground with the locals or with your friends and family members.
Balti Heritage House and Museum- To preserve the Balti culture, architecture, art, etc., the Balti Heritage House and Museum. This is a heritage house converted into a museum.
Turtuk Waterfall- A mountainous landscape is incomplete if there is no waterfall. A waterfall in hilly regions accentuates its beauty. So, goes with the Turtuk Waterfall. To enjoy the beauty of this place, you have to trek to the place to reach the origin of the waterfall. One interesting to see from this point is K2 Peak, the second-highest peak in the world after Mount Everest.
Natural Cold Storage- The true essence of a mountainous region is at its maximum when you see natural elements. In Turtuk, people store perishables and edible items inside hollows (kind of small cold rooms). You would be quite surprised to know that these hollows are naturally cold due to the underground glacial stream course rather than any use of electricity to artificially cool things.
Important tips to visit Turtuk Village Ladakh
How To Reach Turtuk?
Reaching Turtuk in Ladakh was challenging before, but thanks to the new developments, the visit to the awesome village has now possible since 2009. The route is a bit challenging because it is secluded resides near LoC, and has rough terrains. It is said to be the most sensitive region of India, fully loaded with defence forces.
Since the place is just a kilometre away from the L.O.C., an Indian citizen will need an Inner Line Permit to get there. You can reach Turtuk village by air as the nearest airport in Leh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee. After reaching here, you can take a cab to the village. You can reach the village by road from Leh to Turtuk via Khardung La and the journey will take about eight hours as it is located about 202 km from Leh city and is all about mesmerising views.
Tourists can also enjoy a bike trip to Turtuk village for the most adventurous experience as the route passes through many stunning valleys and rugged terrains. The bike journey can take about six to eight hours.
Ethnicity
The residents in the Turtuk Valley are of Balti origin. Balti is a mixture of Persian and Tibetan hence, a unique culture is seen here. There are relatives of residents of Turtuk village who live in the Baltistan region but, couldn’t meet them. The local languages that are spoken here are Tibetan, Urdu, and Ladakhi.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Turtuk village is the summer season (from May to September). The temperature during this period is around 23 degrees Celsius. The weather is quite pleasant during this time. On the other hand, the temperature hovers around minus 10 degrees Celsius in the winter season (November to February).
Where to Stay
As of now, there are no hotels in Turtuk village. But, there are guesthouses and homestays in Turtuk . The locals are quite amiable and hence, they act as hosts for travelers visiting the Turtuk. You can stay with them and know about the area from their perspective.
Camping is another way of staying in this naturally-enriched place. Choose a place where you can set your camp and take the pleasure of stargazing at the night.
What to Eat
Food connects people. Some dishes that are served in the Turtuk village are- Buckwheat pancakes, Apricot pancakes, Yak butter tea, Thathuk, etc.
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Why is Turtuk Village famous?
Turtuk Village is well known for its purest natural beauty, amazing tranquillity, and unique Balti culture and it also has strategic importance because of its proximity to the LoC. The village is the only place in India populated by the Blati people and is well known for its fruits and nuts, specifically apricots.
What is special in Turtuk?
Turtuk village’s speciality is its proximity to the border and is the only populated area in India by Balti people. It is the only spot in Nubra Valley that offers lush greenery and amazing waterfalls. Here tourists can enjoy the stunning landscapes, adventure and unique homestays as well.
Is it worth visiting Turtuk?
Turtuk village Ladakh is worth visiting as it is the closest vacation destination in India. It will give you the unique experience of Balti culture and offers many off-beaten-path experiences. It is said to be a hidden gem that will offer a chance to explore a totally different world.
Can we see Pakistan from Turtuk village?
Yes, tourists can get a glimpse of Pakistan’s army and LoC of India and Pakistan from Turtle because it is a major village where tourists have permission to go. The village is the last in India, being only about 7 km from India Pakistan border, and has a beauty that cannot be described in words.
Which is the most remote village in Ladakh?
Ladakh has many remote and unexplored villages where the Ladakhi culture can still be seen, including Turtuk village, Lingshed village, nang village, Merak village and Chushul Village.
