Ladakh’s villages and settlements are testament to the fact that living in the mountains is a rewarding experience. Imagine waking up with a view of lush apricot orchards, sipping some hot tea, and wandering in the hills and fields of Ladakh. If there’s one such village that particularly stands out for a similar experience, it is the Turtuk Village. Located in the Nubra Valley region of Ladakh, this village is a hidden gem for travelers looking to experience the calm of the Himalayas. If you’re keen on visiting this village on your next Leh-Ladakh trip, here’s more information about Turtuk Village.
Turtuk Village: All That You Need To Know About Ladakh’s Hidden Gem
Brief Information Of Turtuk Village
Located on the banks of the Shyok River, Turtuk lies very close to the India-Pakistan border. While there aren’t plenty of hip things to do in Turktuk, this is exactly what makes the village worth visiting, especially when you’re craving a quiet retreat in the Himalayas.
To better understand Turtuk, know that there are three different areas comprising the village. Chutang acts as the village center with a school and a health center. It is also where the village celebrates many community festivities. Yul is where most of the farming areas of the village are situated. Meanwhile, Farol is where you’ll find the local houses, some of them also serving as guest houses for travelers.
The village, situated at an elevation of 9,800 feet, is quiet unlike any other you’ve visited, thanks to breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the lush green buckwheat and apricot growing in and around the village. The people of Turtuk mostly belong to the Balti community, and it is interesting to note that it is the only one of the four Baltistani villages controlled by India. The other three are controlled by Pakistan.
Note that to reach Turtuk Village, you need an Inner Line Permit for Indian nationals and a Ladakh Protected Area Permit for Foreign Nationals. You can get permits online as well as from the Tourist Information Center in Leh.
How To Reach Turtuk
By Air
The nearest airport to Turtuk is in Leh, located about 205 km away. However, the airport offers limited flight services to other major cities in India. So, it is recommended to get full and proper information about the flight schedule before deciding to go for it.
By Road
Reaching Turtuk by road is the most convenient, efficient, and budget-friendly way. You can choose to travel in a private/shared cab, local buses, self-drive, and even motorbikes from Leh. There are weekly buses from Leh that directly take you to Turtuk. Alternatively, you can go from Turtuk to Diskit and then take a bus from Diskit to reach Turtuk.
If you’re self-driving, we recommend taking the below route: Leh– Khardung La – Khalsar – Diskit – Hunder – Thoise – Skuru – Bogdang – Turtuk
Best Time To Visit Turtuk Village Ladakh
May to September is the best time to visit Turtuk in Ladakh. This period is when the weather is pleasant, sunny, and ideal for exploring the village. During this period, the weather is almost spring-like, with the meadows standing lush and tall against the spotless blue sky. The sunset turns a vibrant mix of crimson, yellow, orange, and purple and the air is calm and cool.
However, during the winter months of November to early March, the village is practically inaccessible. This is because the heavy snowfall blocks major routes connecting Turtuk Village to other towns and villages in Ladakh. The weather then is moderate, and the routes are open with no snowfall. Winters are impossible to visit Turtuk with heavy snowfall blocking access to the village. During the winter months, Turtuk is literally cut off from the rest of Ladakh, so we would recommend avoiding it during this time.
Things To Do In Turtuk
Connect With The Local Balti People
Balti culture is quite unique, with their own customs, rituals, and way of living. The people of Turtuk are warm, kind, and hospitable, making you feel like home! You’re guaranteed to have a wholesome experience connecting with the local people and getting to know the unique aspects of Balti culture. While you document their experiences, in terms of photographs and notes, make sure to get their consent!
Visit The Apricot Gardens Of Turtuk
Fondly called the ‘apricot gardens of India’, Turtuk has plenty of lush apricot orchards. The village produces some of the best high-quality apricots, apricot jams, and even apricot kernels. During this experience, you’ll also get to connect with the local apricot farmers. The experience of apricot-picking is a fun one, but do not pluck them directly from the tree and without prior permission.
Balti Heritage Museum
The Balti Heritage Museum is where you’ll get to see a slice of history of this village, the community, and the local culture. This museum sheds light on the historic Yabgo dynasty, and it is taken care of by royal descendants of the Baltic dynasty. Moreover, you need not pay any entrance fee to enter the museum, so visiting it is a must-try experience!
Hike To The Buddhist Monastery
At the end of the village, there is a Buddhist monastery, also called called a Gompa, that you can visit for a spiritually-inclined few hours. The monastery is marked with stupas and murals dating back to centuries. Plus, the views from the monastery are simply too breathtaking, especially during sunset!
Trek To The Turtuk Waterfall
If you’re craving for a little adventure in Turtuk, we recommend taking the trekking trail that leads you to the Turtuk Waterfall. The waterfall is located in a mesmerizing area full of lush green landscapes and unique flora. During this trek, you can also spot the stunning Mt. K2, the second-highest peak after Mt. Everest.
Summing Up
Time to pack your bags and set out on an adventure in the hidden landscapes of Ladakh! Turtuk Village in Ladakh is a paradise for those looking to escape the usual tourist hotspots in this region. From the Buddhist monastery here to the stunning apricot orchards, Turtuk is a place to unwind and relax and enjoy life’s little pleasures with all your heart!
