Turtuk Ladakh : Uncover Ladakh’s Hidden Beauty and Rich Balti Heritage

Turtuk Village Leh, situated in the northernmost region of India, is the village closest to Pakistan. Prior to 1971, it was part of the Baltistan province. This secluded area is of high strategic importance and is heavily influenced by the military. If you plan to visit Turtuk in Ladakh, keep in mind that special permits are necessary due to its sensitive nature. For a more in-depth look at this captivating destination, refer to the comprehensive Turtuk travel guide.

Best Time to Visit Turtuk Village : Summer months from April to September

Things To Do in Turtuk Village : Seek the blessings of the almighty at the Turtuk Gompa. visit the Balti Heritage home and museum, See the beauty of nature’s cold storage, Visit the last point of India, at Thang, Witness the glorifying ruins of the Brokpa Fort

Tourist Attractions in Turtuk Village : Diskit Monastery, Yagbo Ancient Village, Nubra Valley 

Turtuk village From Leh :  205 kms

Food in Turtuk Village :  Traditional Balti dishes, apricots, locally-made bread, and   yak milk, Zan with Tsamig, Kissir with Grangtur and  Brakoo & Muskat

Adventure Activities at Turtuk Village :  Trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, and camping. Also read adventure sports in Ladakh.

How to Reach Turtuk Village

By Air

• The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula airport at a distance of 205 km.
• Once you arrive at Kushok Bakula Airport in Leh, you can reach Turtuk in Ladakh by hiring a taxi from Leh.

By train

• The closest railway stations are Kalka & Jammu Tawi Railway Stations.
• The best way to travel via train to Turtuk is to take a train from your hometown and reach the Kalka or Jammu Tawi railway station.
• From Kalka or Jammu, you can arrive at Leh in a bus or a shared taxi.
• Once you reach Leh, you can get a taxi from Taxi stand Leh to reach Turtuk Village.

By road

To reach Turtuk Village Leh, you need to arrive at Leh first using one of the two given routes:

• Manali to Sarchu to Leh to Turtuk
• Jammu to Srinagar to Leh to Turtuk

Suggested Read : Enter The Lap Of Himalayas In A Way Like Never Before: Leh Ladakh Road Trip 

History of Turtuk Village

Turtuk Village Travel Tips

• Plan your trip during the shoulder season (April, May, October, and November) for a budget-friendly experience.Also read leh ladakh in November
• Spend a night in Leh to get used to the altitude before heading to Turtuk.
• Avoid traveling directly from Manali or Sarchu to Turtuk as it can be tiring. Taxis from places other than Leh are not allowed in Turtuk, so it’s best to hire a taxi from Leh. If you’re driving, make sure to acclimatise properly before visiting Turtuk.
• A recommended itinerary is to stay in Leh for two nights, then visit Nubra Valley before heading to Turtuk from there.
• If you’re driving, plan your route to Turtuk using the map provided. Fill up your fuel tank in Leh and carry extra fuel for the journey.
• When traveling to Turtuk, you’ll pass through the high-altitude Khardungla pass. It’s best to not stay there for too long. Also, consider carrying an oxygen cylinder in your vehicle from Leh.
• Plan a two-day trip to Turtuk Village Ladakh, but if it’s a one-day trip, start early in the morning.
• Check the list of things to carry for a Ladakh trip tip to prepare for your journey to Turtuk.
• Turtuk is located in a remote area with weak cell phone signals. BSNL SIMs tend to have better reception, so consider getting a postpaid BSNL SIM from your hometown before visiting Ladakh.
• Bring cash from Leh as there are limited ATMs along the route.

Highlights of Turtuk Village

• Scenic Beauty: Nestled in the Nubra Valley with stunning mountain views.
• Balti Culture: Rich heritage with unique customs and traditions.
• Apricot Orchards: Famous for its delicious apricots.
• Historical Significance: Reclaimed by India in 1971.
• Remote Location: One of India’s northernmost villages.
• Warm Hospitality: Welcoming locals with rich stories to share.

Culture of Turtuk Village

Places to visit in Turtuk Village

1. Baltistan Village

2. Turtuk Monastery

3. Turtuk Waterfall

4. Royal House of Yabgo Dynasty

5. Apricot Orchards

6. Viewpoint

Where to Stay in Turtuk Village

2. Eco-Camps – Experience the natural beauty of Turtuk with eco-friendly tent accommodations. Camps like Nubra Valley Camps provide comfort amidst nature.

3. Traditional Homestays – Live with local families in traditional Balti homes, gaining insight into local culture and daily life. These stays often include home-cooked meals and are the most common type of Turtuk village stay.

4. Basic Hotels – Limited but comfortable options available, such as Hotel Shyok and similar establishments offering essential amenities.

5. Luxury Options – For a more upscale experience, consider luxury tented camps that provide enhanced comfort and amenities with stunning views.