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Village

Turtuk

A Balti village of apricot orchards near the end of the Shyok valley

Type
Village
Location
Turtuk, Ladakh
Time needed
Half day, or 1 night
Best time to visit
May to September. July and August for ripe apricots.

About Turtuk

Turtuk is a village in the lower Shyok valley, beyond Nubra and close to the Line of Control. It was part of Baltistan until 1971, when it came under India. The people are Balti, mostly Muslim, and speak Balti, so the culture, food and faces here are quite different from the rest of Ladakh. The village was opened to tourists in 2010.

At about 2,900 m, Turtuk is lower and warmer than Leh. The village is green, with apricot, walnut and apple trees, barley fields and stone houses joined by narrow lanes and wooden bridges over streams. Small homestays and guesthouses offer simple rooms and local food.

Walking through the village is the main thing to do. There is a small museum in the house of the old local royal family, and a heritage house where you can learn about Balti life. Most people come from Diskit or Hunder for the day, but staying a night gives a slower and more relaxed visit.

Things to do at Turtuk

  • Walk the lanes, fields and stone bridges of the village
  • Visit the small museum in the old royal family's house
  • Try Balti food and apricot products at a homestay
  • Eat fresh apricots in season, in July and August

How to reach Turtuk

  • From Hunder in Nubra: about 80 km, about 2.5 to 3 hours by car along the Shyok river.
  • From Leh: about 200 km via Khardung La and Nubra, so it is usually visited from a base in Nubra.

Tips before you go

  • Carry the Nubra area permit and ID copies, as there are army checkposts on the way
  • Dress modestly and ask before photographing people, especially women
  • Network coverage is limited, so tell family you may be out of contact

Packages that cover Turtuk

Nearby places to visit

Must visit
Valley · Diskit

Nubra Valley

Reached over Khardung La, Nubra has the Diskit monastery and its giant Maitreya Buddha, and sand dunes with Bactrian camel rides at Hunder.

Time needed: 2 nightsRead more →
Must visit
Mountain pass · Leh

Khardung La

A high mountain pass at about 5,360 m on the road from Leh to Nubra Valley. Most visitors stop for a short while for photos at the top.

Time needed: 15 to 20 minutes at the topRead more →
Must visit
Town

Leh

Ladakh's main town, with Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and a busy main bazaar. Your base for the first and last nights, and the place to acclimatise.

Time needed: 2 to 3 days, split between the start and end of the tripRead more →

Turtuk: FAQs

Is Turtuk worth visiting from Nubra?

Yes, if you have an extra day. Its Balti culture, orchards and village lanes are very different from the rest of Ladakh. It is a long drive, so a night there or an early start from Hunder works best.

Is Turtuk safe for tourists?

Yes. It is close to the Line of Control and has an army presence, but it is open to tourists and the village is calm and welcoming. Carry your permit and ID.

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