Turtuk is one of the northernmost territories of India and lies in the Nubra Valley region of Ladakh. Situated in a little-known area in the final stretches of India is a small village called Turtuk which was inhabited by Pakistan until the war in 1971. This village which offers unique populations of Buddhism, astounding sights, and thrilling history was once a part of Pakistan. Subsequently, if you intend to go on a trip to Turtuk, the following is the list of ten things you absolutely must do and places you should visit.
List of 10 Things To Do In Turtuk Village
1. Explore the Turtuk Village
Turtuk village is one of the last villages before the Line of Control (LoC) and is famed for its beautiful and welcoming people. Walk the narrow and steep lanes, meet gregarious people, and fully appreciate the cultures of the Balti people. The center of the village is filled with traditional houses, green lands, and apricot orchards. Apricots and other local foods are also available in these areas, do not miss the opportunity to taste them.
The village is attractive mainly because of its simplicity and the sociability of the residents. Truly beautiful and quite unusual glittering wooden houses rise up in the village as you stroll inside it more. The community is very artisanal since many homes have elegantly designed window frames and doors out of wood. In the village, however, you will also find a few shops that officially sell local crafts and souvenirs.
2. Visit the Turtuk Waterfall
Turtuk Waterfall is one of the tranquil places that can be visited at Turtuk. The waterfall is not only pleasing to the eyes but also a tranquil place to sit and listen to nature’s melody. The trek to the waterfall is fairly simple and pretty picturesque with views of the beautiful hills. This place is a very good place where any kind of photography and nature lovers can click pictures to their heart’s satisfaction.
The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful trees and is enhanced with cool water droplets due to the abundant rainwater. Pack a lunch and lounge by the waterfall or simply get carried away with the panoramic view. The area around the waterfall is also home to various species of birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
3. Discover the Balti Heritage House and Museum
For lovers of history, the Balti House and Heritage Museum has a great deal to offer. This family-owned facility aims to keep the vibrant culture, customs, and past of the Balti people. This museum contains images, ethnographic materials, historical documents, clothing pieces and some other exhibits related to the daily activities of the Balti inhabitants. It’s a great place to learn about the region’s history and cultural heritage.
The museum is housed in a traditional Balti home, and the exhibits are arranged in a way that tells the story of the Balti people. One can find most of the things used by the local people with respect to food, farming, and household tasks, such as kitchenware, agricultural equipment, and more. Photos and documents relevant to the history of Turtuk village and its people are also exhibited in the museum.
4. Visit Thang Village
Thang is the last village on the Indian side of the border and offers a unique experience. From here you can spot the India-Pakistan border, and also parts of the Pakistan-occupied region of Jammu. The landscape of the village is decorated with beautiful mountains and gives lovely views. It is indeed a moment of pride for numerous tourists to inch at such a number of Indian army headquarters and see their presence too.
The village of Thang is also famous for the apricot orchards, and you can see vertical lines of apricot trees in fruits during the harvesting period. Well, the residents are approachable and hospitable and you will get to know their lifestyle and culture. The village was also provided with a small market where local products and handicrafts could be purchased.
5. Explore the Royal Palace of Yabgo Dynasty
The Royal Palace of the Yabgo Dynasty is another historical monument that should be visited. The palace, which has now been changed into a museum, contains facts of the royal family’s past and the activities they were engaged in. The palace’s architecture is very thrilling as well as the museum where one can find a variety of items including royal clothes, arms, and everyday utensils. This is nice in that aspect where one can comprehend the royal past of the area.
The palace is built on top of a hill and gives a wide view of the landscape near it. The museum includes known objects of the royal family; jewels clothing and even furniture. You may also see old images and pieces of writing that helped to understand the history of the Yabgo dynasty.
6. Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Tyakshi
Tyakshi is a small settlement that lies in Turtuk village with striking views of the mountains in the Karakoram Range. The village is famed for the scenic splendor and serene beauty it hosts. It’s just the right place for people wishing to take a break from the fast pace of life in the cities and bask in peace and quiet. There are a couple of homestays as well in the village where you can indulge in the local culture and hospitality.
The village has fertile and green fields and gardens and one may stroll in the cool breeze in the fields and grassland. The warmth of the people is likely to endear you to them as they offer homestays and thus invite you to be part of their everyday lives. Also, small-sized stores are available selling general items as well as local products and crafts.
7. Visit the Turtuk Monastery
Turtuk Monastery is a serene and wonderful place in the village that exhibits its holy importance. A place of worship and spiritual peace for the local Buddhists is the Turtuk Monastery. It provides a quiet ambiance and impressive views of the hills that surround it. People visiting are encouraged to take part in the rightful practices and understand the Buddhist culture. The monastery can be used for practicing aspects of the culture and way of life.
Corfu Samarina monastery is located on the hilltop and is surrounded with this wonderful holding landscape. It isn’t unusual that the monks in the monastery are cordial and you are free to interact with them and grasp their stories and traditions. You can even find a small library inside the monastery where you can well read about Buddhists and the culture of this place.
8. See the Natural Fridge
In Turtuk there is also a curious attraction – a natural fridge, a semi-subterranean cold chamber where locals store their perishables. This unusual form of refrigeration works because the earth on the surface is cool and makes sure that food stays fresh. It is indeed interesting to note the resourceful nature of the locals and how they manage to come up with creative techniques to do with their daily lives.
The natural fridge is a small chamber made in the earth, and the mud walls of the earth climate box help maintain the cool temperature inside. Food in the form of fruits, vegetables and other perishables are put in the fridge. It’s a great example of how traditional knowledge and practices can be used to solve modern problems.
9. Experience the Local Cuisine
There are several local dishes in Turtuk village, which are simply delicious. Some of the popular dishes include and are not limited to, apricot jam, buckwheat pancakes, and balti bread. The local food is uncomplicated yet tasty and many of the dishes are prepared using local seasonal produce. There’s also an opportunity to eat in a local restaurant or homestay and relish the true taste of Turtuk.
The local staples mix with the people’s culture and Land and the weather contributes to how foodstuffs are prepared and incorporated in the culture. The people are very friendly and it is possible to share supper with a local family and discover their traditions. There are also a few small restaurants in the village where you can taste some traditional dishes of Balti cuisine.
10. Trek to the Zero Point
For those on a rather adventurous trip, a trek to the Last Point which lies very close to the LoC is an activity that needs to be done. This is a steep amazing and beautiful valley and mountains that offer stunning views. It is thrilling but also quite good in that you get the chance to see the untouched beauty of the area. The hike also allows you to view Indian army posts and learn about the importance of this place in the military context.
The trek to Zero Point is quite a long and arduous hike that involves both ascending as well as descending slopes. From the summit, the views can be heart-pounding as they include the tall monitor and lofty mountains of the Karakoram Range. The trek offers a chance to catch a glimpse of Indian army posts which also highlights the tactical dimension of the region.
Best Time To Visit Turtuk Village
The best time to visit Turtuk is during the summer months, from May to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the roads are accessible. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The apricot orchards are in full bloom during this time, adding to the village’s charm.
Visiting Turtuk in the winter months (November to February) is not recommended as the region experiences heavy snowfall, and the roads are often blocked. However, the winter landscape is breathtakingly beautiful if you enjoy snow and are up for an adventure.
How To Reach Turtuk Village
Turtuk is located approximately 205 kilometers from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The journey to Turtuk is an adventure in itself, offering stunning views of the rugged landscape and high mountain passes.
By Air: The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. From Leh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Turtuk. The drive takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the road conditions.
By Road: Turtuk is well-connected by road to Leh. You can hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle. The route takes you through Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and the scenic Nubra Valley. Regular bus services are also available from Leh to Turtuk.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, located about 812 kilometers from Leh. You can take a taxi or bus from Jammu to Leh and then proceed to Turtuk by road.
Conclusion
Turtuk is a destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Turtuk has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this hidden gem in the Nubra Valley. Your visit to Turtuk will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience filled with unique memories and breathtaking views. Hope you find this article interesting, we will bring you more amazing destinations in the upcoming blogs, keep visiting Trip Trek Tales.