Turtuk Travel Guide

Ladakh for all travellers has always been a dream destination. It is a landlocked settlement with a history that goes far back in tisme. Turtuk Village is a piece of serene land tucked away in a corner in the town. It is one of India’s most exotic holiday destinations. It is popular for being picturesque, for its people and their warm and friendly hospitability. The experience of the untouched natural surroundings is remarkable.

It is the northernmost village of India that is closest to Pakistan. In fact, it used to be part of the Baltistan province till the year 1971. Owing to its strategic location, it is a very secluded, sensitive and a military-dominated area. You will need special permits to visit this serene village. Such interesting facts, tips, and guidelines will cross your way as you read through this carefully curated Turtuk destination travel guide.

How to reach Turtuk Village

In this travel guide for Turtuk Village, we have listed three routes via which you can make it to the Tso.

In order to get to Turtuk, you will have to get to the city of Leh. From there, you can either hire your own vehicle or travel via public transport. Start as early as you can so you can avoid the jam at Khardung La top. Once you cross the pass, you descend in the valley of Nubra and then continue to reach Khalsar. Beyond this, a road will bifurcate and take you through the scenic villages of Sumur, Panamik, and Warshi. The road ahead will lead you towards Diskit and Hunder and finally end at Turtuk.

Route: Leh – Khardung La – Khalsar – Diskit – Hunder – Thoise – Skuru – Bogdang – Turtuk

Total travel distance from Leh: Approximately 250 kms

Total travel time: 6-7 hours approximately

Best time to visit the Turtuk Village

Choose the perfect season to plan your trip with the help of this exclusive travel guide for Turtuk Village.

The best time to visit Turtuk village is in the summer months from April to September. The climate is pleasant here and the harsh snowy winters have thawed. The roads to the village start to open up in summer, which is affected by occasional landslides in winters. Moreover, summers in Ladakh is not defined by the scorching sun and is rather cool and pleasant. The average temperature ranges between 10° C to a maximum of 20° C. The entire region looks like a mixture of white because of the snow-capped mountains, brown because of the rugged lands and green because of the small forestlands, which makes it even more beautiful.

Top things to do at the Turtuk Village

There is a whole list of top things to do listed below in this amazing guide for tourists in Turtuk Village. Scroll through and tick mark each one of them on your holiday trip to Ladakh.

Seek the blessings of the almighty at the Turtuk Gompa

The 11th century Gompa of Turtuk is set against the backdrop of rusty snow-capped mountains. It is the place from where you can see breathtaking views of the entire valley. Its distinctive features are enhanced with typical architecture and you can find such unique wooden minaret artwork done here.

Visit the Balti Heritage home and museum

Built in the 15th century, here you can find the original balti artefacts- a collection dated as old as 400 years. It is located in the narrow stone-laid lanes of the old village of Turtuk. It is said that the heir of the museum himself gives a tour of the place. They also have many souvenirs on sale. You can also visit the historic polo ground, which was a favourite Balti pastime.

Suggested Read: How to Reach Turtuk Village

See the beauty of nature’s cold storage

This is a natural wonder you may not see anywhere else but in Turtuk. The villagers have a practice of keeping their perishables inside small naturally cold hollows. This happens because of the underground glacial watercourse that keeps these bowls icy all through the year. DO not miss out on spotting these little caverns which are naturally frigid.

Visit the last point of India, at Thang

A visit to India’s northernmost village is a must on your trip to Ladakh. Thang is the last Village before the LOC and Pakistan is barely 2 kms away from this point. You will easily be able to see the fence which denotes the LOC. Entry to the village is restricted and you will need permission from the Army.

Witness the glorifying ruins of the Brokpa Fort

Brokpas were a nomadic tribe of Ladakh dating back to 5000 years. The ruins from the fort that they built is a must-see site. It will take you back in time. It is a lush green spot on the banks of the river Shayok.

Tips for visiting the Turtuk Village

A few quick tips listed below in this complete guide for Turtuk Village tourism will be of handy help and save you from needless petty issues.

Ladakh is a land of contrasts and the temperatures vary from one place to another. Turtuk experiences subzero temperatures and the sun’s intensity is felt strongly because of the thin air. Be prepared for uncertain weather.

Altitude mountain sickness is a common problem in Turtuk. Resting for a day or two and acclimitising is utmost important.

The nearest petrol pump is in Diskit and that is also intermittently stocked. So it is advisable to fuel your car and keep the tank full.

Turtuk is a conservative place so please respect the local customs and sensitivities. Dress with modesty and smoking or consuming alcohol in public is not allowed.

Since it is a muslim dominated place, the village during Ramazan might leave you with limited food. Keep some quick snacks with you on your trip to Turtuk village.

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FAQ about Nubra Valley

This complete guide for Turtuk Village tourism also answers some of the most frequently asked questions.

What all should be included in the medical kit?

A small oxygen cylinder is also a good to keep with you at all times. Besides, keep medicines that help with altitude and motion sickness such as Diamox, Aspirin, Dexamethasone and Disprin.

Are there any hospitals or clinics around in Turtuk?

The nearest hospital is in Bogdang and there is also a public health centre in Chutang. In case of any emergencies, get in touch with an army officer and visit the Army’s General Hospital.

Are there any banking or ATM facilities in Turtuk?

Unfortunately, there are no banks or ATMs in the whole of Turtuk settlement. Always keep your cash in hand as credit and debit cards are also not accepted. You will have to conduct all your transactions in cash.

How is the intra-city transportation in Turtuk?

There is a daily bus that runs from Diskit to Turtuk in the afternoon and the same returns back to Diskit in the evening. Apart from that, there is no public transportation service available to tourists in Turtuk. A private or hired car is the best travel solution.

How is the phone and network service in Turtuk?

If you have a post-paid BSNL mobile connection, then chances are that your phone may catch a signal. No prepaid phones work in the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir. To be on a safer side, just keep your friends and family informed about your whereabouts and that you will be out of any signal or range.

Turtuk is a hidden gem and was only opened to tourism in 2010. This complete travel guide on Turtuk takes you through a journey of discovery to this mystical world that is known to only a few. Visit this destination and let it leave an indelible impact on your mind.