Encounter of Turtuk Village from Leh

Turtuk Village - Leh 

What a amazing morning of Turtuk Villagers who slept in Pakistan in 16 December 1971 & woke up in India 17 December 1971. I heard the realty about this village from a local person, actually Charming Turtuk Village was under Pakistan from 1947 - 1971. This village was divided in 1971 during Pakistan & India war between 03 - 17 December 1971. It is said that, Turtuk village was the part India in state of Jammu & Kashmir but Pakistan Army dispossessed it,  but Indian Army took Turtuk village in a night from POK. 

Turtuk village host an ethnic population of Balti speaking, who had not come in to contact with tourist till 2010. After 2010 they started to welcome for tourist.  

The beautiful Turtuk village situated at the end of Ladakh is also special due to its great civilization & culture. Charming Turruk village situated amidst high mountains, people of bucket culture live here, whose language & culture is totally different and unique.  

When you see the waterfall after crossing the far reaching meadows and wooden bridge, all the fatigue on the way disappears. 

Local visit of Turtuk Village - Leh

Turtuk village is very popular for wood carving. The wood carving is so beautiful specially in Mosque. Balti's people handmade items like shawl, polo stick & fabrics is a cause of utmost importance of Turtuk villagers. There is a beautiful wooden Royal Palace & 02 Mosque, which is fully designed by wooden & Balti Heritage House, this is significant of Balti's heritage culture. Guest can stay in Balti Heritage House. Museum & Heritage House both are the resident of a royal family. They lives inside these. They also offer guided tour with tourist.    

About Balti Community:

Turtuk village all Balti peoples are Muslim now, actually there were Tibetan & they converted in to Islam. When you will go to visit their homes you can find symbols from Bon & Buddhist culture. You can see one of the eight symbol of Mahayana Buddhism which design by wooden, lot of Buddhist symbols in the house like Dharmachakra, "Wheel of law" & Buddhist flag etc.   

Turtuk Village Farming 

Apricot is cultivated most in this beautiful village of Ladakh. In the garden here you will find apricot trees from apricots, which looks very beautiful. Along with this many walnut trees will also be seen here. 

About Accommodation

There are very few hotels to stay but there are lot of  good Guesthouses & Homestays where you have good opportunity to take experiences with locals. Even you can sit with them and cook food in the kitchen its something different experience to know their lifestyle. In case you don't want to accommodate at Homestay & like to stay at Guest house then recommend you Maha Guesthouse, which is very neat & clean & delicious food with huge decorated garden.  

Recommendation to visit Turtuk Village 

• Carry with you only BSNL Post paid Sim Card, this only works here. 
• Carry with you own water bottle, because Turtuk villagers use water of ice melting glacier, which is on high altitude. 
• Carry with you power bank to charge your mobile phone, because electricity supply is not like that as comparison to others parts of Ladakh.  
• Please respect the local community, wear full sleeve dress. don't try to wear shorts dress, hence Turtuk village is Muslim village.  
• To visit Turtuk village foreigner require Ladakh Protected Area Permit & Indian require Inner Line Permit. Anyone can get by online or you can get from Leh in TIC office.     

Best Time to Explore Turtuk Village Leh

Mid of June to September  is the best time overall Leh visit. Temperature between 10 - 20 degree Celsius.    

How to Reach Turtuk Village 

From Leh to Turtuk village by road approx 200 Km / 07 Hrs. & from Diskit to Turtuk only 85 Km. Turtuk lies on the bank of Shyok River