Wonderland of Turtuk is an undiscovered tiny hamlet on the banks of the Shyok River, bordered on one side by Nubra and the other by Baltistan. This strange small town of 4000 people is the last northernmost village before Pakistan – Occupied Kashmir. Allow me to provide you with a comprehensive Turtuk travel guide.
While time has not diminished the splendour of this location, the welcoming character of its inhabitants is difficult to overlook. Turtuk’s past is as vibrant as the apricot plantations dot the landscape. As a result, it is a synthesis of all the cultures that have lived here.
Turtuk, a community divided by a border, has many stories to share. Turtuk opened its doors to curious souls in 2010 due to a campaign by locals to connect with the rest of the world.
Turtuk was part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir until 1971, when Major Chewang Rinchen handed over leadership of the settlement to India. However, people were first distrustful of India, and their trust in the Indian Army was non-existent. Because many people had served in the Pakistan Army, it was understandable that their desire to change instantly was impractical.
Of course, many people born before 1947 transitioned from being Indians to Pakistanis to Indians again. Pakistan was many people’s only home. As a result, adjusting to a new existence in which the “enemy” now determined their identity was not an easy transition. As a result, many of the 300 families who live in Turtuk have kin on the other side.
The Indian Army, on the other hand, has honoured its promise by keeping people safe and implementing numerous reforms while supporting growth and prosperity.
Yes, Turtuk has been a secluded place due to recent geopolitical difficulties and its extraordinarily difficult geography. It is one of just four villages in India located in the Baltistan region, surrounded by the Karakoram range.
However, its past boasts of strategic importance as a Silk Route gateway. This is undeniably accurate, and it is confirmed by the profusion of cultural consolidations that have resulted in Turtuk’s distinct ancestry.
Culture
Baltistan was a separate monarchy long before the recent phase of war glorification that has defined the region. From 800 until 1800 AD, the Yagbo dynasty ruled the territory, a Central Asian state ruled by Turkistan rulers.
Of course, like Ladakh, Baltistan was mostly a Buddhist province until the 13th century. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, an Iranian poet and eminent Islam scholar, influenced regional culture.
As a result, people began to establish towns and cultural unions. So much so that gorgeous Gompas can be found in this largely Muslim region. Turtuk’s Mosque is a subtle fusion of Swastikas, Buddhist patterns, and Iranian themes.
The people that live here are incredibly hospitable and appreciate visitors to their lands. But, no matter how sceptical they are of governments and politics, one thing is certain: most people attribute the region’s success to burgeoning tourism.
Turtuk, however hugely (and unjustifiably) unknown, is a must-see when visiting Ladakh because no other place can teach the value of calm in time and the beauty of living as humans without borders.
Also Read, Laitmawsiang: A Conquest for a Beautiful Hamlet
Location
Turtuk is far nicer than the surrounding ranges due to its elevation of 3,001 m. It is also one of the access points to the Siachen Glacier, making it a strategically vital site. Turtuk is also located on the banks of the Shyok River, 205 kilometres from Leh.
Weather in Turtuk
Turtuk, as a high desert, receives almost no rain. Of course, July is the hottest month, with temperatures hovering about 22 degrees. In addition, the lowest temperature of -10 degrees Fahrenheit can be found in January. As a result, the greatest time to visit Turtuk coincides with the best time to visit Leh Ladakh.
Turtuk’s Geography
The town of Turtuk is divided into three sections:
Chutang: Chutang is a riverside village, and Turtuk’s educational and cultural centre is located here. Early in the morning, one can enjoy seeing the youngsters’ daily routines and hearing the National Anthem’s roaring symphony as school begins. During the winter months, villagers who live at challenging altitudes go down to the river bed, which is a key supply of vegetation and water.
Yul: The village’s oldest district, Yul, is thickly populated and a haven of greenery, tradition, and compassion. One of the two mosques is located here.
Pharol: Across the river, an exquisite bridge connects you to Pharol. From here, one can see the K-2 summit via vast buckwheat fields that stretch as far as the mountains will allow. The majority of the region’s guesthouses are located in Pharol.
Languages :
Turtuk has a primarily Muslim population, and its past may be reflected in the local accent. Ladakhi, Urdu, and Balti are the predominant languages spoken here, and Balti is a hybrid of Persian and old Tibetan. Traditional Tibetan is hardly used nowadays, and the language is melodious.
Turtuk means “want to stay” in Balti, accurately reflecting the people here. And, no matter what, their love for Turtuk has stood the test of time.
Turtuk is being visited
The optimum time to visit Turtuk corresponds with the Ladakh region’s tourist season, i.e. June until September.
Permits for the Inner Line
An Inner Line Permit (for Indian Nationals) or a Ladakh Protected Area Permit (for Foreign Nationals) is necessary when entering any isolated area in the Ladakh region. Permits can be obtained online, and they are also available at the TIC Office, Main Market, Leh, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on all working days.
Also Read, Goechala Trek: A Breathtaking Trail of Sikkim
How to Get to Turtuk
Turtuk can be reached by car, and there are no nearby train stations. However, the nearest airport is in Leh, Ladakh, which is 205 kilometres away from Turtuk. Turtuk may be reached by road from Leh in around 6-8 hours.
Cabs are available for rent in Leh in both personal and shared taxis. Most visitors prefer to complete the entire circle, which includes Hunder, Nubra, and Pangong Tso. As a result, it is preferable to rent vehicles for a longer period.
Buses run biweekly between Leh and Turtuk, and Turtuk residents mostly use this means of transportation. Of course, travel can be difficult, not because of road conditions, but rather because of the state of the buses. As a result, double-check times and details at the Leh bus stop, as they may alter depending on weather conditions. You can get more information about Nubra Valley Bus Services in Leh.
