Turtuk is one of Ladakh’s most enchanting and culturally unique villages. It is located in the Nubra valley, near the LoC. Though Thang is the last village on the Indian side of the LoC. Turtuk is the last major village open to tourists.
Set at an altitude of 9,800 feet (2,987 meters) and surrounded by green fields, apricot orchards and snow-dusted peaks, Turtuk feels completely different from the rocky deserts of central Ladakh. It offers travelers a rare look at Balti culture shaped by history, geography and deep-rooted traditions.
A Village With a Divided Past
Turtuk was part of Baltistan (Pakistan occupied) until the 1971 India – Pakistan war, after which it was taken by India. Turtuk block has five villages. The villagers, most of whom are ethnic Balti Muslims, suddenly found themselves free from the occupation, overnight.
This unique history makes Turtuk one of the only places in India where Balti language, customs and architecture still exist. The village is dotted with stone houses, wooden balconies and narrow winding lanes.
Why visit Turtuk
- ✅ Experience Balti culture – unlike any other in Ladakh.
- ✅ Walk through green farms, apricot orchards and glacier-fed streams.
- ✅ Learn from villagers with stories that go beyond borders.
- ✅ Visit the local museum. A 17th-century Royal House and view points of the Karakoram Range.
- ✅ Explore nearby Thang, India’s northernmost point (with special permission).
What to eat
Turtuk is famous for its natural produce, especially apricots. During summer the village bursts with fresh fruit and in winter families dry them to make local apricot kernels, oils and jams.
You can also try traditional Balti food, such as:
- Paba & Tangtur – A barley flour mix eaten with buttermilk.
- Khurba – A simple soup made from roasted grains.
- Buckwheat pancakes served with homemade butter.
- Apricot juice and dried apricot snacks.
- Homemade breads served with salty butter tea.
Most guesthouses and homestays serve home-cooked Balti meals, using ingredients grown in their own gardens.
🗓️ Travel Info
- Altitude: ~9,800 ft / 2,987 m
- Distance from Diskit: ~90 km (3–4 hours)
- Distance from Leh: ~205 km (6–7 hours)
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Permits Required: Yes (Inner Line Permit)
- Stay Options: Homestays and guesthouses in traditional Balti houses
- Mobile Network: Very limited or none. satellite WiFi may be available in some homestays
🗣️ Traveler’s Tip
“Talk to the locals. Their stories aren’t just about the mountains. They’re about borders, families and cultures that were once whole.”