thrillophilia-logo
INR
Login
Turtuk Village Overview

Turtuk Village, nicknamed the "village divided by a border," lies in Ladakh's remote Baltistan corner. As India’s final settlement, it rests on the Indo-Pak border, embraced by majestic snow-clad mountains. Besides serving as the Siachen Glacier's gateway, Turtuk is renowned for its diverse fruit cultivation, notably apricots. Explore Ladakh holiday packages to experience the charm of this unique village and its breathtaking surroundings

A gateway to the Siachen Glacier, the Turtuk Village in Ladakh is situated in a location that is strategically important as it lies in close proximity to the Line of Control. Additionally, the village is tucked between the majestic Himalayas and the Karakoram Mountain ranges, which is why it offers pristine views of the magnificent marvels of nature. 

Home to a population of around 2,500 people, Turtuk is linked to the main roads of Ladakh via suspension bridges, over the beautiful river in Shyok Valley. Boasting a rather rich history, Turtuk is also home to quite a few attractions, including a 16th century mosque and an iconic Polo Ground. Cold desert stretches, rocky roads and mountainous terrains are also a part of the Turtuk Village, and add even more beauty to it. 

A very offbeat and unexplored place, the village opened its doors to tourists in 2010. The tiny houses and the lush fields in the village make for a sight to behold. Turtuk is also known to be one of the few places in the country where you can experience the Balti culture, since it is one of the four Baltistani villages that remain under India’s control. 

Click Here to Book: Manali Leh Srinagar Bike Trip

Highlights

• Enjoy a visit to the tiny village of Turtuk, the last of its kind in the country, located right on the Indo-Pak border near the Line of Control
• Travel through the famed Khardung La Pass and Nubra Valley on your way to the village, whilst enjoying scintillating views of the Karakoram Mountains
• Make your way through a diverse ecosystem of scrublands, floodplains, gorges as well as river streams as you reach this beautiful hamlet
• Learn about the history of the Indo-Pak war right from the people/locals who witnessed it from their very eyes
• Enjoy taking a stroll on the wooden suspension bridge here, which dates back to the 1980s, and connects the village to the main roads in the region
• Spend some time visiting the local mosque in the village, and get a chance to see fine woodwork, complete with diverse geometric designs
• Take a tour of the Royal Palace and the Balti Heritage House, which is where you can learn about the region’s heritage

How To Reach

Turtuk Village is located at a distance of 202.9 KM from Leh city centre, and to reach here, one can easily avail bus rides from Leh to Turtuk, which operate on a bi-weekly basis. One can also choose to take a rented/personal vehicle via KhardungLa road and Diskit-Turtuk Highway, which will take around 5 to 6 hours to reach the destination.

Click Here to Book: Cycling Tour from Manali to Leh

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Turtuk Village is from April to October, when the weather here is clear and the roads open. With average temperatures ranging between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, exploring the village becomes great if you visit during summers.

 Click Here to Book: Ladakh Trip from Mumbai

Other Essential Information

Tips to keep in mind before visiting Turtuk Village

  • The residents of the village typically speak Ladakhi, Urdu and Balti languages, with a little bit of Hindi, so it is always good to learn a few common terms and phrases from these languages when visiting the village
  • Since Turtuk is a military dominated and sensitive area, it is best not to go off to secluded areas all by yourself
  • It is recommended to carry extra batteries and portable chargers since electricity is available only for a few hours here
  • You also require a BSNL number since this is the only form of communication and connectivity in the village
  • You cannot find information about homestays, hotels and guesthouses in Turtuk on the web, making it imperative to explore the village and ask for help from the friendly locals 

Suggested Read: Road Trip from Srinagar to Leh

Read More
Day Wise Timings
Open Today
mo
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
tu
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
we
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
th
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
fr
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
sa
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
su
Normal Timings:
Open 24 Hours
Point of Interest for Turtuk Village
Turtuk Old Mosque
1

Turtuk Old Mosque

Located in the heart of the village is the Turtuk Old Mosque, dating back to the 16th century, and boasting of distinctive features. Complete with a spiral staircase and wooden minaret, the mosque is also known for its stunning Iranian designs, and wooden ceiling patterns. 

Click Here to Book: Romantic Ladakh Honeymoon Package from Delhi

Polo Ground
2

Polo Ground

The Polo Ground in Turtuk dates back to at least the 16th century, and has been built in a very traditional way. On a good day, you can even catch sights of locals playing a game of polo here. 

Balti Heritage Home and Museum
3

Balti Heritage Home and Museum

Located in the narrow alleyways of the village, near the polo ground, is the Balti Heritage Home and Museum. It is essentially a 140-year-old house that now serves as a museum. In addition to structures built using stone and wood in the traditional Balti style, you can also marvel at the typical Balti style of architecture here. 

Recommended Read: Bike Rentals in Leh Ladakh

Brokpa Fort
4

Brokpa Fort

The best place to learn about the Yagbo royalty, their daily lives and lifestyle, the Brokpa Fort is the best place to be. Said to be at least 500 years old, the fort still retains a major chunk of its original structure, and is a structural marvel.

Checkout & Book: Leh Tour Packages

Tourism Board Alliances

Turtuk Village FAQs

Are there any permits required to enter the Turtuk Village?

Yes, permits are required to visit the Turtuk Village. While citizens of India need an Inner Line Permit along with a government ID to enter the village, foreign nationals are required to have the Ladakh Protected Area Permit for entering Turtuk.

What is there to do in Turtuk Village?

In addition to visiting the different attractions in the village, such as the mosque, gompa, polo ground and more, you can also indulge in trekking and hiking within the village

Checkout & Book: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Popular Related Destinations

Why Choose Thrillophilia