Many of those who trudge up to the Ladakh valley, on a trek or a bike, explore the villages and hamlets in the region. But those who take the off beaten trek in the northwestern region of Ladakh will come upon a quaint little village above the river Shyok.
The village of Turtuk will make you forget where you are. You will also time travel to an era of simplicity and natural beauty. It is nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Karakoram.
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When the sun rises, Turtuk comes under the shadow of K2. It was taken over by Pakistan during Independence and won back by India in 1971. It is just 10 km away from the Line of Control between the two countries.
Another beauty about this village is the surrounding lush green landscapes. These are a sight for sore eyes, that have seen nothing but white desserts and rugged mountains in this part of Ladakh.
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Turtuk also has a rich past, as it was a junction on the Old Silk Route, for trade between Tibet, Afghanistan and Central Asia. Though there is little remaining evidence of that, the village seems to be stuck in time, more in sync with that glorious past, than the modern times.
Located at more than 9800 feet, the village is inhabited by the Balti people of Tibetan origin. Once you cross into this region, everything about Ladakh changes, whether it is the food, culture or attire. Women here wear large floral prints, that stand out in contrast to the rugged landscapes. The villagers are friendly and hospitable, but may still shy away from the camera.
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Turtuk is warmer than the other villages of Ladakh. You will be able to stroll through the lush orchards of apricots and walnuts. Just hiking around the village, and interacting with the locals can be an interesting experience. Turtuk has managed to remain so isolated because it was opened to travellers only in 2010.
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You can reach Turtuk from Leh, by driving through the Nubra valley and crossing Hunder and Thoise. Due to its remote location, it remains a well-preserved jewel on the Karakoram mountains.
