TURTUK: The Last Frontier Town

mbark on an adventurous journey driving through spectacular landscape into the realm of the Balti dynasty. Turtuk is a quaint village which houses approx 1,200 residents and Eset amidst a picturesque village, opened to tourists only in 2010 and still feels rather unexplored.

Inhabited by ethnic Muslims, a few kilometers from the ‘Line of Control' (the de facto border) between India and Pakistan on the Indian side, Turtuk is the penultimate village now open to tourists.

Until 1971, Turtuk was a part of Baltistan and shared strong economic and cultural ties with Tibet. The residents speak Balti, some Ladakhi and Urdu. The local tribe follows their age-old customs and speaks a language which is just spoken and not written. There is a marked presence of people with startling blue eyes, auburn hair and rosy cheeks as against the typical mongoloid features of the Ladakhis.

Local lore has it that they were a Greek tribe who came in search of Jesus Christ's tomb and eventually settled here.

Enjoy exploring this frontier hamlet, admiring the traditional houses, unique stone kitchen implements made by the Abdul Karim Khalil family, stream-based flour grinder (runthak) and relish the delicious world-acclaimed apricots grown in the region.

Some of the interesting village sights to experience would be the last frontier mosque named Jama Masjid of the 16th Century. Also, the Turtuk Gompa of the 11th Century which even the local Muslim inhabitants maintain is unique. A cursory glance over the unique Balti polo ground gives you an insight to this part of Ladakh.

After a sumptuous picnic lunch, return to the comfort of your tent in Diskit.

EXCURSION TYPE: Drive and walk.

 DURATION OF ACTIVITY: Full day.  DISTANCE FROM CAMP: 90 kms (06 hours round trip).  ALTITUDE: 3000 m. (9,845 ft.)

PHYSICAL RATING: Easy to moderate. The excursion involves slight uphill walk through undulating pathways.

MINIMUM AGE: 14 and above.

SEASON: Mid May to early October.

TRAVEL NOTE:  Wear comfortable clothing along with a pair of good walking shoes.  Carry sunscreen and a hat.