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Turtuk, a mysterious village nestled between the Indian and Pakistani borders, is a living testament to a world isolated and forgotten by time. Surrounded by the majestic Karakoram Mountains and the Shyok River, Turtuk maintains a self-sufficient lifestyle, with its old earthen houses, lush apricot orchards, and a life without telephones or Wi-Fi. This is a journey to the heart of a land where history and culture intertwine, creating a rich and unique heritage.
Turtuk, formerly part of Pakistan – Kashmir occupied until 1971 – is a remote area, due to both recent geopolitical instability and its particularly difficult geography. It is one of only four villages in India located in the Baltistan region. However, Turtuk village holds strategic importance as a gateway to the Silk Road.
A place completely isolated from the outside world.
Nestled between the Indian and Pakistani borders, Turtuk is a rare gem, shining brightly amidst the majestic Karakoram Mountains. This small village, with its unspoiled beauty and extraordinary tranquility, always inspires a thirst for exploration.
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Karakoram mountain range, beside the tranquil Shyok River, Turtuk is a hidden gem in the Ladakh region.
At first, upon arriving in Turtuk, you might wonder, what makes this small town nestled between the Pakistani and Indian borders any more special than other valleys in Nubra? However, as soon as you cross the wooden bridge and follow the tiny alleys winding deep into the village, you'll discover a whole new world.
Life here flows slowly and simply, like a slow-motion film, completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. They live amidst lush green fields, babbling streams, and simple earthen houses. The people of Turtuk live in harmony with nature, creating exquisite handcrafted products. Turtuk is not just a place, but a fairy tale waiting to be discovered.
This small village, once part of Pakistan, is now a popular tourist destination known for its unspoiled beauty and unique culture.
The harsh landscape of the border region seems incapable of harmonizing with gentle beauty. Yet, this small village is an exception. Fields of white buckwheat, like clouds drifting lazily across the deep blue sky, create a scene that is both majestic and romantic. The ancient stone house, with its brightly colored windows, stands out as a unique highlight amidst the unspoiled nature.
Turtuk village is a small, unknown village, yet it possesses a rare, fairytale-like beauty unlike any other in the world.
In this charming village, men's work is prayer, while women are the primary labor force. It's not uncommon to see women with full figures, round faces, high cheekbones, and beautiful, sparkling eyes. They nimbly carry large bundles of buckwheat through narrow alleys or diligently harvest crops in the fields.
A peaceful life is something to be desired.
In Turtuk, the people live a self-sufficient lifestyle. Thanks to the Shayok River's fertile soil and irrigation, they cultivate wheat, buckwheat, and other crops such as tomatoes and cabbage. Apricots, in particular, are a popular crop and the main source of income for the villagers of Turtuk.
Turtuk village is a small, unknown village, yet it possesses a rare, fairytale-like beauty unlike any other in the world.
Beneath the cool shade of the trees, the clear, gentle sound of flowing water seemed to erase the harsh sun and wind of the journey we had undertaken today. The locals utilize the cool, refreshing water of the Shayok River for daily life and agriculture. They draw water directly from the streams that meander through the village. They even use the cool water to create an outdoor "ice refrigerator," costing no electricity but keeping fruits fresh.
Apricots are one of Turtuk's "specialties." Dried apricots are sold everywhere along the streets. During the harvest season, people squeeze apricot juice to drink as a meal replacement to detoxify their bodies. The agricultural products and fruits here are very clean and completely free of chemicals. Because of this, the villagers all have healthy, beautiful skin and a high average life expectancy.
Despite its isolation from the outside world and limited resources, the village of Turtuk has surprisingly "civilized" rules that often amaze visitors: no smoking, no littering, and don't be surprised if you ask to buy a bottle of water and are met with a shake of the head indicating they don't have any.
Being a high-altitude desert, Turtuk receives virtually no rain.
They rely almost exclusively on water from streams flowing along the village paths, and, like other villages in Ladakh, any food is wrapped in newspaper.
To reach this place, you must traverse the winding mountain passes of the Nubra Valley, with its diverse terrain ranging from barren limestone mountains to deep ravines.
Turtuk is not just a peaceful village nestled between the Indian and Pakistani borders, but also a living history book. Every ancient stone house, every narrow street, every buckwheat field tells a story of a glorious past and the vicissitudes of time. Turtuk is a vivid testament to the unique intermingling and blending of cultures, creating a distinct and captivating identity.
Visiting Turtuk and experiencing life in a place completely free of phones, Wi-Fi, and social media, shedding all modern conveniences to immerse yourself in the natural world, is a truly fascinating experience.
