Tourist footfall has been rapidly increasing in Union Territory of Ladakh. Tourists have also started to increase in Ladakh’s unknown little hamlet, Turtuk which is lies close to Pakistan border and located in Nubra Valley region of Ladakh, on the banks of Shyok River.
Turtuk is an unexplored and offbeat place, opened the door for tourists only in 2010. Turtuk is also known as the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. In 2010, travellers to Ladakh were permitted to travel up to Turtuk and occasionally even Thang in order to develop tourism in the area and connect the locals with the rest of the nation. Even foreigners were allowed entry into the village by 2013.
Turtuk is surrounded by lush green trees, in contrast to the rest of Ladakh, which is a desolate wasteland and a freezing desert devoid of anything green. In terms of its people, there is another contrast. While most of the people in Turtuk are Balti Muslims while Buddhism predominates in Ladakh.
The beauty of nature is what attracts maximum tourists to Turtuk. The tranquility and calmness of this region is something that city people crave for and that is the primary attraction of this small village.
Also people can enjoy trekking through the lush greenery, to the monastery. One will be mesmerized to see the phenomenal view of the riverbank and icy glaciers that are glancing down upon you.
There are various places where one can enjoy their trip to Turtuk such as 16th century Polo ground, Brokpa Fort, Water mill, waterfall, Mosque, Balti Heritage House, Monastery and many such beautiful places. Turktu offers wide variety of fruits and is known for specially apricots. Apart from multiple products that boast Apricots in all shapes and forms, Turtuk also has bragging rights on some unique woodwork. Walking canes, you can purchase through many artisans of the town.
Also recently, The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has saluted the people of Turtuk in Ladakh for their passion and vision towards Swachh India.
As per ANI, the owner of a local guest house Hashmatullah and Portia Conrad, a research scholar from New Delhi took the initiative of curating a cleanliness drive in the whole of Turtuk village. Conrad was visiting Turtuk for an ongoing research project on the Balti community. School children of government schools and Turtuk Valley School also participated in the initiative. Villagers of Turtuk said that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign are not just words but both campaigns have become a way of life now. They see it as a bond which securely integrates them with the rest of India. They say it is up to them to preserve the environment of India’s mighty mountains and water bodies
