Quick Answer
Turtuk, a Balti village in lower Nubra about 205 km from Leh, opened to visitors in 2010: apricot orchards, the old palace and museum, homestays, permits and how to plan it.
Turtuk lies in the lower Shyok valley at the far end of Nubra, about 205 km from Leh and close to the Line of Control. It is a Balti village: the people are mostly Muslim, speak Balti, and their culture is closer to Baltistan than to Buddhist Ladakh. Turtuk was opened to tourists in 2010. At about 2,900 m it is lower and greener than most of Ladakh, with apricot and walnut orchards, barley fields and stone houses on a terrace above the river.
Quick answer
Turtuk is about 205 km from Leh (7 to 8 hours) via Khardung La, Diskit and Hunder, or about 90 km beyond Hunder. Stay a night in a village homestay. A Nubra protected-area registration is needed. Best from May to October; apricots ripen in July and August.
What to see and do
- Walk the village lanes, irrigation channels and orchards.
- The old palace of the Yabgo family and its small museum.
- The village mosque and the old wooden mosque.
- Cold storage rooms built into rock, used as natural fridges.
- The river viewpoint and suspension bridge over the Shyok.
Getting there
| From | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Leh (via Khardung La) | About 205 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| Hunder | About 85 to 90 km | 2.5 hours |
| Diskit | About 90 km | 2.5 to 3 hours |
Most travellers stay in Diskit or Hunder on night one and drive to Turtuk the next day, staying there or returning to Hunder.
Staying in Turtuk
Homestays and small guesthouses are the main options and the best way to experience the village. Dress modestly, ask before photographing people, especially women, and remember it is a conservative, mostly Muslim community.
Permits
Indian citizens register online and pay the Ladakh environment and wildlife fees before visiting protected areas such as Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Hanle and Turtuk; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit through a registered agent. Rules and fees change, so check our permits guide before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Turtuk from Leh?
About 205 km via Khardung La and Diskit, 7 to 8 hours of driving.
When did Turtuk open to tourists?
In 2010.
What language is spoken in Turtuk?
Balti. The village culture is closer to Baltistan than to Buddhist Ladakh.
Do I need a permit for Turtuk?
Yes, as part of the Nubra protected area.
What is the best time to visit Turtuk?
May to October. Apricots ripen in July and August; autumn colours come in October.
Can I visit Turtuk as a day trip from Hunder?
Yes, it is about 2.5 hours each way, but an overnight homestay is far better.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.