
The Baltistan village of Turtuk, Ladakh
Turtuk is about as close as you can get to Pakistan in India, physically and literally. This delightful village is crunched into the narrowing Shyok River valley in the furthest corner of India, right at the tippy-top of the map. Only when the Indo-Pakistan war ended in 1971, Turtuk (together with 5 other Balti villages) was then included within the Indian line of border control. It remained off limits until 2 years ago and keeping it well off the the beaten track. It was perhaps one of the nicest ways to end this trip, as Turtuk was in every sense a treat – culturally intact, untainted by tourism and simply delightful.
Bridget Ringdahl
Pedaling has been natural to me since the tender age of three. Cycling is practical, fun, it gets you to the corner café, across countries, continents, keeps you fit and is by far the most efficient and environmentally friendly transport option around, being virtually carbon neutral.
I live in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal which is great cycling country, within 10 minutes I can be bouncing along some of the finest single tracks in the province.
I live in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal which is great cycling country, within 10 minutes I can be bouncing along some of the finest single tracks in the province.
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Beautiful people. Your photographs do them justice and your words paint their souls. Remarkable. Love visitng there through your eyes. Laura
Fabulous story Bridge! Thanks for sharing this incredible experience. That's living!
Wonderful photographs. The children are so beautiful. I enjoy seeing the world through your eyes.
Such poverty but such grace! You're an inspiration, Bridget, and so are the people you photograph! Lotsa love, Tricia Glyn
Wow... I always wanted to go Turtuk in my 2009 trip. But it was closed for tourists till 2010. Nice glimpse through your lens :)
I was there 2011 in month of june. That is beautiful place. I wanted to go Turtuk again.
thanks for all of you.
Thank for all of U.remember beautifull turtuk!......
quite impressive. can you please share some details of Chulunkha village(included in the 5 villages taken by india in 1971)?
i actually belong to the other side of the LOC and have a great desir to know about these people and the area.
wow.! people on the both side share a common culture.! love ya..!!
These photo's are outstanding. I went to Turtuk in June 2011 and spent one night and two half days there. It is one of the most magnificent places I've ever been.
thanks dale, indeed such special and beautiful spot!
Bridget! Your photos bring me back. I was just trying to remember the name of "Turtuk" , which came to mind when thinking of one of the places I've been that's farthest from where i live. When i couldn't recall it, I did a search and clicked your website by chance. What a nice surprise! I still remember you saying goodbye to the donkeys in Leh just before you left.…
Thanks for you all to recomment these place.,,,..such a beautiful village for the tourist,,..And Turtuk holiday resort make your holidays r perfect.,,...,,,.,and i very thankful you all visitor to recomment to this village..,,,
i lov the senn of tortuk is that the cool weather and the most important seen in my life the journey of this villige it is such a very beautiful and romaintik place i advice 2 u all frndzz to visit here and enjoy your self thank you 2 all frndzz in this summer i shall b go 4 the journaey......
just returned from turtuk last fortnight unable to describe but concur with every word written
just tooo beautiful for words
i have never been out there.our ancestors used to live in this region before 1971, during war they were migrated to skardu baltistan. now we are wishing to have a visit it. [email protected]
Wow how interesting, I wish it could be made easier, it seems so silly that families that are literally a few kilometres apart have to travel for 4 days to meet each other just because of silly politicians!
What an amazing place and people I missed this place due to altitude sickness during my trip to Leh hopefully i would visit next time, very unique people from the rest of the country
I am planning to visit turtuk this july, can you please share the contact of the person where you had homestay.