Ladakh Nubra Turtuk Pangong Hanle Kargil Tour

About this tour

About Ladakh Nubra Turtuk Pangong Hanle Kargil Tour

Sometimes, being back in nature can make us feel good because we are away from all the problems and stories that are overwhelming us.

Giving time to organise, letting nature be a therapy, without the chaos of the outside world, without any communication, may make us feel better, even for a short while.

When travelling to Leh Ladakh (or anywhere else), the most important thing for travellers like us is to “prepare a lot of information” so that we can prepare ourselves adequately and travel and have fun without worrying, especially for those who are afraid of being allergic to the weather or experiencing altitude sickness. 

Get to know Leh

Leh serves as the capital of the Ladakh region in India. Many people like to make double trips, so Kashmir-Leh is also okay.  Leh Ladakh is relatively high above sea level, 3,500-5,500 meters. Therefore, the air is thinner than usual. There is not much oxygen. This makes tourists like us tired easily, have difficulty breathing, and our blood may be thicker than usual, causing dizziness, nausea, and risk of altitude sickness. It is freezing for people like us who have been on the equator. Therefore, do not be surprised that we are not used to the air and get sick quickly. If we let mountain people live on the plains like us, they will not be okay with it.

 Leh vs Tibet

If anyone has seen the picture, they will see that although it is in India, Leh is similar to Tibet. This place is a mixture of Tibetan and Indian cultures because it is located near Tibet in China and Pakistan, so there is a mixture of ethnicities. Many people often call Leh “Little Tibet”.

What documents do I need to prepare to go to Leh Ladakh?

The first thing is the Indian visa. You can apply for an online visa (E-Tourist Visa) or a regular one at the VFS Visa Application Center in Asoke.

The difference is the price. Regular tourist visas are valid for up to one year but are more expensive. So, choose whichever is more convenient for you. 

What is the best month to visit Leh Ladakh?

This depends on your preference. You should go from November to March if you like Leh in a beautiful white picture with lots of snow and fluffy like in a refrigerator. It will be the winter season, but it might be hard to find something to eat because only a few people go there. Most shops are closed, it is difficult to travel, there is a lot of snow, but it is beautiful.

It will be spring for those waiting to travel during the long Songkran holiday. There will be flowers and trees to see, spreading brightness. For those who like trekking, you can travel comfortably by motorbike. The weather is good. The most popular time to travel is during the summer in Leh, around June to August and into September. The quietest time is around the end of October to around November. This is the time when the leaves change colour. Leh will be golden, but the shops will start to close.

Food and drink

Most of the food there is vegetarian, focusing on vegetables and eggs, and it is eaten with Basmati rice, rice vermicelli similar to Mee Sua, and bean curry, focusing on spices. Therefore, the vital thing for those who are picky eaters is that we should prepare food from Thailand. Dried food, instant noodles, canned fish, pork jerky, shredded pork, instant curry or chilli paste can save our lives. Importantly, travelling during the day will take quite a long time by car, so we may need more time to eat. What you need to do is prepare a survival kit in the car. In the bag, prepare snacks, snack bars, bananas, fruits, chocolate, and candy, and put them in a bag to keep during the trip. Remember to bring water.

Turtuk

Turtuk, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, was under Pakistani control until 1971, when India retook it and became part of the Indian map overnight. Situated at 3,001 meters, Turtuk is lower in altitude than Leh and offers a striking contrast with its lush, green landscape, blooming apricot trees, and pleasant summer weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. It is the northernmost village in India and is known for its proximity to the Siachen Glacier. The town, inhabited by the Balti people with unique culture and language, features homestays starting from Rs. 500. Turtuk is accessible from Leh via a 5.5-hour drive that crosses Khardung La and the Nubra Valley. Despite its beauty and welcoming atmosphere, tourism in Turtuk only began in 2010 due to its location near a volatile border.

Chang La Pass is almost reaching the sky.

Chang La Pass, standing at 5,360 meters above sea level, is the third-highest motorable road in the world and must be crossed before reaching Pangong Lake. The pass is known for its windy and cold conditions, even under the sun. The stunning view at Chang La gives the impression that the icy peaks are within reach. A small temple, Changla Baba, is at the pass, where visitors can stop to worship and take photos. It’s recommended not to stay at Chang La for more than 15-20 minutes due to the high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness. Many travellers also take group photos in front of the sign at the pass to commemorate their visit.

From Leh to Pangong 

Pangong Tso Lake, located in the northernmost part of Ladakh, straddles the border between India and China, with 40% of its length in India and 60% in Chinese territory. Travelling from Leh to Pangong Lake takes about 4-6 hours, covering 149 kilometres on a steep, winding road that can be challenging and potentially dangerous for inexperienced drivers. The journey can be made as a day trip, with an early morning departure from Leh to arrive at the lake by noon or early afternoon, or as an overnight trip, allowing for the experience of sunset, sunrise, and stargazing by the lake. Overnight visitors can stay in tents by the lake, with the possibility of capturing stunning photos of the Milky Way or star trails if the sky is clear. An ILP (Inner Line Permit) is required to visit Pangong Lake, which can be obtained through a local tour agent or hotel and usually takes 2-3 days. The road to Pangong Lake can be affected by weather conditions, such as floods, landslides, or ice during winter, so it’s essential to check the weather before planning the trip. The best time to visit is from July to September, when the weather is generally straightforward. Along the way, the breathtaking scenery, including unique mountain landscapes, streams, and grasslands, often prompts travellers to stop frequently for photos, making the journey both beautiful and memorable.

Turtuk

Turtuk Village is a remote and secluded destination, almost like crossing mountains. For those who appreciate breathtaking mountain landscapes and the simplicity of life without modern conveniences, Turtuk offers a unique experience. Located approximately 205 kilometres from Leh, Turtuk is accessible but requires careful planning due to its distance and challenging terrain. The Shyok River, also known as the “River of Death,” flows through the village, marking the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. Turtuk was under Pakistani rule until 1971, and its strategic location made it a contested area before it became part of India. The village’s proximity to the border is so close that after crossing the high mountains surrounding it, one would find themselves in Pakistan. This unique history means that while the village is now part of India, the people here retain their Pakistani heritage, mostly Muslims of Balti descent.

The villagers’ lives are simple and traditional, focused on agriculture, livestock, and handicrafts. Despite the change in nationality, their beliefs and way of life remain deeply rooted in their past. Turtuk’s rugged beauty is framed by the towering Karakoram Mountains, which connect the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush Mountains.

Turtuk’s residents speak Balti, a language on the verge of extinction and more closely related to Tibetan than modern Tibetan. It is spoken in the Baltistan region, including parts of Pakistan and Nubra. The language is simple, with straightforward stress patterns, unlike the complex sounds of standard Tibetan. Visitors to Leh and the surrounding areas, including Turtuk, often need to navigate multiple languages due to the region’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

As a Muslim village in the predominantly Buddhist region of Ladakh, located within Hindu-majority India, Turtuk represents a unique blend of cultures. Since the town was opened to tourists in 2010, the residents have welcomed visitors warmly, eager to share and exchange cultural experiences. The village’s children are particularly fond of interacting with tourists, although asking for permission before taking photos and offering small gifts or snacks is polite.

Turtuk is also known as the top producer of apricots in Ladakh, so visitors can expect to enjoy apricots in various forms, from fresh and dried to those mixed with walnuts, making for a delightful local snack.