Turtuk

War Memorial in Turtuk

At the end of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Turtuk came under the control of Pakistan. Three other villages- Dhothang, Tyakshi (earlier called Tiaqsi) and Chalunka of Chorbat Valley, came under control of India.[14][15] India's Ladakh Scouts and Nubra Guards under the command of Brigadier Udai Singh Bhati and his second in command Major Chewang Rinchen recaptured it during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Brigadier Udai Singh Bhati and Major Rinchen were both honoured with a Maha Vir Chakra for their gallantry and a street is named after Major Rinchen in Leh.[16]

In 1999, the two countries once again had a major conflict around this area during the Kargil War. There are a few memorials built in memory of soldiers on Main Road going towards the zero point of the India–Pakistan Line of Control.

Balti scholar Senge Sering states that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has attempted to introduce jihad into this area. The local people are confused about their loyalties because they lived under both Pakistani and Indian control, some of them having served in the Pakistan Army before India's take-over. Many of them also have relatives living across the Line of Control who are subject to intimidation by the ISI. During the Kargil infiltration by Pakistan, some of the local people were suspected to have assisted the infiltrators. The Indian Army took some of them into custody, but later released all of them. The local people are said to be grateful for the consideration shown by the Army and currently support the Army's initiatives such as the Operation Sadbhavana.[17]

In August 2010, the village of Turtuk was impacted by floods which occurred throughout the entire region of Ladakh.

1. Natural cold storage

2. Historic polo ground

3. Ruins of Brokpa fort

4. Balti Heritage House and Museum

5. Turtuk Museum

7. Water mill

8. Blacksmith

9. 16th century mosque

10. Monastery

11. Traditional handloom

12. Waterfall