Starting from the apricot-scented village of Turtuk, located near the Indo-Pak border, this trek winds through alpine meadows, lost shepherd trails, and remote hamlets before culminating at the peaceful Yarma Gompa, perched above the Nubra Valley. The route follows ancient caravan tracks once part of the legendary Silk Road, making this trek a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cross-cultural discovery.
The trek bridges two worlds—Turtuk, a village rooted in Balti Muslim traditions, and Yarma Gompa, a monastic sanctuary representing Tibetan Buddhist faith. This symbolic transition mirrors the cultural melting pot that Ladakh has historically been. Turtuk’s past as part of Baltistan lends it Central Asian charm, while Yarma Gompa reflects the meditative stillness of Himalayan Buddhism.
Walking this route is like flipping through pages of living history—each step introduces you to centuries-old customs, languages, and spiritual philosophies that have coexisted in harmony.
Turtuk Village: A scenic hamlet dotted with apricot orchards and stone houses
Ancient Trails: Follow shepherd routes and Silk Road-era caravan paths
Remote Hamlets: Encounter untouched Balti communities
Yarma Gompa: A serene monastery nestled above Nubra’s vast plains
Mountain Vistas: Enjoy sweeping views of the Karakoram and Ladakh Ranges
What makes this trek extraordinary is its deep cultural texture. From Islamic Sufi influences to Buddhist chants echoing in remote gompas, it’s a journey across both time and faith.
Connect with Balti villagers and learn about their customs and language
Discover Sufi poetry, local legends, and traditional dress
Observe the architectural shift from stone homes to mud monasteries
Participate in monastic rituals at Yarma Gompa
Share moments with nomads and yak herders, sipping butter tea under open skies
Moderate-level trek suitable for those with some high-altitude experience
Walk through willow groves, glacial streams, and hidden valleys
Optional camping near natural springs under starlit skies
Ideal for landscape and portrait photography
Chance to spot mountain birds and wildlife along the way
Altitude Range: Approx. 3,000 m to 3,800 m
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Trek Duration: 2–3 days depending on pace and detours
Accommodation: Homestays in Turtuk, camping en route, and lodging at Yarma monastery
Permits: Inner Line Permit is mandatory for both Turtuk and Nubra regions
Start Point: Turtuk, accessible via road from Diskit or Leh (through Khardung La)
End Point: Yarma Gompa, near Khalsar
Return Options: Either retrace your steps or descend to Khalsar and drive back to Leh
Day 2 – Begin trek from Turtuk, pass through shepherd trails, overnight near stream or with locals
Day 3 – Reach Yarma Gompa, rest and explore; return to Khalsar by foot or vehicle
This short itinerary is ideal for trekkers looking to add an offbeat experience to their Nubra Valley exploration.
Start early to beat the midday heat in the lower altitudes
Hire local guides who understand both terrain and cultures
Dress modestly and respect customs in both Islamic and Buddhist areas
Pack smart: Include warm layers, sunscreen, high-calorie snacks, and water purification tablets
Connectivity: No mobile signal beyond Turtuk—inform someone before starting
Thang Village – India’s last outpost near the Line of Control
Bogdang & Tyakshi – Lesser-known Balti villages worth exploring
Yarma Gonbo – Meditation caves near the Gompa, often used by monks
Panamik Hot Springs – Perfect spot to unwind after the trek
Diskit Monastery & Hunder Dunes – Ideal for a cultural or desert safari extension
The Turtuk to Yarma Gompa Trek is not your typical Himalayan adventure. It’s a powerful narrative trail that weaves landscapes with legacies. It shows how mountains divide lands but not humanity, and how faiths can flourish side by side. For those seeking solitude, storytelling, and soulful exploration, this trail offers a rare and unforgettable perspective on the cultural richness of Ladakh.
Thang Village – India’s last outpost near the Line of Control
Bogdang & Tyakshi – Lesser-known Balti villages worth exploring
Yarma Gonbo – Meditation caves near the Gompa, often used by monks
Panamik Hot Springs – Perfect spot to unwind after the trek
Diskit Monastery & Hunder Dunes – Ideal for a cultural or desert safari extension
