Published:
December 20, 2024
Turtuk, nestled in the strategic Shyok River Valley of Ladakh, is a village of both natural beauty and profound military significance. Located near the Line of Control and close to the Line of Actual Control, Turtuk holds a pivotal position in India’s defence strategy. The Indian government, in collaboration with local authorities, is working to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism in the area while ensuring security and preserving its unique heritage.
The Battle of Turtuk took place during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Following this battle, Indian forces captured Turtuk from Pakistan, which had controlled the area since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948.
The village of Turtuk is situated in a strategically important location, as it lies in the immediate vicinity of the Line of Control, which separates it from Pakistani-administered Gilgit−Baltistan to its north. It is also in relatively close proximity to the Line of Actual Control in the east, which separates Indian-administered Ladakh from the Chinese-administered territory of Aksai Chin.
The Turtuk sector covers the entire Shyok river valley. In 1971, the Indian base of
operations was located in the Nubra valley, also known as Partapur sector. The sector
was connected to Leh via a single lane road over the famous Khardung La pass.
The Indian attack was led by the Major Chewang Rinchen, who had earlier earned an MVC in the 1947 Pakistan War and a Sena Medal in the 1962 China war. On 8 December, the force captured a Pakistani picquet on the top of the mountain known as Pt 18402. The force then captured Turtuk and the small villages of Chalunkha, Thang, and Takshi. The battle resulted in India's capture of around 580 sq km of territory and was of great strategic importance for the defence of the entire Shyok valley including the Indian headquarters at Partapur and the airfield at Thoise. Maj Rinchen was awarded his second MVC for the operation, amongst a handful of men to have been twice so decorated.
Note: Since Turtuk is situated at an altitude of more than 9,000 feet above sea level, tourists are advised to follow the acclimatization process. Please refer to the PDF attached in the important links section.
Leh → Khardung La ( 72 Km) → Hunder ( 122 Km) → Turtuk ( 207 Km) Destination
