Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Royal Enfield Journey to Turtuk
A long time ago, there was a big fight between India and Pakistan.
During this fight, the Indian Army, led by a brave man named Major Chewang Rinchen, captured a beautiful place called Turtuk in the Nubra Valley.
This place is very special because it has tall mountains, sandy dunes, and even double-humped camels.
The people who live there are called Balti, and they have their own language and culture.
They are happy to be part of India because they have good schools and hospitals.
But now, more people are visiting this place, and it's getting dirty with plastic waste.
The locals are worried about keeping their home clean.
Indian Army captured 883 sq km of territory from Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the Shyok Valley during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Major Chewang Rinchen led the operation, earning the nickname 'Nawab of Nubra'.
Turtuk is part of the Nubra Valley in Ladakh, known for its diverse landscape and unique culture.
The Balti people have their own distinct language, culture, and food, different from both Ladakhis and Kashmiris.
Tourism has brought prosperity to Turtuk, but also concerns about plastic waste and environmental impact.
- Who
- Indian Army – Ladakh Scouts under Major Chewang Rinchen
- What
- Capture of 883 sq km of territory from Pakistan-administered Kashmir
- When
- December 8-14, 1971
- Where
- Shyok Valley, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
- Why
- Strategic military operation during the 1971 Indo-Pak War
- Location
- Turtuk, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
- Altitude
- 5,359 meters (17,582 feet)
- Territory Captured
- 883 sq km
- Operation
- Battle of Turtuk (1971)
- Key Figure
- Major Chewang Rinchen
- Local People
- Balti
- Unique Feature
- Bactrian camels