INDIA | Friday, 5 July 2013 | Views [835] | View Smaller Image
The Nubra Valley is a far-out high altitude desert nestled between the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. Most of Nubra is inhabited by Buddhist Ladakhis who speak Ladakhi; but on the western end along the Shyok River, in Changmar, Bokdang and Turtuk, people are Balti – they speak Balti and are Shia and Nurbakshia Muslims by faith. Once upon a time Turtuk, now the last village on the Indian side, was a prosperous little settlement on the Caravan Route from Leh to Baltistan. The ancient trail was broken during India-Pakistan partition and Turtuk found itself stranded on the LOC (seen in the distance). Men lost their occupation and the pressure of population upon scarce resources became oppressive.
