2,900 m
Turtuk
A Balti village of stone lanes, apricot orchards and glacial streams, among the last villages before the Line of Control.
Zanskar River
Chilling, Ladakh
A village of metalsmiths on the Zanskar river, and the starting point for rafting and the Markha trek.
- Altitude
- 3,250 m
- From Leh
- ~65 km, 2 hours
- Best time
- May to October
- Permit
- None
Chilling’s artisans are said to descend from Nepali craftsmen brought to build the giant statues of Ladakh’s monasteries. Several families still work copper and brass by hand.
More hidden gems
4,300 m
Hanle
India’s first Dark Sky Reserve: a 17th-century monastery, an observatory, and a sky crowded with stars.
2,900 m
Aryan Valley (Dha-Hanu)
Home of the Brokpa people, known for flower-crowned headdresses, vineyards and a distinct culture.
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