Tar village in Ladakh
Tar village : A jewel for those who wants to explore the real Ladakh
Tar village possesses a unique charm that is difficult to capture in words. Is it its secluded location, the dramatic surrounding landscape, its isolation, or the fact that there is no roads that sets it apart? Perhaps it is the combination of all these elements. Nestled in a remote part of Ladakh, Tar can only be reached on foot, through a strikingly beautiful valley. In 2024, a road was partially constructed to improve access to the village, but the project stirred concerns among the local residents. The valley, once untouched and pristine, saw parts of its natural beauty compromised by the construction, leading the people of Tar to take a stand. Understanding that the road could change the village’s serene appeal and dissuade visitors who come for its untouched beauty, they halted the road construction halfway.
Today, travelers can still enjoy the beauty of the valley from the point where the road ends. The journey on foot takes you through a deep, dramatic gorge carved by the river. As you follow the river, the narrow gorge eventually opens into a wide, flat area, revealing the green, tranquil village of Tar, encircled by towering arid mountains. Despite the village’s isolation, the warmth and hospitality of its residents are ever-present. Many of the villagers open their homes to travelers, offering a genuine Ladakhi experience. However, it is important to note that Tar’s residents have created a system to ensure that every family benefits equally from the tourism season. This means that the allocation of homestays is carefully managed, allowing each household to receive a fair share of guests throughout the year.
Tar village has embraced a blend of tradition and modernity. While it remains remote and tranquil, the village now has access to electricity, and a Jio tower ensures mobile connectivity, offering a rare mix of solitude and convenience for those who seek an escape while still staying connected.
Map of Tar village in Ladakh
LADAKH – MAP SHOWING THE LOCATION OF TAR VILLAGE
Tar is located on the left bank of the Indus river. It is accessible by a path that starts from the village Nurla, 10 km before Khaltse while coming from Leh.
What to do in Tar village ?
A visit to Tar, like any other Ladakhi village, offers an intimate glimpse into the real lifestyle of its residents, providing a unique window into their age-old traditions and self-sufficient ways of life. However, two activities set Tar apart from many other villages: trekking and volunteering.
Trekking
Tar is ideally located between several high-altitude passes that lead to neighboring valleys, making it a fantastic base for trekking enthusiasts. From the village, there are two noteworthy trekking routes that offer both stunning landscapes and a taste of adventure.
The first option is a trek toward the Hibti La Pass. From Tar, you ascend through the valley and cross into a neighboring valley before tackling another climb to reach Mangyu La Pass. After crossing this pass, you descend into the village of Mangyu, which is known for its ancient monastery and quiet charm. This trek can be completed in a day if you start early in the morning from Tar, reaching Mangyu by the evening. For those seeking a more immersive experience, you can spend a night in Mangyu and explore the area further.
The second trekking option takes you deeper into the valley where Tar is situated. This route leads to the Tar La Pass, standing tall at an elevation of 4915 meters. The trek to Tar La is more demanding and requires good physical fitness. While highly experienced trekkers might manage to cross the pass and descend the other side in a single day, the average trekker will appreciate taking it slow. A stop to camp before reaching the pass allows for a more relaxed pace, and it provides the chance to soak in the raw beauty of the surrounding mountains. Once you cross Tar La, the descent takes you to the village of Ursi, a key stop on the famous Lamayuru to Chilling trek (click here for more info about this trek). For trekkers looking to extend their adventure, this route offers an alternative passage through the Zanskar region, bypassing newly constructed roads and maintaining the feeling of untamed wilderness.
Trekking from Tar village
There are two trekking options from Tar village, both options require the crossing of high altitude passes.
Volunteering in Ladakh
Harvesting barley is a immense work for the villagers who really appreciate the help of volunteers.
Volunteering in Ladakh
In addition to trekking, another way to deeply connect with the local community is through volunteering. The villagers of Tar have expressed their appreciation for the help of volunteers during the crucial harvest season, which takes place from August to September. This is a time when the entire village comes together to gather crops, and the extra hands of volunteers are welcomed warmly.
Volunteering in Tar offers a meaningful way to experience Ladakhi culture, going beyond sightseeing and trekking. By staying for a few days – or even weeks – you can contribute directly to the local community, helping with the harvest and building lasting friendships with the villagers. It’s a rewarding experience that offers a unique blend of work, learning, and connection, allowing visitors to forge unforgettable bonds and truly immerse themselves in the rhythms of village life. For those seeking a deeper, more purpose-driven travel experience, volunteering in Tar is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact and take home lifelong memories.
How to get to Tar village
Reaching Tar village is relatively easy from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Himalayan Ecotourism will arrange a taxi for you to start your journey in the morning. The drive from Leh takes about two hours, winding through stunning Ladakhi landscapes before arriving at the village of Nurla. Nurla is where the trek to Tar begins, and it serves as a gateway to your adventure.
From Nurla, the hike to Tar takes approximately two hours. The trail follows a picturesque valley, running alongside a river, and offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. We recommend stopping for lunch along the way. Your guide will prepare a packed lunch for you to enjoy in the shade of the trees that line the riverbanks, offering a tranquil spot to rest.
After lunch, you’ll continue your hike and comfortably reach Tar by the afternoon, with plenty of time to settle into your homestay and explore the village at your own pace.
The gorge on the hike
You will have to cross this very impressive gorge to reach Tar village.
More photos of Tar village
The hike to Tar
It’s a wonderful experience to cross this meadow covered with wild lavender
Sunset in Tar
The sunsets are magical in Tar and give the mountains an orange color
Homestay
We hope you will enjoy the butter tea of Ladakh, your cup will always be refilled !
Traditional houses
These houses are so perfectly made for the climate of Ladakh
Fields of barley
After the harvesting season in September
Tar monastery
Yes there is also a small monastery in the Tar village !
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