DESTINATION GUIDE
Khaplu: Historic Royal Town of Baltistan
Discover the enchanting former royal settlement known for its magnificent palace, ancient mosque, and breathtaking mountain backdrops.
Discover the enchanting former royal settlement known for its magnificent palace, ancient mosque, and breathtaking mountain backdrops.
Nestled in the eastern part of Baltistan at an elevation of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet), Khaplu is a hidden gem that serves as the administrative capital of the Ghanche District. Often referred to as the "Hidden Paradise" of Baltistan, this historic town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and royal history.
Khaplu was once a small independent kingdom and later served as the second seat of power of the Yabgo Dynasty, who ruled this region for centuries. The town is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Karakoram Range with magnificent views of the Masherbrum peak (7,821 meters), creating a breathtaking landscape that captivates visitors.
Today, this picturesque valley is known for its lush apricot and apple orchards, terraced fields, historic architecture, and the warm hospitality of its people. The centerpiece of Khaplu is the meticulously restored 19th-century Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Fort), which stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage and architectural brilliance.
The best time to visit Khaplu is from May to October when the weather is pleasant and all attractions are accessible.
Discover the key attractions and points of interest in the historic royal town of Khaplu.
Discover the rich heritage, royal lineage, and cultural landscape of Khaplu.
Like much of Baltistan, Khaplu was predominantly Buddhist until the 14th century. The region was known as "Little Tibet" due to its strong cultural and historical ties with Tibet. Archaeological evidence and rock carvings dating back centuries can still be found in the surrounding areas.
The Yabgo Dynasty ruled Khaplu from the late 14th century until 1972. The name "Yabgo" is believed to have been derived from the early Tibetan kings called "Yab-Gzhung." The dynasty established Khaplu as the second kingdom of Baltistan, with the first being in Skardu.
The 18th and 19th centuries marked the golden period for Khaplu, with significant advancements in architecture, arts, and agriculture. The magnificent Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Fort) was built in the 1840s by the Yabgo Raja of Khaplu, showcasing the architectural brilliance of that era.
The princely state was abolished in 1972, and Khaplu became part of the Ghanche District in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to preserve the historical heritage of the region, with the Khaplu Palace being restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and converted into a heritage hotel.
Khaplu features a unique architectural heritage that combines Tibetan, Central Asian, and indigenous styles. The use of stone, wood, and mud in traditional buildings showcases exceptional craftsmanship that has been preserved over centuries, with the Khaplu Palace being a prime example.
The 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, built in the traditional Tibetan architectural style, stands as one of the oldest mosques in the region and reflects the harmonious blend of Buddhist architectural elements with Islamic religious purposes.
Traditional Balti music with instruments like the Surnai (flute), Daman (drums), and Daff (frame drum) is integral to local celebrations. The annual Jashn-e-Baharan festival in spring and harvest celebrations showcase Khaplu's cultural vibrancy through traditional dances and folk songs.
Khaplu's cuisine features unique Balti dishes like Marzan (buckwheat pancakes), Kisseer (pancake made from buckwheat flour), traditional teas, and various preparations using locally grown apricots and walnuts. The region is particularly known for its organic farming practices and flavorful dishes.
The word "Khaplu" is believed to have been derived from "Shayok-lu" (the valley where the Shayok river flows) or from "Kha-pu-lu" meaning "the place where the snow melts and flows downstream" in the ancient Tibetan language.
Explore the must-visit destinations that showcase Khaplu's royal heritage, religious significance, and natural beauty.
Built in 1840, this magnificent palace served as the royal residence of the Yabgo Dynasty. Beautifully restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, it now functions as a heritage museum and luxury hotel, showcasing traditional Balti architecture and royal artifacts.
One of the oldest mosques in the region, built in the 14th century by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. This architectural masterpiece blends Tibetan Buddhist design elements with Islamic principles, featuring intricate woodwork and a unique tiered wooden roof structure.
The gateway to some of the world's highest peaks, including K6, K7, and Masherbrum. Hushe Valley offers stunning panoramic views, traditional villages, and serves as the starting point for treks to major Karakoram mountains and base camps.
A picturesque valley just 20 minutes from Khaplu featuring a pristine cricket ground surrounded by towering mountains. Known for its lush green meadows, clear streams, and spectacular views, it's perfect for picnics, photography, and short hikes.
A pristine alpine lake situated at a high elevation above Khaplu, accessible via a moderate trekking route. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a picture-perfect setting for nature lovers and photographers.
A traditional Balti village where ancient farming practices and lifestyle have been preserved. Visitors can experience authentic rural culture, observe organic farming techniques, interact with locals, and enjoy stunning views of terraced fields and fruit orchards.
Experience the stunning beauty and cultural richness of Khaplu through these captivating images.
The 19th-century royal residence beautifully restored
The 14th-century wooden mosque with unique architecture
Gateway to some of the world's highest peaks
Picturesque meadows with mountain backdrop
Spectacular views of the 7,821m Masherbrum peak
Aerial view of the lush valley with terraced fields
Everything you need to know to make your journey to Khaplu smooth and memorable.
Khaplu is located approximately 103 kilometers east of Skardu city. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by car along a scenic but winding mountain road that follows the Shyok River. The road is generally well-maintained but can be challenging in some sections.
To reach Khaplu from Islamabad, first travel to Skardu either by air (1-hour flight) or by road via the Karakoram Highway (20-24 hours). From Skardu, proceed to Khaplu using local transportation as described above.
The main settlement of Khaplu is relatively compact and many attractions within the town can be explored on foot. For visiting attractions scattered throughout the valley and surrounding areas, you'll need transportation.
Options include:
For those interested in trekking to remote areas like Hushe Valley (gateway to major peaks) or high mountain passes, specialized transportation and guides are necessary.
Stay in the historic 19th-century royal palace beautifully restored as a heritage hotel. Experience royal living with authentic restoration, museum-quality furnishings, and spectacular mountain views.
Check Availability
Comfortable accommodation in the center of Khaplu with mountain views and traditional Balti-style hospitality. The hotel's restaurant serves authentic local cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Check Availability
Experience authentic Balti lifestyle with local families in traditional houses. Simple accommodations with immersive cultural experiences, home-cooked organic meals, and the genuine hospitality that Baltistan is famous for.
Check AvailabilityBegin with a comprehensive tour of the magnificent Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Fort), exploring the museum, royal chambers, and gardens. Continue to the historic Chaqchan Mosque to admire its ancient wooden architecture and cultural significance.
Enjoy lunch featuring local Balti cuisine, then explore the traditional village houses and narrow lanes of old Khaplu. Visit local craftsmen to see traditional woodworking and weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Head to a nearby viewpoint to catch the sunset illuminating Masherbrum peak and the surrounding mountains. Return to town for a traditional Balti dinner featuring local specialties like Mamtu (meat dumplings) and apricot-based dishes.
Follow the one-day itinerary above, focusing on the historical and cultural aspects of central Khaplu.
Visit Saling Valley in the morning for its stunning meadows and cricket ground surrounded by mountains. Continue to Machulu Village to experience traditional organic farming practices and authentic rural lifestyle. In the afternoon, visit the Masherbrum viewpoint for spectacular mountain panoramas.
Take a full-day excursion to Hushe Valley, the gateway to major Karakoram peaks. Enjoy short hikes in the valley, visit traditional settlements, and experience the breathtaking mountain scenery that attracts climbers and trekkers from around the world.
Read what visitors have to say about their adventures in Khaplu.
Our stay at Khaplu Palace was an unforgettable experience. Walking through halls where royalty once lived while enjoying modern comforts was magical. The restoration work is impeccable, and the staff shared fascinating stories about the palace's history. Watching the sunset illuminate Masherbrum from the palace gardens was a highlight of our Pakistan trip.
Visited August 2024 from Canada
The journey from Skardu to Khaplu was an adventure in itself, with stunning views at every turn. Khaplu surprised me with its rich history and authentic cultural experiences. Visiting the 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque was like stepping back in time. Don't miss Saling Valley—the cricket ground surrounded by towering peaks is surreal.
Visited June 2024 from Lahore
Khaplu was the highlight of our Baltistan journey. The day trip to Hushe Valley was breathtaking—the gateway to some of the world's highest peaks. We stayed with a local family in Machulu village who taught us how to make traditional Balti dishes with ingredients from their garden. The hospitality we experienced was beyond anything I've encountered elsewhere.
Visited September 2024 from Germany
Find answers to common questions about traveling to Khaplu.
While it's possible to see the main attractions of Khaplu in one full day, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days to fully appreciate the town's heritage and surrounding natural beauty. This allows time to explore the historic palace, visit traditional villages, enjoy the natural scenery, and potentially take a day trip to Hushe Valley. If you're interested in trekking or more remote areas, consider adding additional days to your itinerary.
Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Fort) is special for several reasons. Built in the 1840s by the Yabgo Raja of Khaplu, it's one of the finest examples of royal Balti architecture. The palace underwent a meticulous restoration by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, preserving its historical integrity while converting it into a heritage museum and luxury hotel. The restoration won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation. The palace features unique architectural elements that blend Tibetan, Central Asian, and local influences, with impressive woodwork throughout. Staying at the palace allows visitors to experience royal history while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
While Khaplu serves as an important staging point for mountaineering expeditions, the trek to K2 base camp doesn't start directly from Khaplu. Instead, you would need to travel from Khaplu to Hushe Village (about 50 km), and then to Saicho. From there, it's a challenging 7-10 day trek to K2 Base Camp via the Gondogoro La pass route. This alternative route to K2 is less traveled than the traditional Baltoro Glacier route from Askole (near Shigar). The trek requires proper permits, excellent physical conditioning, high-altitude experience, and should be undertaken with experienced guides. Most trekkers arrange their K2 expeditions through professional trekking companies that handle all logistics, permits, and support staff.
Khaplu offers several unique souvenirs that showcase local craftsmanship and agricultural products. Look for handcrafted wooden items with intricate carvings, particularly small boxes, utensils, and decorative pieces that demonstrate the region's woodworking expertise. Traditional textiles including handwoven rugs, embroidered fabrics, and traditional Balti caps make excellent mementos. The region is famous for its organic dried fruits, particularly apricots, mulberries, and walnuts, which are available year-round and make practical gifts. Pure apricot oil, produced locally using traditional methods, is prized for its cosmetic and culinary uses. You can find these items at small shops in Khaplu bazaar or directly from artisans in the villages.
Khaplu is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. The local population is hospitable and respectful toward tourists. However, as with travel in any conservative region, female travelers should observe local customs regarding dress and behavior. This includes wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and considering a head covering when visiting religious sites. While violent crime is rare, it's advisable to avoid walking alone in remote areas after dark. Staying at established accommodations like Khaplu Palace or recommended guesthouses provides an additional layer of security and support. Many solo female travelers report positive experiences in Khaplu, often noting the respectful treatment and helpful nature of locals.
Chaqchan Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the region, dating back to the 14th century when Islam was introduced to Baltistan. The name "Chaqchan" means "The Miraculous Stone" in the Balti language. According to local tradition, it was built by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, a Persian Sufi saint who played a significant role in spreading Islam in the region. What makes this mosque architecturally unique is its blend of Tibetan Buddhist design elements with Islamic religious purposes. The wooden structure features a distinctive multi-tiered roof, intricate woodcarvings, and a prayer hall supported by wooden columns—all reflective of pre-Islamic Tibetan architectural influences. It stands as a living testament to the cultural transition of the region from Buddhism to Islam and continues to be an active place of worship for the local community.
Begin your journey to this historic royal town of Baltistan, where ancient heritage and breathtaking landscapes await your discovery.