Khaplu Palace
Khaplu, Gilgit-Baltistan
Quick Info
Attraction Type
Fort
Location
, Pakistan
Timings
Tickets / Entry
Recommended Duration
2 to 3 Hours
Visa / NOC Info
Standard Tourist Visa
Wheelchair Support
Not Accessible
Description
Khaplu Palace is an old royal fort and palace in Khaplu, Gilgit-Baltistan. It was built in the 1840s by Raja Yabgo Fateh Ali Khan, the ruler of Khaplu. The palace served as the home for the Khaplu royal family. It has been carefully fixed up and now part of it is a hotel and a small museum. It shows the local building style and history of the area.
What To Do
- Explore the traditional architecture of the palace.
- Visit the small museum inside to see old artifacts.
- Walk through the old royal gardens and enjoy the quiet.
- See the views of the Shyok River and surrounding mountains.
- Learn about the history of the Yabgo dynasty that ruled here.
What To Buy
- Local Handicrafts: Look for handmade items like wooden carvings and embroidery at Khaplu Bazaar Get Directions
- Dry Fruits: Buy local apricots, almonds, and walnuts from shops in Khaplu Main Market Get Directions
- Traditional Wool Shawls: Find warm, hand-woven shawls from local vendors near the palace Get Directions
- Hand-Woven Rugs: Small, colorful rugs can be found in shops around Khaplu Bazaar Get Directions
- Local Jams and Honey: Buy fresh, organic jams and honey from small stalls throughout Khaplu town Get Directions
Policies & Info
- Please respect local customs and traditions.
- Modest clothing is suggested, especially for women.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of local people.
- Do not leave trash; keep the palace and its grounds clean.
- Follow the rules set by the palace management.
Health & Safety
- Khaplu is at a high altitude, so take time to get used to it.
- Drink plenty of clean water to stay hydrated.
- Wear comfortable shoes because there might be uneven paths.
- Carry basic medicines and a small first-aid kit.
- Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so be ready for different conditions.
Best Season to Visit
Spring: (April to May) The weather is mild and pleasant. Flowers start to bloom, making the valley green and pretty. It's a good time for outdoor walks.
Summer: (June to August) This is the best time to visit. Days are warm, and the skies are clear. It's perfect for seeing the sights and traveling on mountain roads.
Monsoon/Rainy: /Rainy: (July to September) Khaplu gets less rain than other parts of Pakistan. There might be some light showers, but it's generally still a good time, though roads can be risky.
Autumn: (September to November) The weather turns cool and the trees change color to yellow and red. The views are very beautiful. It's a nice time for quiet travel.
Winter: (December to March) It gets very cold with heavy snowfall. Many roads might be closed. Visiting during this time is difficult and limited due to snow.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest active airport is Skardu Airport (SKD), about 110 kilometers away. From Skardu, you can take a jeep or car to Khaplu, which takes about 3-4 hours.
- By Road: Khaplu is reached by a road from Skardu, which connects to the main Karakoram Highway. The journey from Skardu to Khaplu is along a winding mountain road.
- By Train: There are no railway lines in Gilgit-Baltistan. The nearest major active railway station is Rawalpindi Railway Station (RWP), which is hundreds of kilometers away in Punjab.
- By Public Transport: Shared jeeps and vans regularly run from Skardu city to Khaplu. You can find them at the main jeep stands in Skardu.
Where to Eat / Stay
- Where to Eat:
- Serena Khaplu Palace Restaurant: Offers local and international food inside the palace. Location: Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Rd, Khaplu. Contact: (05816) 450302. Get Directions
- Hotel De Khaplu Restaurant: Serves Pakistani and local dishes. Location: Main Khaplu Road, Khaplu. Contact: 0346 9512345. Get Directions
- Where to Stay:
- Serena Hotel Khaplu Palace: A heritage hotel partly within the old palace. Location: Chaqchan Rd, Khaplu. Contact: (05816) 450302. Website: serenahotels.com Get Directions
- Hotel De Khaplu: A simple and clean hotel option in town. Location: Main Khaplu Road, Khaplu. Contact: 0346 9512345. Get Directions
Emergency Contacts
- DHQ Hospital Khaplu. Phone: 05816-920025. Get Directions
- Ambulances: 1122 (Pakistan Emergency Service)
- Police Station: Police Station Khaplu. Phone: 05816-920026. Get Directions
