Khaplu Fort

Quick facts

• Height above sea level: 8,550 ft (about 2,610 m)
• Nearest city: Khaplu — In Khaplu town; about 103 km from Skardu (about 2.5 to 3 hours by road)
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 12°C to 27°C
• Winter (Dec–Feb): -12°C to 2°C

Famous for: Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar), built around 1840 by Raja Daulat Ali Khan, is a Balti-Tibetan style royal residence restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and now partly run as a Serena heritage hotel.

Khaplu Fort, locally known as Yabgo Raja Palace, is a historic heritage landmark located in Khaplu, Gilgit-Baltistan. Built in the mid-19th century (1840) by the Yabgo Dynasty, the fort showcases a distinctive blend of Tibetan, Kashmiri, Balti, and Mughal architectural styles. Restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the complex now functions as both a heritage museum and a luxury hotel operated by Serena Hotels. Surrounded by lush orchards and high mountain peaks, the fort offers visitors a rich historical journey into the royal heritage and culture of the Baltistan region.Approximately 100 km (around 2.5 to 3 hours drive via the Skardu-Kargil Road).Elevation: Approximately 2,600 meters (around 8,500 feet) above sea level.