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Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar), Restored Royal Residence of the Khaplu Rajas

Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar) Tours · Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar) Tour Packages · Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar) Trip

HeritageHistoryArchitectureSerena Hotel

Overview

Khaplu Palace, also known as Yabgo Khar, was the royal residence of the Rajas of Khaplu, built in 1840 blending Tibetan, Balti and Kashmiri architectural styles. Restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and reopened in 2011 as the Khaplu Fort Residence (Serena), it's now one of Pakistan's most celebrated heritage hotels, and open to day visitors even if you're not staying overnight.

The palace anchors the wider Khaplu Valley, itself one of Baltistan's greenest and most fertile valleys, roughly 3 hours from Skardu city.

History

Built in 1840 as the residence of the Khaplu royal family, the palace fell into disrepair through the 20th century before a major restoration by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, completed in 2011, returned it to its original grandeur as both a heritage site and a working luxury hotel.

Things to Do Here

✓ Guided Palace Tour✓ Khaplu Valley Walks✓ Chaqchan Mosque Nearby✓ Manthoka Waterfall Day Trip

Tours That Visit Here

Nearby Attractions

Questions

Yes, day visitors can tour the palace and grounds; staying overnight simply extends the experience.
About 103km, roughly a 3-hour drive, making it feasible as a long day trip or a more relaxed overnight addition.

Quick Facts

LocationKhaplu, ~103km from Skardu
Built1840
Restored ByAga Khan Trust for Culture, reopened 2011
Best TimeApril-October

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