The Raja's summer palace on the Shyok River. Carved balconies five storeys above the valley.
Khaplu Palace was the summer residence of the Rajas of Khaplu. Built in the 19th century, its five-storey wooden structure features carved balconies and ceiling work reflecting both Balti and Tibetan influence. Restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Service in partnership with Serena Hotels.
| Location | ~103km from Skardu, 3-4h. In Khaplu town. |
| Day visit | Entry fee around Rs.500 — confirm current rate. Guided tour recommended. |
| Hotel rooms | 20 rooms. Rs.12,000-22,000/night. |
| The balconies | Carved wooden balconies on upper floors looking across the Shyok River valley. |
| Combine with | Manthokha Waterfall (20km) and Hushe Valley (30km for treks). |
Khaplu sits about 103km east of Skardu, in Ghanche district, and the drive takes roughly 3-4 hours along the Shyok River. It is too far for a casual half-day outing, so most visitors either stay overnight at the palace hotel or fold Khaplu into a wider Baltistan circuit. The palace itself stands in Khaplu town, five storeys of carved wooden balconies looking out across the river valley — the same balconies that make the upper floors the highlight of any visit.
A day visit costs Rs.500 and a guided tour is worth taking to make sense of the Balti and Tibetan craftsmanship and the Aga Khan restoration. If you want to stay, the heritage hotel has 20 rooms at Rs.12,000-22,000 a night. Khaplu also makes a natural base for nearby sights: Manthokha Waterfall is about 20km away, and the Hushe Valley, 30km on, is the gateway for treks toward the high Karakoram.
It is about 103km from Skardu, a 3-4 hour drive along the Shyok River.
A day visit costs Rs.500, and a guided tour is recommended.
Yes. The heritage hotel has 20 rooms priced at Rs.12,000-22,000 a night.
It dates from the 19th century, when it served as the summer residence of the Rajas of Khaplu, and was later restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Service with Serena Hotels.
Manthokha Waterfall is about 20km away, and the Hushe Valley, around 30km on, is a base for treks.