Khaplu Palace
Yabgo Khar
A Balti royal palace built in 1840 that blends Tibetan, Kashmiri and Mughal styles and has been restored as the Serena boutique hotel.
Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar) stands in Khaplu town in Ghanche District, about 100 km east of Skardu. Built around 1840 by the Yabgo dynasty, this four-storey timber-and-stone palace combines Tibetan, Kashmiri and Mughal architectural elements, with finely carved wooden balconies. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture restored it in 2011, earning a UNESCO heritage conservation award. It now operates as the Serena boutique hotel, and non-guests can buy a ticket to visit the museum. Khaplu sits in the Shyok Valley, with views of Masherbrum Peak. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and many travellers spend a night here.
Opening hours
9 am–5 pm (visits for non-guests)
Nearby sights
- Chaqchan Mosque
- Manthokha Waterfall
- Sarfaranga Cold Desert
- Amburik Mosque
- Shigar Fort
- Blind Lake (Zharba Tso)
- Satpara Lake
- Manthal Buddha Rock