Kharpocho Fort (Skardu Fort)
Kharpocho
A 16th-century royal fortress on a rocky hill beside Skardu town, with panoramic views over the Indus River and the whole of Skardu from the top.
Kharpocho Fort, whose name means 'king of castles,' was built in the late 16th century by Ali Sher Khan Anchan of the Maqpon dynasty of Baltistan. It stands on a rocky hill beside the Indus River next to Skardu town and was damaged in many later wars. From the foot of the hill on the northern side of town, climb the stone steps for about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the fort. Its remains include city walls, a mosque and wooden houses. From the top, you have a 360-degree view of the Indus River, the Skardu basin and the cold desert, especially beautiful at sunset. The entrance fee is low. The path is steep, so drink plenty of water.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Manthal Buddha Rock
- Katpana Cold Desert
- Satpara Lake
- Blind Lake (Zharba Tso)
- Sarfaranga Cold Desert
- Amburik Mosque
- Shigar Fort
- Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake)