The word Kharpocho is derived from the Balti local language, which is spoken in the Baltistan region. The word “Khar” means house in the Balti language, and KharPocho means ” King of forts”. The fort is located in Skardu, Baltistan.
The fort was built in the 16th century during the reign of the local king Ali Sher Khan Anchan. The fort is 40m above sea level on the mountain. Visitors can see the whole of Skardu from Kharpocho fort.
Historical Importance Of Kharpocho Fort
During the partition wars against the Dogra rajas, this fort was used for military observation by the local militants. Due to the presence of high altitude, militants can observe enemies. Moreover, King Ali Sher Khan Ancha also accompanied his wife & children to the fort to spend his leisure time.
Architecture Of Kharpocho Fort
Today, well-known engineers are shocked after seeing 16th-century architecture. Without any single degree or use of machinery on the top of the mountain, building a fort is unbelievable. The fort was built totally of stone, wood, and mud.
The base, which is a pillar of any house or building, is made from heavy stones. It may take 4,5 years to build this fort. This answer is still a mystery: how many workers worked day 7 night to build this mighty and magnificent fort, and in how many years was it completed?
The answer has not been found yet in any historical book. But after seeing the Kharpocho fort, one thing is clear: how intelligent and strong our ancestors were.
How To Reach Kharpocho Fort
From Skardu city, it may take 30 to 40 minutes to reach the Kharpocho fort. You need to climb them. In the beginning, the road leading to Kharpocho Fort was very dangerous.
But nowadays the path has been built by the Skardu Development Authority, and anyone can reach Karpocho Fort if they’re physically fit enough to climb a steep mountain.
Things to Take With You On Kharpocho Fort
Kharpocho Fort is located on top of the mountain, so take these necessary items with you :
A bottle of water to avoid dehydration
First aid kits
sunglass
Footwear that supports you in hiking mountain
Hiking gears
trekking poles
Some dry fruits like walnuts and almonds are enriched with nutrition.
Things To Do On Kharpocho Fort
Mountain Climbing
Photography
Birdwatching
wildlife spotting
Yoga or meditation
Ticket On Kharpocho Fort
The Skardu Development Authority has taken charge of Kharpocho Fort, and they take the ticket from both domestic and international tourists. Local people are exempt from the entry ticket. The entry ticket amount is used for the maintenance of the fort.
Government Duty
Nowadays, Skardu is a hub for tourism, and old heritage like Khapocho Fort is still a mystery for millions of domestic and international visitors. The federal government needs to promote these places on domestic and international levels.
So that the country can generate a huge amount of revenue from these spots will contribute to our GDP. Also, social media influencer who has millions of followers are invited to these places to promote these places
FAQs
Who Built Kharpocho Fort Skardu?
King Ali Sher Khan Anchan was the one who built the Kharpocho Fort in Skardu in the 16th century, 1490-1515 AD.
Where is Kharpocho Fort located?
Kharpocho Fort is located in the heart of the main Skardu City in the Chumik Village near Polo Ground Skardu.
What Is The Distance Between Kharpocho and Skardu Main City?
The distance from Skardu city to Kharpocho Fort is 1 hour.
To reach the fort, there is a trek that is quite difficult and takes a lot of time for tourists. This is the best place for those who like trekking. And if you are not a big fan of trekking, then this place might give you a tough time.
What’s The Best Place For Kharphocho Fort View?
Those who do not want to trek for 1 hour can get a beautiful and scenic view of Kharpocho Fort. The Skardu Polo ground area is the best place for the fort view.
This place is very well decorated by the Skardu Administration for tourists. This place is also included as a Famous Tourist Spot In Skardu Baltistan.
How Old Is Kharpocho Fort?
The exact date is not available in any historical book, and we don’t have any eyewitnesses alive to give the exact and correct date about the age of Kharpocho Fort.
Author
Adil Balti
Founder · Balti.pk
Muhammad Adil Balti is the Founder of balti.pk, the only platform connecting tourists with local tour operators, guides, hotels, restaurants, and transport services across Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan, helping promote the region’s tourism and local economy.