[Updated] Forts in Skardu Baltistan: All You Need To Know

Forts in Skardu Baltistan: All You Need To Know Before Visit to Skardu Baltistan

There are more than 20 small and big Famous Forts Only in Skardu Baltistan. Here we are not including forts in Gilgit.

All the forts that we see in Skardu Baltistan are ancient. They are made Hundreds of years ago by the rulers of that era. And the best thing is they are still standing with all glory. We will share the history of all forts of Gilgit Baltistan in another post.

Bu tin this post we are going to share the list of famous forts available in Skardu Baltistan that you can visit while you are traveling to Baltistan. This is the actual reason for writing this blog post, so next time when you visit the North of Pakistan you will not miss these historical places of Skardu Baltistan.

List of Famous Forts in Skardu Baltistan Pakistan

1. Kharfocho Fort Skardu
2. Khaplu Raja Fort – Present Sarena Hotel
3. Shigar Fort
4. Skardu Raja Fort
5. Khaplu Hatchi Fort

#1- Kharfocho Fort Skardu

The Kharfocho Fort Skardu is a well-known fort located in the main Skardu City. This fort is also known as Skardu Fort, because of its location.

Skardu has many small and big forts, but a few of them are not in good condition. Many of them are now hot picnic spots in Skardu.

One fort is still in use by the Maqpon Family the family of Skardu Raja.

History Of Kharfocho Skardu Fort

Skardu Fort was built by King Ali Sher Khan Anchan in the late 16th century.

This fort has a viewpoint of Skardu City from the front and from the back you have a beautiful river and mountain view. One side is covered by the mountain and the last is the way to the fort.

The meaning of Kharfocho Fort in the local language Balti is “King of Forts”. This name was given by the old people of Skardu Valley.

Kharfocho Fort or Skardu Fort was used in many military operations in the late 16 century. If you visit the fort today you can realize how the fort can be used for defense. The design of the fort and the location will tell the story itself.

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Structure of Skardu Fort

If you want to go to the top of Skardu Fort you have to complete a difficult trek of more than 2 hours. The trek to Kharfocho Fort started from Qatilgah Main Bazar Skardu City.

Once you have reached the fort you can see the walls of the fort and the stones used to build it. You will be surprised by the art of engineering of that time. After 5-6 centuries the fort is still standing. The wall is witnessed of the war, and firewood has spoken their story.

It is still a mystery for many people how the King, Queen, and army managed water to survive on the top of the mountain on Kharfocho Fort. Because you can not see any kind of water source out there.

While wandering in Skardu City you can see a huge water channel named “Gangupi Water Cannel’ which was built by the ruler to manage water to the fort. But it seems impossible to make it to the mountain.

Current Situation of Kharfocho Fort

Now the fort is a famous picnic point for all domestic and international tourists. To get a scenic view of Skardu city just trek to the fort.

#2- Khaplu Raja Fort – Present Sarena Hotel

Khaplu Fort is second on our list of Forts of Baltistan.

We have already written in detail about Khaplu Raja Fort’s current Sarena Hotel in this post.

History Of Khaplu Yabgo Fort

Khaplu Fort also known as Yabgo Fort Khaplu was built by the Raj Daulat Ali Khan in 1804. The fort is located in Khaplu Doqsa Valley near Khaplu Polo Ground.

Architecture of Khaplu Yabgo Palace

The fort was built by Kashmiri and Balti craftsmen and has the Tibetan, Kashmiri, Ladkahi, Balti, and Central Asian influence.

The palace consists of 4 floors and all the floors were used by the King and his family in ancient times. Currently, the Yabgo Fort is again being renovated by the Aga Khan Rural Support Program and running as the Sarena Hotel.

#3- Shigar Fort

The gateway to K2 World Highest Mountain has some centuries-old historical buildings. Shigar Valley is known for many things and the Shigar Fort is one of them.

Shigar Fort is located in the Shigar District of Skardu Baltistan.

This 400-year-old 16th-century magnificent fort was built by the Raja Amacha Dynasty of Shigar. In the local language Balti, the fort is called “Fong Khar” which means “The Fort on Rock”.

#4- Skardu Raja Fort

In Skardu, there are many small and big palaces. Maqpon Fort Skardu is one of them.

This historic building is located in the heart of Skardu City near Skardu Polo Ground near Kharfocho Fort Skardu owned by the Maqpon Family. The royal family of Skardu District is still living in this building.

#5- Khaplu Hatchi Fort

Khaplu Hatchi Fort is a small palace with 3 floors. It is also owned by the Yabgo Family of Khaplu. There are more than 5 families still living in the fort.

Khaplu Hatchi Yabgi Fort is located near Khaplu District Hospital.