What to Do in the Khaplu Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan

Khaplu Valley 

Khaplu, also known as Khapalu, is the administrative capital of Ghanche District in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Located about 103 km east of Skardu, it was once the second-largest kingdom in ancient Baltistan. The town was part of the Yabgo dynasty. This article provides information on what to do in Khaplu valley and nearby areas. Also, learn about the Serena Hotel and the famous Mashebrum glacier.

If you are planning a trip to the mountains of Northern Pakistan, you should know about this beautiful tourist attraction. Located in the Skardu neighborhood, it serves as the base for treks to Mashebrum Peak, Gondogoro peak, Chogolisa peak, and K-6 and K-7 peaks. Khaplu valley is also the doorway to Saraksa glacier, Mashebrum glacier, and is also home to a lake called Daholi. It was once the second-largest kingdom of the ancient Yabgo dynasty in Baltistan.

Khaplu was the capital of the Yabgu family for nearly 700 years. It is home to the famous Serena Hotel, which was once a palace full of architectural masterpieces and public dealing offices. It has now been converted into a luxury hotel for tourists. It is also home to the Khaplu Palace, which was the former royal residence of the Khaplu Raja. This is one of the major tourist attractions in the area.

When to visit this Khaplu Valley?

Visitors can visit the Khaplu valley during any season. However, fall and spring are the best seasons to visit Khaplu. The changing leaves of the trees and flowers make this valley a romantic spot. Spring and summer bring flowers and other seasonal changes, while the cool breeze of the mountains makes the valley perfect for hiking. There are also many local craftsmen and musicians, and Free-Style Polo is a popular pastime. There is nothing else quite like it.

Chaqchan mosque

The historical Chaqchan mosque in the Gilgit-Baltistan Khaplu valley dates back to 1370. It is a mixture of Kashmiri, Persian, and Tibetan architecture. Almost 90% of the population of Ghanche belongs to the Shia or Nurbakhshia sect of Islam. Today, the Chaqchan mosque is an important tourist attraction for people visiting the valley. Here, you can learn about the history of the area and its many religious sites.

The Khaplu valley is rich in history and culture and is the site of the ancient kingdom of Baltistan, ruled by the Yabgo dynasty. You can visit the historic Chaqchan mosque, a replica of which stands at the entrance of the valley. The city is also an important hub for trekking and mountaineering in Gilgit Baltistan. If you have time, be sure to include a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ancient ruins of a Khaplu palace are also worth visiting. The building is a remnant of an earlier period. It was constructed by Yabgo Raja Daulat Ali Khan, who had chosen the site for his palace by rolling a large stone down a nearby cliff. The current construction was built at the point where the stone stopped. Before the Maharaja of Kashmir took control of the Khaplu valley, the local people lived inside the fort.

Khaplu Khanqah

The largest Khanqah built from wood and mud is in Khaplu. It was built by Sufi master Mir Mukhtar Akhyar of the Nurbakshi Order and is the largest Khanqah constructed from mud and wood. The construction took many years and is an impressive example of the importance of a place of worship. If you have ever been to Khaplu, be sure to visit this unique site.

The original inhabitants of the Khaplu Khanqah had originally planned to build a concrete structure, but the AKCSP's design team emphasized the use of local materials and techniques to bring the building back to life. The team also hired 90% local workers to work on the project. They provided them with training, which honed their skills. Today, new people are taking an interest in the local technique, which is helping them to learn new ideas.

The PTDC plans to privatize its motels, which is great news for tourists. The PTDC is working on privatizing the motels, but for now, the only affordable accommodation in Khaplu is a government-run motel. Wazir Hamayat Hussain, a local expert, believes the village has all the ingredients to become a major tourist attraction in Pakistan.

Serena Hotel

The Serena Hotel in Khaplu Valley was once a fort, but has since been a luxurious hotel and is managed by the same group. Its location is simply breathtaking and the hotel's history goes back many years. The local government has made a good choice by opening this hotel in this picturesque valley as it provides jobs and income to the local people. It's a great opportunity for the local youth to show off their hospitality skills and promote local tourism.

The Serena Hotel is also located in the beautiful town of Khaplu, where the Indus River meets the Shyok River. You can take a walk to the nearby polo ground, or hike up the valley. The hotel's tour guide can help you plan the activities you'd like to do, but be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks with you! If you plan to travel around the area, you can also book a tour of the city.

Masherbrum glacier

The scenic Khaplu valley lies in the Karakorum Mountain ranges, two hours jeep ride from Skardu. Khaplu is the base for many renowned trekking routes, a sprawling village perched on the steep mountainsides. The valley also hosts the beautiful Daholi lake and is the gateway to the famous Masherbrum glacier. If you are looking for an unforgettable trekking experience, this valley is your place.

The Masherbrum Mountain is a subrange of the Karakoram range. This imposing peak is often overshadowed by the many 8,000-metre peaks surrounding it. However, this subrange is well worth climbing and offers some of the best views of the Himalayas. Climbers can choose between climbing Saltoro Kangri I (7705m), Saltoro Kangri II (7380m), Chogolisa (7668m), and Sherpa Kangri (7380m).

The Khaplu Valley is one of the coldest places in the northern world, with temperatures dropping as low as -20 degrees Celsius in winter. It is considered to be the country's third pole, with nightfall much quicker than in other areas of the country. Old stones and religious ruins in the area show evidence of ancient Buddhist practices. In 1570, Syed Nasir al-Tusi and Syed Ali al-Tusi began preaching Islam in the region.

Daholi lake

Khaplu is a scenic valley located in the Skardu District. The valley serves as the base for trekking Mashebrum Peak, Gondogoro Peak, Chogolisa Peak, K-6 peak, and the Saraksa Glacier. Khaplu also has a number of lakes, including the famous Daholi Lake. The lake is one of the main attractions of Khaplu. Ancient Khaplu was home to the second-largest kingdom of the Yabgo dynasty in ancient Baltistan.

In the 1800s, Captain Claude Martin Wade visited the Khaplu region. He described the place as "a beautiful oasis." Another writer who described the valley was Jane E. Duncan, who wrote an interesting report in 1904. And in 1847, Arthur Neve described the valley as "a delightful oasis of greenery." The Lonely Planet guidebook also includes Khaplu in its directory of places to visit. So, if you are planning a trip to the area, you might want to check out the lake.

Located in the Ghanche District, Khaplu is home to the highest mountain in Pakistan and one of the oldest mosques in Asia. The mosque is 700 years old and founded by the first preacher of Islam in the area. And in the town of Khaplu, you can also visit the Chqchan Mosque, the only remaining Tibetan-style palace in Pakistan. And be sure to visit the raja palace, the best example of a Tibetan-style palace in Pakistan.

Ghanche lake

The picturesque Ghanche lake in the Khaplu Valley is an idyllic location for trekking. The town, also known as Khapalu, was once the second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan and was ruled by the Yabgo dynasty. Today, it is the administrative capital of the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan. Read on to learn about this scenic valley and its famous lake.

The Ghanche District is also home to the Siachen Glacier in the Ladakh region. Located to the east of the Actual Ground Position Line, the lake is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. The area is considered a sacred site for Buddhism, and moderates in India have proposed turning it into a peace park. However, some areas have been completely demolished in the last decades, as a result of soil erosion and flood.

The district of Ghanche is home to Khaplu, a picturesque town that offers basic civic amenities. Spread over two square miles, the town is known for its apricot trees. The town is home to a small bazaar, as well as transportation to all the villages in Ghanche. The town also boasts several historical sites, including the Khaplu palace and Chaqchan Mosque, as well as the Tomb of Mir.

Hushe valley

The Hushe valley in Khaplu valley is a popular trekking destination in the Himalayas. The valley is made up of several sub-valleys and several peaks over six thousand meters. Climbers and trekkers find the valley heaven for adventure and offer a number of exciting trekking routes. Famous peaks in the area include the Amin Braq, Laila Peak, and Fida Braq.

During the winter months, the temperature in Hushe Valley can drop to as low as -10 degrees Celsius. The summer months are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 39 degrees Celsius. You can reach the valley by car or by hiring a driver from Skardu, the gateway to the Hushe Valley and the Shigar valley. There is also a good bus service between the two villages, and many trekking routes depart from there.

Although it is possible to visit the Hushe valley throughout the year, the best seasons are spring, summer, and fall. The fall season is romantic, with the changing colors of the trees. In the spring, the trees blossom, and the scenery is breathtaking. And the summer season is the perfect time to go trekking in Khaplu! So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your trip to the Hushe valley today! You will be glad you did.