Shigar fort is a breath-taking and spectacular fort in the Shigar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan at a distance of 28 km from the Skardu City. Built upon a huge boulder at the foot of a steep rock, Shigar Fort/Palace is known locally as Fong Khar– literally, the Palace on the Rock. It is located in oasis-like surroundings, irrigated by the waters from the glaciers of Baltistan – one of the most impressive regions in the high Karakoram ranges and unsurpassed in natural beauty and cultural richness. The complex at Shigar comprises the 400-year-old Fort/Palace and two more recent buildings, the “Old House” and the “Garden House”. The former Palace of the Raja of Shigar has been transformed into a 13-room heritage guesthouse, with the grand audience hall serving as a museum of Balti culture and featuring select examples of refined woodcarving, as well as other heritage objects.
How to Reach There?
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates flight daily, from Islamabad to Skardu. A spectacular one hour flight treats passengers to dramatic views of the Karakoram, Himalayan and Hindukush mountain ranges, with views of five 8000+ metre peaks, including the famous K-2 and Nangaparbat. Shigar is located 45 minutes by road from Skardu airport. Driving from Gilgit takes roughly five hours by car. Those visitors arriving by helicopter are met at the Shigar helipad and escorted to the residence.
Leisure Activities
While many visitors choose the Shigar Fort Residence for its beauty and tranquillity, there are a variety of activities in the area. These range from hiking to the old Shigar Fort or trekking to K-2 base camp; day hikes to remote valleys and other points of interest such as the Deosai plateau; visits to cultural sites that reflect the unique mix of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic influences, including the “Buddha Rocks” and the nearby settlements of Khaplu, Kiris and Kharmang; a short hike to the “organic” village of Nangasoq, near Skardu; a visit to the hot springs at Chutron (two hours from Shigar); or perhaps a polo match in the birthplace of the game. The staff at the Residence can help arrange these and other excursions.
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