Top 10 Places to Visit in Hunza Valley
From Baltit Fort to Passu Cones, discover the must-see locations in Gilgit Baltistan's most famous valley.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min
Gilgit Baltistan
Baltistan
Beyond Skardu city — the heritage forts of Shigar and Khaplu, river valleys, and the trailheads to K2.
Top Highlights
Shigar Fort
Khaplu Palace
Amburiq Mosque
Gateway to K2
History & Background
Baltistan is a region historically and culturally tied to Tibet, with the Balti language and architecture reflecting centuries of exchange across the Karakoram. Until the mid-20th century, valleys like Shigar and Khaplu were ruled by independent Rajas; their palace-forts have since been restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Service and converted into heritage hotels that blend Tibetan, Kashmiri and Mughal craftsmanship. Islam spread through the region from the 14th century onward, brought by scholars from Kashmir, and is reflected in mosques such as the 14th-century Amburiq Mosque — one of the oldest Islamic structures in the area, built in a distinctly Tibetan-Kashmiri style.
Places to Visit in Baltistan
Shigar Fort (Fong-Khar)
A 17th-century fort known locally as 'Palace on the Rock', built by the Raja of the Amacha dynasty. Now a Serena heritage hotel and museum showcasing Balti woodwork, about an hour from Skardu.
Khaplu Palace
A 19th-century fortress-palace, once home to the rulers of Khaplu, now a Serena heritage hotel roughly three hours from Skardu, surrounded by orchards and mountain views.
Amburiq & Khilingrong Mosques
Centuries-old wooden mosques in Shigar showing the fusion of Tibetan and Kashmiri religious architecture — a quick but rewarding stop for anyone interested in the region's history.
Hushe Valley
Reached via Khaplu, Hushe is a trekking base for peaks including Masherbrum and K6, with the dramatic Haldi Cones visible from the Saling Bridge crossing.
Askole
The last village accessible by road before the trek toward K2 Base Camp, used by mountaineering expeditions since the 1950s.
How to Get to Baltistan
By Air
Skardu Airport (KDU) is the entry point for the whole region, with daily flights from Islamabad. There is no separate airport for Shigar or Khaplu.
By Road
From Skardu, Shigar is about an hour by road and Khaplu around three, passing through riverside villages and orchards along the way.
Local Transport: A 4x4 with driver is recommended beyond Shigar and Khaplu, particularly for Hushe Valley and the Askole approach.
Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips
Seasons
- Summer (Jun-Sep)Full road access to Shigar, Khaplu and Hushe; the best season for trekking toward Askole.
- Autumn (Sep-Oct)Orchard colours and clearer skies, though high-altitude treks become harder to plan.
Pro Tips
- Book heritage-fort stays (Shigar, Khaplu) well in advance — rooms are limited.
- Treat Shigar and Khaplu as separate day trips or overnight stays from Skardu rather than one rushed day.
- Trekking toward Askole/K2 Base Camp requires proper planning and a local guide; it is not a casual day trip.
- Carry cash and a warm layer — high-altitude valleys are cold even in summer.
Where to Stay
The Serena Shigar Fort and Serena Khaplu Palace offer heritage stays inside the historic forts themselves. For shorter visits, Skardu city serves as the main base with a wider range of hotels.
Local Food & Cuisine
Balti cuisine centres on momo dumplings, khurba (a rich apricot stew) and butter tea, alongside the dried apricots and mulberries grown in the orchards around Shigar and Khaplu.
Tours in Baltistan
Baltistan Travel Guide
Baltistan Travel Tips & Guides
All guides
Baltistan Travel FAQs
Skardu city is the main town and gateway within Baltistan, but the wider region includes valleys like Shigar, Khaplu and Hushe, each with its own distinct sites and culture.
Shigar works well as a day trip. Khaplu is better as an overnight stay given the longer drive each way.
Trekking beyond Askole toward K2 Base Camp requires advance arrangement with a registered tour operator, who handles the necessary permits and logistics.
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