Sublime Northern
Khaplu Palace landscape

Skardu / Baltistan

Khaplu Palace

Also known as Khaplu Fort, Serena Khaplu Palace

Getting there · ~20 hrs from IslamabadView map
LandmarksSkardu / Baltistan
From Islamabad~20 hrs
From Lahore~25 hrs
Elevation2600 m
VisitHalf day
Best monthsApr, May, Sep, Oct

Access

Getting there

700 km

Distance

~20 hrs

Drive

Last mile

Short walk or drive within Khaplu town to the palace entrance.

Road Town access from the Skardu-Khaplu road is generally fine in summer.

How people go

  • Private car

    Confirm fare locally

    ~20 hrs

    Road approach from Islamabad toward Khaplu; confirm seasonal closures.

  • Jeep / 4x4

    Confirm fare locally

    Last-mile jeep may be required depending on weather and road cutoffs.

Last verified: 9 Aug 2026

When to go

Month-by-month access and crowding.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
  • Ideal
  • Crowded
  • Risky
  • Closed
  • Unknown

Khaplu Palace is eastern Baltistan’s restored royal residence - heritage rooms, valley views, and the cultural anchor of a Khaplu stop.

On the ground

What to expect

  • Facilities

    Developed

  • Permit

    Not required

  • Entry fee

    Confirm locally

Facilities Ticketed heritage site with on-site or nearby lodging options.

The story

Sitting above Khaplu town, the palace complex is the usual first cultural stop after the drive from Skardu. Ticketed tours cover restored rooms and terraces; many travelers overnight in or near the palace hotels. Pair with a Khaplu Valley village walk rather than treating the palace as a rushed photo-only stop.

On the map

Khaplu Palace

35.16670, 76.56670 · Open in OpenStreetMap

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