Palace Tour
Guided walks through restored rooms and courtyards showcasing Balti, Tibetan, and Kashmiri design.
ROYAL RESIDENCE · GILGIT–BALTISTAN
Khaplu Palace
& Chaqchan Mosque
A restored royal residence beside one of the region's oldest wooden mosques.
ELEVATION
~2,560m
MOSQUE AGE
~700yrs
FROM SKARDU
~3hrs
ACCESS
Paved Road
OVERVIEW
A royal residence, and a mosque older than the palace itself
Khaplu Palace, known locally as Yabgo Khar, was the residence of the Khaplu royal family and one of the last major Balti palaces to be restored. Like Shigar Fort, it was brought back to life by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and now operates as a heritage hotel, blending Balti, Tibetan, and Kashmiri architectural influences.
A short walk away stands Chaqchan Mosque, believed to date back roughly 700 years, making it one of the oldest surviving wooden mosques in the region. Its layered wood carving and mixed architectural style reflect the many cultural currents that have passed through Baltistan over the centuries.
Khaplu itself sits further east than Skardu's other major sites, closer to the routes leading into Hushe Valley — and in recent years, the nearby village of Machulu has drawn attention as one of the best stargazing locations in Gilgit-Baltistan.
THINGS TO DO
What to see at the palace
Heritage Hotel Stay
Overnight guests stay within the restored palace structure, with valley views from the upper rooms.
Chaqchan Mosque
A roughly 700-year-old wooden mosque a short walk from the palace, among the oldest in the region.
Khaplu Old Town
Narrow streets and traditional houses around the palace, worth a slow walk-through.
Garden & Courtyard
Landscaped grounds within the palace complex, a quiet spot framed by the surrounding peaks.
Gateway East
Khaplu is the natural staging point for onward trips into Hushe Valley and toward Machulu.
NEARBY & FAMOUS
Worth the extra trip from Khaplu
A few well-known places within reach of Khaplu, each with its own reason to visit.
Chaqchan Mosque
One of Baltistan's oldest wooden mosques, blending Kashmiri, Tibetan, and Islamic styles.
SPECIALTY
700-yr wooden mosque
DISTANCE
In Khaplu town
BEST MONTHS
Apr–Oct
Hushe Valley
A dramatic valley ringed by peaks, the traditional staging point for Masherbrum and Gondogoro treks.
SPECIALTY
High-peak views, trekking
DISTANCE
~2.5–3 hrs from Khaplu
BEST MONTHS
Jun–Sep
Machulu Village
Increasingly known as one of the best stargazing spots in Gilgit-Baltistan, thanks to minimal light pollution.
SPECIALTY
Stargazing, night skies
DISTANCE
~1.5–2 hrs from Khaplu
BEST MONTHS
May–Oct
Khaplu Old Bazaar
A small traditional market street beside the palace, good for a slow, low-key walk.
SPECIALTY
Local market, crafts
DISTANCE
Adjacent to palace
BEST MONTHS
Year-round
Distances and travel times above are approximate — road conditions in these areas can vary by season, so we recommend confirming with your guide.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
April through October
- APR–MAY — Mild weather, quieter than peak season.
- JUN–SEP — Best window for combining with Hushe Valley treks.
- MAY–OCT — Clearest night skies for a Machulu stargazing add-on.
- NOV–MAR — Cold; palace hotel still operating, quieter roads.
HOW TO GET THERE
A longer, scenic drive
- FROM SKARDU — Roughly 3 hours by paved road.
- VEHICLE — Any standard car can make the trip comfortably.
- COMBINE WITH — Often paired with Hushe Valley or Machulu on a multi-day route.
GALLERY
The palace, in pictures
RELATED PACKAGES
Packages that include Khaplu
LUXURY · 7 DAYS
7-Day Complete Baltistan Experience
Deosai, Khaplu Palace, and Manthoka Waterfall in one complete guided itinerary.
FAQ
Khaplu Palace, answered
Yes, the palace operates as a heritage hotel with a limited number of rooms, so booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak season.
Yes, visitors can view the mosque's exterior and, outside prayer times, are often able to view parts of the interior with respectful dress and behavior.
Machulu is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Khaplu by road, and has become known in recent years as one of the best stargazing spots in Gilgit-Baltistan due to its minimal light pollution.
Step inside a Balti royal residence
Book a guided visit to Khaplu Palace and Chaqchan Mosque with local experts.