Top 10 Places to Visit in Khaplu

Here we have enlisted the top 10 places that one must visit during a tour to Khaplu, Skardu.

Khaplu lies in the picturesque valley of the Gilgit-Baltistan smaller than its more popular neighbour Skardu. But unlike such places, Khaplu is still relatively unknown and is that undiscovered beauty. Khaplu has its historical significance, beautiful building structure, and natural sceneries which make tourist have a glimpse of the northern areas of Pakistan. Any travel plan to Skardu should include Khaplu as one of the interesting places to visit. Following the list are the ten best attractions that you cannot afford to miss in Khaplu

1 Khaplu Fort

The tour in Khaplu starts with the most significant sightseeing known as the Khaplu Fort that is the example of Baltistan architecture. The fort constructed above the Khaplu Bazaar was built in 1840 by Raja Daulat Ali Khan of the Yabgu family. This dynasty that hails from Central Asia had its reign of over seven hundred years in Khaplu. The fort is a living proof of these people’s heritage since the structure speaks volumes about the glories and military might of the region.

Khaplu Fort was the residential castle and the center of the official business. The designing of the building features both Tibetan, Balti, and Kashmiri that is best seen from the wooden balconies, the exterior and interior stone walls as well as the beautiful courtyard. It is a historic structure that has been well revived then turned into a splendid elongation of the Serena Hotel chain. This is the chance when you can live in Khaplu Fort and have authentic historical experience of the place yet royal like. The fort also provides good opportunities to capture the scenic beauty of the valley around the fort and is more or less deserted making it ideal for romantic shots

2. Chaqchan Mosque

having discovered the fort, proceed to Chaqchan Mosque, which is one of the oldest structures of the Badakhshan region. The mosque also known as Chaqchan Mosque was constructed in 1370 and is much more than a building for worship; it is a powerful display of an area’s changing culture and religion. The Baltistan’s religion transformation from Budhhism to Islam is commemorated at the site and therefore the people hold it in high esteem due to importance of spirituality.

Arched entrance and the domes are apparent style of Mughal architecture while the structure of this mosque bears resemblance with the Persian and Tibetan architecture. The construction of the building is wood; there are highly detailed architectural ornaments, and a tasteful interior corresponds to the period. Historians and locals have claimed that the construction of the mosque was initiated by the Sufi saint Syed Nurbakhsh who contributed to the propagation of Islam in area. Simply strolling around Chaqchan Mosque gives the tourist the quiet and religious atmosphere where one is able to reach out to the past of the region.

3. Shyok River

The next recognized place of interest is the river of Shyok, which you should visit if you are interested in the natural sightseeing. The Shyok River starts from the Rimu Glacier near the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh and after passing through the beautiful terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan joins the Indus River. Leaving behind the city’s noise and bustle, the river and the surrounding mountains, notably, Mashabrum Mountain, look tranquil and beautiful.

Shyok River gives a view of a greenish-blue color which traverses the valley and is generally considered to be slow flowing. Small towns and Cossack settlements, rich green areas of forty, groves of walnut and poplar trees embrace the banks of the river. As such, one of the villages that have adopted such a lifestyle is Machlu which is more like a village that has not been influenced by the busy lives of cities. The people accommodation of the village is welcoming and one is welcomed with an embrace when they get to the village.

To the enthusiast of the natural world, the Shyok River is suitable for fishing, boating as well as having picnics. A good example is the terrain that is characterized by calmness and beautiful sceneries that may be very suitable for meditation. If you are simply relaxing at the riverside or admiring the scenery, or out on a tour through the surrounding villages, Shyok River will leave you amazed.

4. Thoksikar Mosque

Talking about adventurous places to visit if you are a daredevil then Thoksikar Mosque should not be ignored at all. This mosque is built on a hilltop in Khaplu Valley and after visiting this mosque people get not only religious satisfaction but thrilling trekking experience also. This hike to Thoksikar Mosque is relatively short distance though it includes a steep climb and it will take you about 20 minutes. The birds’ eye view that you can get from this place is of Khaplu Town and the Shyok River which makes this climb worthwhile.

Thoksikar Mosque was constructed more than 500 years ago and cultural and historical significance. The structure of the mosque is raw and beautiful with Balti motifs popular in the region that has been maintained even today. The mosque is a place of prayers, and since it is also a beautiful building, and the area around is quite picturesque, it allows a person to spend some time in silence and contemplate its view.

The walk to Thoksikar Mosque is relatively mild, but distributors or people with small ailments or cardiac issues are advised not to attempt the climb because of the steep slopes. Still, if one gets a chance to climb up the steps, one will not regret the fact of having done it. The mosque is built on the hill and this makes it to have a vantage point whereby one gets to view the beautiful valley with the steep hills and in the far distance you get to view marvelous mountains.

5. Hushe Village

The area that anyone visiting the region for some tranquility and natural scenery should visit is the Hushe Village. Khaplu’s district is called the Organic Valley and Hushe is one of these remote areas which did not suffer significant impact of the modern world. The expectations of the population are justified owing to the fact that the village is characterized by a clean environment, quality air and well preserved natural sceneries.

 

Another attraction of the area is constitution of the dwelling place for ibex and snow leopards which are jointly classified under the endangered species. The village is located close to such a legendary mountain as Masherbrum Peak also called K1 which is one of the most stunning and hard to climb peaks of the Karakoram Range. This village is convenient for those tourists who want to go on the treks and climb the mountains, and such tourists like these views.

The good news for all lovers of wild creatures is that they can meet such animals in the region of Hushe. They also have camps for trophy hunting that operate under the Gilgit Baltistan tourism department. The hunters can apply for NOC to be issued to them to take part in this activity so as to hunt and at the same time support conservation.

6. Saling Spangtoq

approximately a twenty minutes’ drive from Khaplu Valley is saling Spangtoq which is a vast, beautiful grassland that turns into a lush green paradise in the summer. Some of the famous Trouts that tourist wants to fish around Saling Spangtoq are Brook, Brown, Rainbow or Cut throat etc in the natural region of Baltistan.

Grassland is bordered by mountains; Mashabrum is one of the oldest and biggest among them and the other two are its twins. It also has few fresh springs in the area which makes it to befitting for camping and picnicking.

Saling Spangtoq is rich with attractions, but one of the most popular is the fish farm here and its inhabitants where tourists can prepare fish on their own on grates, a grill, or directly on the coals through the fish farmers’ facility. Imagining that Saling Spangtoq is quite a fresh, rather clean area, it appears to be perfect for becoming a place where people can chill and rest. Saling Spangtoq is all about fishing, and camping but above all the beauty that one is able to view and also relax especially after the busy schedules of day-to-day life.

7. Kharfaq Lake

If one is a sports enthusiast, specifically surfing then he/she needs to go for Kharfaq Lake which is also off the tourist trail. Kharfaq Lake is situated in mountains and this is a beautiful lake without any interference of a human interference the geographical texture of the area is quite rough. Faq reaches the lake after a tiring trek of 2-4 hours from Kharfaq village and that is the reason why it is considered to be a moderate trek.

The typical features of the lake are the water supply by glacial streams, the water quality – it is slightly brackish, but very transparent, the productive, fish population which consists mainly of brown trout. The trail walk to the Kharfaq Lake location is quite challenging since there is a steep climb to undertake and thus one needs some level of fitness. Nevertheless, such a tourist is provided with a splendid view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

That is why, Kharfaq Lake is the best place for the people who like nature and different extreme activities. Since it is quite a strenuous trail, the stunning view of the lake adds a Great feature to the tour. But nevertheless one should recall that physical disabilities and/or cardiac problems should avoid the trek since it is quite strenuous.

8. Haldi Cones

if you’ve been fortunate enough to witness the splendid beauty of the Passu Cones in Gilgit, you would be more than pleased to know that the Khaplu Valley has its equivalent in the Haldi Cones. It is geologically a very impressive formation that, too many visitors, would assume even more significance than the Passu Cones view.

The Haldi Cones are much sought after by camera freaks and those who are interested in natural landscapes as well as contrasted light on the conical structure. Such treats become gorgeous especially in the morning and evening when the shades in the sky are rather warm and soft.

Simply, Haldi Cones should be on the checklist of people intending to visit Khaplu. The space around the cones is very suitable for hiking and walking, there are several trails that go through that area among beautiful sceneries. No matter whether you are experienced with shooting or you are an ordinary lover of the nature beauty.

9. Masherbrum Peak (K1)

Of course any tour of Khaplu would be incomplete without taking a look at the beautiful Mount Masherbrum often called as K1. Masherbrum is the 22nd highest mountain in the world and one of the most dominant which lies in the Karakoram Mountain range. Adjacent to the Baltoro Glacier in the south side of Gilgit-Baltistan, Masherbrum is a center of attraction to climbers all over the world.

10. Last but not the least of the glacier in the Kashmir area is Saltoro Valley and Siachen Glaciers.

Travelling along the side of Shyok River will take you through Saltoro Valley containing the great Siachen Glacier. This region is actually the highest battlefield in the world and the views are rather striking although somewhat macabre. Ascending a small wooden bridge that passes by the entrance to Saltoro Valley, one gets the feeling of being in another world with the Saltoro mountain range behind.

Conclusion

what makes a trip to Khaplu completely unique is that it presents a mix of both past and present, ethnic background and stunning landscape. No matter if you are visiting the fort like structures, the beautiful mosque, or Khaplu surrounded by mountain ranges, you make sure of a memorable trip. Ensure the following top 10 places are not missing when you are in Khaplu/Skardu.