Journey
Loading…
Journey · Hunza, Skardu, Shigar
Forts and Heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan
From Buddhist rock carvings in Gilgit to the royal forts of Hunza and the palaces of Baltistan, one circuit through a thousand years of history.
- Duration
- 11 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- April–October
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Shahbazaslam1 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
Gilgit-Baltistan's history is written in stone and timber: Buddhist carvings from the Silk Road era, Hunza's hilltop forts, and the restored residences of the Rajas of Shigar and Khaplu. This circuit links them in order, moving from the Karakoram Highway to the Indus and the valleys of Baltistan.
Several of these buildings were rescued from ruin by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and its partners, and the journey pays attention to how they were restored and how communities use them today.
- The Kargah Buddha, carved between the 4th and 7th centuries
- Altit Fort, considered the oldest monument in Gilgit-Baltistan
- Baltit Fort museum in Karimabad
- Kharpocho Fort above Skardu
- Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace
Itinerary
Day 1
Gilgit and Kargah
Arrival in Gilgit and the Kargah Buddha rock carving.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 2
Gilgit to Karimabad
North on the Karakoram Highway. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 3
Baltit and Altit
Both forts with time in the museum at Baltit.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 4
Ganish
The old village of Ganish, its watchtowers and the Haldeikish rock carvings.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 5
Karimabad to Gilgit
Return south, with an afternoon at the Danyore suspension bridge.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 6
Gilgit to Skardu
Along the Indus gorge to Skardu. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 7
Kharpocho and Manthal
Walk up to Kharpocho Fort, then the Manthal Buddha rock.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 8
Skardu to Shigar
Shigar Fort and the old mosques of the village.
Overnight: Shigar
Day 9
Shigar to Khaplu
Via Skardu and along the Shyok to Khaplu.
Overnight: Khaplu
Day 10
Khaplu to Skardu
Khaplu Palace in the morning, then back to Skardu.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 11
Depart Skardu
Flight or road onward.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Culture travellers, Photographers, University groups, Private groups
What’s included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver
- Guide with a heritage focus
- Accommodation as listed
- Breakfast daily
- Entry to forts and museums on the route
- Local jeep where roads require
Not included
- Flights into Gilgit and out of Skardu
- Meals not listed
- Travel insurance
- Photography fees inside museums where charged
- Tips and personal expenses
What to bring
Essential
- Modest clothing for both Ismaili and Shia communities
- Headscarf or shawl
- Slip-on shoes for interiors
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Light warm layer
- Passport and copies
Optional and useful
- Notebook for site notes
- Background reading on the Silk Road and Baltistan
- Small torch for dim interiors
- Camera with a fast lens
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- The Gilgit–Skardu road follows a deep gorge; road works and rockfall can cause delays.
- Interiors of historic buildings have steep wooden stairs and low doorways.
- Dress modestly throughout, and more so in Baltistan's mosques and shrines.
Photos
Route and region
You might also like
All journeys
Journey
Gojal (Upper Hunza), Hunza
Khunjerab Pass and Upper Hunza
- Duration
- 7 days
- Highest point
- 4,693 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- May–Oct
Price to be confirmed
Journey
Skardu
Baltistan Heritage: Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu
- Duration
- 8 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- Apr–Oct
Price to be confirmed
Want this journey shaped around you?
Start with what draws you, the time you have and who you’re travelling with. We’ll help shape the journey around what matters to you.
Start shaping your journeyForts and Heritage of Gilgit-BaltistanPrice to be confirmed
Ask about this