Khaplu Valley

Palace forts and cold desert in the Ghanche region

Khaplu, the capital of Ghanche district, sits at the confluence of the Shyok and Indus rivers and was once the seat of the Raja of Khaplu. The restored 200-year-old Khaplu Palace (Thoqsikhar) is a masterpiece of Balti-Tibetan architecture. Beyond it lie the cold desert of Ghanche, the Hushe valley climbing routes to Masherbrum, and some of the friendliest villages in Baltistan.

Highlights