Khaplu Palace is a well-known ancient award-winning palace located in Khaplu village (capital of Ghanche district). Locally it is famously called Yabgo Khar. This palace is the residence of the king of Ghanche and the Palace remained under King's legacy till 2005 and then it was owned by Serena Hotel. Then ancient fort/palace has now been renovated and now it is being served as a hotel and museum by Serena Hotel. This Palace is the main source of tourist attraction towards Khaplu and other areas of Ghanche District.
Important Information About Khaplu Palace
- Built by: Khaplu's King in 1840
- Renovated As: Hotel, Restaurant, and museum
- Renovated By: Agha Khan Trust for Culture 2005-2011
- Renovation amount: more than 50 million rupees
- Location: Khaplu, Ghanche district
- Architecture: Kashmiri, Ladakhi, Tibetan
- Owners: Yabgo kings 1840-2005
- Serena Hotel: 2005-till date(present)
The Palace is a huge attraction source for tourists in the Ghanche district. Its ancient architecture and the museum, which depicts the Balti culture, are the key factors for welcoming tourists from all over the globe. Also, this fort has the honor to be featured in Pakistan's famous TV serial "Dayar-e-Dil"
Architecture and Construction
The region of Baltistan is influenced by many regions because it is connected with different ethical places with different cultures. The architecture of this wonderful palace is a mix-up architecture of
- Central Asia
- Kashmir
- Tibet
- And Baltistan itself
Construction
The Palace has rich woodwork i.e
- Timber balconies
- Corridors framed by timber screens (Locally known as jaffri)
The Palace/Fort is a rectangular-shaped building having a small courtyard inside and this courtyard is surrounded by rooms. In short, its architecture, woodwork, and construction are outstanding.
After the renovation, it is being used as a hotel and a museum
Historical Aspect
Raja Daulat Ali khan Yabgo being the Raja of Khaplu, built this amazing palace in 1840 and Even after many ups and downs and invades in the kingdom. It is said that the Yabgo dynasty had been invaded many times i.e in
- 1590
- 1660
- 1674
Following these attacks and invade attempts, the 62nd Yabgo king Rahim Khan failed to defend his kingdom and his kingdom got abolished at the hands of Baltistan's ruler Murad Khan. Even after that the Yabgos remained to live in the palace and enjoyed their royalty of his fort till 2005 and then now the fort/palace was given to Serena hotel. In 2011 Agha Khan Cultural Trust renovated the whole palace.
Awards
The Palace has the privilege to won a couple of awards to become the 1st palace/fort to win such awards in the Baltistan region
- In 2012: Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award
Category: Poverty Reduction
2. In 2013: Award For Distinction UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award.
Balti Folk Exhibition Centre
USAID has set up a folk exhibition center in Khaplu Palace/fort under the umbrella of USAID small grants and ambassador's fund program
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