Khaplu: Fort and Mosque in the Shyok Valley
Khaplu is the main town of Ghanche district, on the Shyok River east of Skardu, and the road head for the Hushe Valley.
About Khaplu
Khaplu is known for its fort and the Chaqchan Mosque, which our autumn itinerary attributes to Mir Syed Ali Hamadani. The town sits where the Shyok valley widens, with orchards and terraces below the mountains.
Itineraries visit Khaplu on tours, pass through it on the way to Hushe, and the biking programmes ride the road between Skardu and Khaplu.
Trips that include Khaplu
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan | 15 | Mid-October to End-October | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Cherry Blossom Tour | 15 | Mid-March to End- March | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Deosai Biking Tours | 19 | — | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Hushe valley Biking Tour | 14 | Mid-May to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Beautiful Hushe valley Trek | 25 | Mid-June to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Deosai Plains Jeep Safari | 10 | Mid July to Mid September. | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Mashabrum Base camp Trek | 16 | June to End-September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Khaplu
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
12: Hushe to Skardu
After breakfast, we will depart for Skardu. En route, lunch will stop at Khaplu. Will also visit Khaplu fort and Chaqchen mosque; the Mir Syed Ali Hamadai founded the mosque in the 17th century. Afternoon drive to Skardu. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
21: Hushe to Skardu
After breakfast, we will depart for Skardu en route, with a lunch stop at Khaplu. We will also visit Khaplu Fort and Chaqchen mosque; the Mir Syed Ali Hamadai founded the mosque in the 17th century. Afternoon drive to Skardu. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
Day 15-16
Skardu – Kaplu. A long but lovely road, partly metalled, leads us along the Indus and the Shiok River to Kaplu, a village where we can see the old traditional Tibetan houses and the people living with their culture. We are spending the night in a hotel at the top of the village with a beautiful view of the Shiok Valley. It is possible to go a few kilometers further to have a gleam of the magic Masherbrum Mountain 7800 m.
Day 17
Khaplu – Skardu, by jeep or by bike. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04: Skardu – Khaplu (Biking & Transfer)
We start our cycling journey along the Indus and Shyok rivers towards Khaplu, the capital of Ghanche district. Enjoy smooth tarmac mixed with gentle gravel tracks, passing lush apricot orchards. Overnight in hotel at Khaplu.
Day 05: Khaplu – Machulo
Pedal out of Khaplu into the lower Hushe Valley. The road becomes rugged and unpaved, demanding balance and concentration. From Machulo village, we get our first distant panoramic view of K6 and K7. Overnight in camp/guest house.
Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan
10: Skardu to Khaplu
After breakfast, we will leave for Khaplu. We will visit Kahplu fort and Chaqchen mosque; the Mir Syed Ali Hamadai founded the mosque in 17century. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at Khaplu.
Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan
11: Khaplu to Hushe Valley
After breakfast, we will leave for Hushe. We drive in jeeps along Shyok valleys before turning northwards up the Hushe Valley to reach the road. Head to the Village of Hushe, where we will meet Little Karim and other Mountaineers. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at Hushe Village.
Planning notes
- Khaplu is reached by road from Skardu along the Indus and the Shyok.
- The Masherbrum, Hushe Valley and Great Karakoram Traverse treks start beyond Khaplu in Hushe.
- The autumn and cherry blossom tours spend a night in Khaplu.