Khaplu is a quiet valley in eastern Baltistan, known for the Khaplu Palace, the Chaqchan Mosque and the Hushe valley, which leads to Masherbrum.
Khaplu lies about three hours east of Skardu along the Shyok River. The palace of the old rulers, the Yabgo, was built in the 19th century and has been restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. In the village stands the Chaqchan Mosque, among the oldest in the region, with a carved wooden interior that shows clear Tibetan and Kashmiri influence.
From Khaplu a road continues to Hushe, the village at the head of the valley under the pyramid of Masherbrum, and the starting point of several trekking routes.
Highlights
- Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar)
- Chaqchan Mosque
- Hushe valley and Masherbrum
- Apricots in July
