Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghanche district stands almost aloof with its beautiful valleys and settlements inhabited by the most hospitable locals and river irrigated lands. The central location in the district is Khaplu, which is a beautiful landscape with high summits, flowing blue waters, and waterfalls. The people of this small settlement on the bank of River Shyok, are warm and loving, as they were centuries before, when travelers, wandering through Yarkand and Saltoro, first arrived here. As soon as one leaves Skardu, a narrow, paved road with poplar trees lined up on both sides provides a soothing shade for the travelers as they make their way through small specks of sunlight filtering through the leaves; casting shadows on the darkened road, leaving an aesthete spellbound. This section will take you on a visual tour of the top ten most beautiful places and tourist destinations in Khaplu valley.
From Khaplu Bazaar, a road goes up to the Khaplu Fort. This fort was constructed in 1840 by Raja Daulat Ali Khan of Khaplu, who was from the Yabgo family. The Yabgo family made it to Khaplu from Central Asia and ruled this place for over 700 years. The fort-cum-palace has now been turned into Serena Hotel.Once this palace was full of virtuoso architectural masterpieces, every facility on to the next door; this palace having all public dealing offices inside. Tax collection centres, public courts, and prisoners were used to be dealt with under one roof.
Chaqchan mosque is another tourist destination in Khaplu Baltistan. Dating from 1370, the mosque is one of the oldest in the region and dates from the time when the area’s populace converted masse from Buddhism to Islam. The mosque shares similar architecture as those built in the Kashmir Valley. It is a perfect blend of Tibetan, Mughal, and Persian styles of architecture.
One addition to the landscape is River Shyok. In the local language, River Shyok translates into ‘River of Death. This river, originating from Rimu Glacier (next to Siachen Glacier) in Ladakh, enters Gilgit-Baltistan from Machlu, a village in Ghanche. This village is settled under the shadow of walnut and poplar trees and on the bank of the river of death. Going a little ahead from Khaplu, the curvy road takes one to the delta of River Shyok, where it splits up, flowing through the gravel-filled river plain. The Peak of Masherbrum Mountain can also be seen in the backdrop.
Want to experience some trekking adventure in Khaplu. Enjoy a 20-minute hike to a mosque more than 500 years old on a hill in Khaplu Valley. You can enjoy this magnificent view of Khaplu Town and Shyok River from Thoksikar Mosque.
To the farthest side located Hushe valley is one of the organic places in Baltistan. Hushe valley is very close to nature with very less influence on the modern lifestyle. Hushe is known to be the home of ibex and snow leopards. Located at the brink of Masherbrum peak, Hushe is the most scenic place in Khaplu valley. It’s also known to be the hub of foreign tourists of Ghanche. The traveling distance of Khaplu to Hushe is almost 3-4 hours full of adventure bumpy ride. You can also do trophy hunting after acquiring a NOC from the tourism department of Gilgit – Baltistan.
A beautiful grassland lush green in summers, this valley is about 20 minutes’ drive from Khaplu Valley. Saling is famous for its scenic view and abundance of fresh springs. Tourists can enjoy fishing and camping here.
Kharfaq Lake, also known as “Riochug Tso” in the local language. It is located at an altitude of approx. 13000 ft in the south-east of Kharfaq Village, 22 km short of Khaplu.
It’s a fascinating lake that is surrounded by high mountains from all sides. One has to start the climb for the lake from Kharfaq village in the southeasterly direction. It is a 2-4 hours steep climb that would require a good standard of physical fitness. Not recommended for cardiac patients.
The lake is fed by the glacial streams and apparently has no outlet. The water is crystal clear and very slightly brackish, however, brown trout can survive in this water and has been stocked here in good numbers.
You might have heard about the beautiful Passu Cones in Gilgit. Here in Khaplu valley exists beautiful Haldi Cones just like Passu Cones.
The Masherbrum mountains are located on the south side of the Baltoro Glacier. The southern side of the range, in the Indus River basin, is drained by the Hushe River. While not as famous as the Baltoro Muztagh mountains, which lie across the Baltoro Glacier, the Masherbrum mountains contain some of the highest peaks in the world (highest 7,821 meters (25,659 ft)). They attract climbers from around the planet.
Traveling side-by-side with River Shyok, another wooden bridge upon a river, on the left side, is the path to Saltoro Valley. When you cross the bridge to find yourself in a grand plain, filled with countless round gravels. In the backdrop, the Saltoro mountain range stands like a wall. Mountaineers on their way to Masherbrum (K1) usually take this path. Saltoro valley is known as Siachen as well, this valley is located at the neck of the world’s highest battlefield between Pakistan and India.
