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Area Attractions &
Activities
Guests of Shigar Fort Residence have a multitude of activities to enjoy at their doorstep. Local points of interest, all within walking distance from the Fort-Palace include:
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Exploring the nearby historic villages of Chinpa, Halpapa, and Shigar;
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Visiting some of the most ancient mosques in the area, including the 14th century Amburiq Mosque in Shigar Village, a UNESCO award-winning restoration project and the nearby Khilingrong Mosque;
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Hiking up the famous Shigar Rock, at the top of which sits the ruins of Kari Dong, the first ancient Fort dating back to the 11th century;
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Viewing the intricately carved Khanqa-e-Moallah and Buddhist ruins, including monastery foundations and rock inscriptions from as early as the 5th century;
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Interpretive walks through the nearby villages to learn about the various social and economic development initiatives undertaken by Aga Khan Cultural Services and other development agencies in the area.
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Within easy distance for half-day and day excursions from the Fort-Palace, are many more spectacular sites, including:
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Chutron Shigar Hot Springs;
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The Deosai Plateau (literally "place of flowers" in the local Balti language) a unique eco-system over 400 square km at an elevation of 4000m which features over 100 species of mountain flora and is home to wildlife such as the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Golden Marmot, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, and Ladakh Urial;
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Attractions around Skardu, including a shopping trip to the Bazaar for one-of-a-kind local handicrafts, fishing and boating at Satpara Lake, the Manthal Buddha - a Buddha relief carved on rock from the 7th century, and historic Kharpucho Fort;
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Kachura Lake, where guests can enjoy fishing and boating;
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Khaplu region, including Thaley Valley, Hushey Valley, and the historic Khaplu Fort, now under restoration.
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For adventure travelers, Shigar Fort Residence provides the ideal base from which to start 1 to 5-day hiking treks, or once-in-a-lifetime technical treks such as the Baltoro Glacier trek to K-2 base camp and the Biafo - Hispar glacial pass to Snow Lake. Trekkers will be happy to return to the comforts of Shigar Fort Residence to recuperate from and celebrate their challenging journeys.
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Accommodation and activities packages can be booked directly with Shigar Fort Residence or through a local tour operator and can be customized to suit guests' interests. A sample 4-night package itinerary is described below and can be customized for shorter or longer stays.
Day 1 - Islamabad to Shigar
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1-hour scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, with breathtaking scenery of the Karakoram, Hindukush, and Himalayan mountain ranges, offering views of 5 peaks soaring over 8000m, including K-2 and Nangaparbat
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Welcome and complimentary airport pick-up by friendly Shigar Fort Residence staff
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Guided tour of the historically rich Shigar Fort Residence museum and grounds
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Afternoon at leisure to relax or to explore Shigar Village, including the Amburiq Mosque and Old Bazaar
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Traditional Pakistani BBQ dinner at the Shigar Fort Restaurant
Day 2 - Skardu and Kachura Lake
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After breakfast, drive to Skardu to stroll through the local bazaar for unique handicrafts, traditional wool and silk textiles, gemstones, etc.
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Visit the pristine Kachura Lake for nature trails, boating, and fishing
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Visit the nearby historic Kharpucho Fort
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Return to Shigar Fort Residence for late afternoon refreshments and dinner
Day 3 - Deosai Plateau and Satpara Lake
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Spend the day with a packed picnic lunch exploring the spectacular scenery of the Deosai Plateau and its famous flora and fauna;
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Visit Satpara Lake and view the 7th century Buddhist carvings
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Return to Shigar Fort Residence in the afternoon to relax or hike up the Shigar Rock to the Kari Dong fort ruins to take in dramatic views of the Shigar Valley
Day 4 - Khaplu
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Drive up the scenic Shigar Valley towards Khaplu
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Enjoy day hikes through the Hushey and Thaley Valleys
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Explore the Khaplu Fort and Khaplu Village
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Return to Shigar Fort Residence for a special farewell dinner featuring traditional Pakistani fare
Day 5 - Return to Islamabad
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Morning at leisure, visit the Shigar Fort Residence Gift Shop for souvenirs of a memorable stay
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Transfers back to Skardu Airport for the flight back to Islamabad
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