In the land of Shangri-La, the Shigar Fort Residence stands out as a modern, full-amenity hotel that pays homage to the incredible history and culture of its surrounds. Step outside this former palace and behold the legendary route to the Himalaya’s second highest peak, K-2. No expense was spared by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan in restoring and extending the original site, known as Fong-Khar, or “Palace of the Rock”. The Service is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, an organization well known for its faithful restorations.
The Shigar Fort Residence is a one-of-a-kind heritage guesthouse that features the lovingly restored original 17th century architecture of a Raja Fort Palace. Yet, all of the modern conveniences demanded by today’s tourist and business traveler are available. In total there are three hotel structures: the Fort/Palace, the Old House and the Garden House. Each of the 20 rooms in the transformed Palace has full amenities, and the hotel is completely modern in terms of its facilities.
Business travelers will be delighted with the large, full feature Conference Room and the 24-Hour Business Center. All sorts of conferences, seminars, and meetings are booked in the Conference Room every year. For instance, recently, a group of Pakistani real estate developers hosted a seminar that showed their sales force how to sell leads to rich residents of the country as well as to an international audience. The developers were all greeted at the airport with the complementary shuttle transfer provided by the Shigar Fort Residence. They were very impressed by the high quality cuisine served at the Fonghar Restaurant – a place to relax and enjoy the best dishes from Pakistan, China and Europe. If the developers wanted to snack or perhaps arrange a private party, they simply popped into the Resident’s Lounge.
There is a historical Vine Garden open during the summer months that offers visitors authentic Pakistani BBQ. Visiting Texans would feel rigtht at home there. Tourists can be guided through the local museum, which features local artifacts, original carvings and many other items associated with the rich architectural history of the local grounds.
Even if you are in Shangri-La, you still may need to keep up to date on current news and business conditions. The Lobby Lounge at the Shigar Fort Residence offers satellite channels to keep you plugged in to current events and business news. You can exchange your money 24 hours a day with the Forex Service on premises. A phone call from your room will put you in touch with room service, the hotel valet, even the laundry. And if all the good fun makes you a little dizzy, a physician is on call at all hours. Shigar Fort Residence proves that you can step back to the 17th century without giving up any of the comfort and convenience of the 21st century.