[Pictorial] Khaplu Fort, Baltistan

Khaplu Fort, located in Ghangche District of Baltistan, is getting final touches of renovation. It is the second fort in Baltistan to be renovated by Aga Khan Cultural Services, Pakistan. A section of the fort’s residential area is being used as a hotel, operated by Serena Hotels. The idea is to convert the fort into a revenue stream for the local population, while also retaining the building as a cultural heritage. “All the revenues from Shigar and Khaplu Fort is being spent on well-being of the local population”, according to Engineer Sher Ghazi, a senior AKCSP official, who is heading the renovation project.