Khaplu Fort

The Khaplu fort- palace is situated on a flat patch of land, near the ruins of an older mud-built fort that once existed on the nearby hill. This fort -palace was erected in the 19th century, and is considered to be among the most magnificent historical buildings in Gilgit-Baltistan. In consonance with other historic buildings of its kind in Baltistan, the Khaplu fort- palace is built over a rectangular plan, using stone masonry and a reinforced timber structure. The walls are rendered in lime plaster, and within the rectangular plan is an inner courtyard and a vast garden. This courtyard is surrounded by a large number of rooms of the palace to accommodate the extended family of the Raja. Other rooms include a storage space, kitchens, and stables, among others. Both the inner and outer courtyard reflect elements of the Mughal Garden style, including still-water pools, flowing-water channels, fountains and Baradari (balconies). The fort-palace is richly embellished with three-storey timber balconies and screened verandahs laced with intricately perforated wooden screens. Its carved posts, fasciae and fenestrations make for a magnificent symphony of solid and void, shadow and light. The lintels, jambs, and the frames of the doors and windows throughout the building are also richly decorated.