Palaces, wooden mosques and the Hushe valley
Khaplu Valley. Photo: Bilalnawazphotography / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ghanche is the easternmost district of Gilgit-Baltistan and follows the Shyok River towards the high peaks of the Masherbrum and Saltoro ranges. Its main town, Khaplu, is known for a restored royal palace and a wooden mosque that is among the oldest in the region.
From Khaplu a road leads north to Hushe, the last village below Masherbrum and the starting point for treks to K6, K7 and the Gondogoro La.
Popular Activities
- Palace and mosque visits
- Village walks along the Shyok
- Base camp treks from Hushe
- Autumn photography
Places to Visit in Ghanche (Khaplu)
4 places chosen by our local guides.
Khaplu Palace
The restored palace of the rajas of Khaplu, built in 1840 and now a heritage hotel and museum.
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Chaqchan Mosque
A wooden mosque in Khaplu dating from the 14th century, one of the oldest in the region.
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Hushe Valley
The valley below Masherbrum, and the gateway to K6, K7 and the Gondogoro La.
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Khaplu Village and the Shyok River
Stone lanes, apricot orchards and wide views of the Shyok River.
More detailsWhere to Stay in Ghanche (Khaplu)
Serena Khaplu Palace
Restored 19th-century royal palace in Khaplu, now a boutique heritage hotel and museum.
Karakoram Lodge Khaplu
Lodge in Khaplu with free parking and Wi-Fi, and a rooftop viewpoint over the Shyok River.
North Palace Khaplu
3-star hotel in Khaplu with a garden of cherry trees, Balti dishes and breakfast included.
Treks in Ghanche (Khaplu)
Masherbrum Base Camp Trek
A short trek from Hushe to the base of Masherbrum (7,821 m), with big mountain views for moderate effort.
Nangma Valley Trek
A short trek to a high meadow ringed by huge granite walls, often compared to Yosemite.
Barah Broq Trek
A quiet trek above the Shyok valley to high pastures and a lake, with a viewpoint that looks across to K2 and the Baltoro peaks.
