Photo: GB TourismField guides / Baltistan Division / Skardu & Baltistan / Kharphocho Fort
Field guide · Heritage
Baltistan Division
Skardu District · Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Kharphocho Fort
Skardu's “king of forts”, built 1490–1505 on a hill above the town by Ali Sher Khan Anchan.
Kharphocho, “the king of forts”, stands on a hill above Skardu town. It was built between 1490 and 1505 by Ali Sher Khan Anchan of the Maqpon dynasty, who then moved the capital of Skardu here from Shigari Bala.
Why go
- ✦Built 1490–1505 by Ali Sher Khan Anchan
- ✦Capital of the Maqpon rulers
- ✦Retaken from the Dogras in 1948
- ✦Views over Skardu and the Indus
About
The fort remained the Maqpon capital until the last Maqpon ruler, Ahmad Shah, fell to the Dogras. In 1948, during the war of independence against the Dogras, local fighters took it back with the help of the Gilgit Scouts. From the top there is a view over Skardu and the Indus.
History
The Maqpon dynasty traced itself to a local figure, Maqpon Bokha; another account credits Ibrahim Shah from Kashmir with founding it. Ali Sher Khan Anchan, its best-known ruler, completed Kharphocho in 1505 and made it his capital. It fell to the Dogras with the defeat of Ahmad Shah and was retaken in 1948.
How to Reach
On the hill above Skardu town, reached on foot from the bazaar.
Responsible Travel
Treat the site as protected heritage: do not scratch, climb or remove material, and follow caretaker instructions.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, April to October.
Getting there, On the hill above Skardu town, reached on foot from the bazaar.
Allow, One to two hours including the climb.
What to Do
Make Kharphocho Fort Part of a Trip
GreenPak resorts and journeys within 5 km of Kharphocho Fort.
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Kharphocho Fort, within 5 km.
