Shigar Fort: How to Get There, Best Routes, and Must-See Photography Spots

Shigar Fort, a 400-year-old monument, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan. Restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, this historical marvel has been transformed into a luxury hotel, blending ancient architecture with modern comforts. Situated in the breathtaking Shigar Valley, Shigar Fort is not just a historical site but a gateway to exploring the Karakoram mountain range.

Getting to Shigar Fort from Major Pakistani Cities

From Islamabad (Distance: 640 km)

• Route 1: Islamabad to Skardu by Air + Drive to Shigar
• Flight: The quickest way is to take a direct flight from Islamabad to Skardu (approximately 1 hour).
• Drive: From Skardu, Shigar Fort is a 45-minute drive (32 km).
• Route 2: Islamabad to Skardu by Road
• Distance: 640 km
• Route: Take the N-15 and then the Skardu Road. This scenic drive will take approximately 18-20 hours.
• Stops: Chilas, Gilgit, and Jaglot are ideal stops for rest and photography.

From Lahore (Distance: 935 km)

• Route 1: Lahore to Islamabad by Motorway + Flight to Skardu
• Drive to Islamabad: 4 hours (approximately 378 km via M-2).
• Flight: Direct flight from Islamabad to Skardu.
• Drive: From Skardu, a 45-minute drive to Shigar Fort.
• Route 2: Lahore to Skardu by Road
• Distance: 935 km
• Route: Follow the M-2 motorway to Islamabad, then proceed as per the road route from Islamabad to Skardu.
• Stops: Consider stopping at Murree, Naran, and Babusar Top for stunning views.

From Karachi (Distance: 1,980 km)

• Route 1: Karachi to Islamabad by Air + Flight to Skardu
• Flight: Karachi to Islamabad (2 hours 10 minutes), then Islamabad to Skardu.
• Drive: A short drive from Skardu to Shigar Fort.
• Route 2: Karachi to Skardu by Road
• Distance: 1,980 km
• Route: Drive via the N-5 National Highway to Islamabad, then follow the Islamabad to Skardu road route.
• Stops: Consider taking breaks in Sukkur, Multan, and Islamabad.

From Multan (Distance: 1,320 km)

• Route 1: Multan to Islamabad by Air + Flight to Skardu
• Flight: Multan to Islamabad (1 hour 30 minutes).
• Flight: Islamabad to Skardu, followed by a short drive to Shigar Fort.
• Route 2: Multan to Skardu by Road
• Distance: 1,320 km
• Route: Drive via the M-4 Motorway to Islamabad, then take the road route to Skardu.
• Stops: Possible stops include Bhakkar, Dera Ismail Khan, and Chilas.

From Faisalabad (Distance: 1,070 km)

• Route 1: Faisalabad to Islamabad by Train + Flight to Skardu
• Train: Faisalabad to Islamabad (4 hours).
• Flight: Direct flight from Islamabad to Skardu.
• Drive: Short drive from Skardu to Shigar Fort.
• Route 2: Faisalabad to Skardu by Road
• Distance: 1,070 km
• Route: Take the M-4 Motorway to Islamabad, then follow the road route to Skardu.
• Stops: Stop at Abbottabad and Gilgit for rest and scenic views.

From Peshawar (Distance: 665 km)

• Route 1: Peshawar to Islamabad by Road + Flight to Skardu
• Drive: Peshawar to Islamabad (2 hours 30 minutes via M-1).
• Flight: Direct flight from Islamabad to Skardu.
• Drive: Short drive from Skardu to Shigar Fort.
• Route 2: Peshawar to Skardu by Road
• Distance: 665 km
• Route: Drive via the M-1 Motorway to Islamabad, then take the road route to Skardu.
• Stops: Possible stops include Naran and Babusar Top.

Distance from Skardu to Shigar Fort

• Distance: 32 km
• Route: Skardu to Shigar via the Skardu-Shigar Road.
• Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes.
• Photography Spots: Along the way, you can capture the beautiful landscapes of the Shigar Valley, including views of the Indus River and surrounding peaks.

Photography Spots at Shigar Fort

Shigar Fort offers multiple picturesque locations that are perfect for photography:

1. The Fort Entrance: Capture the grandeur of the 17th-century architecture.
2. The Garden: Beautifully maintained, the garden offers stunning views of the fort against the backdrop of the Karakoram Range.
3. The Terrace: Overlooking the Shigar River, this spot is ideal for capturing panoramic shots.
4. The Interior: The blend of traditional Balti and modern decor provides unique opportunities for indoor photography.

History and Cultural Significance

Shigar Fort, also known as Fong-Khar (Palace on the Rock), was originally built by the Raja of Shigar, and it served as the residence of the local rulers for centuries. The fort has been meticulously restored to preserve its historical significance, while also offering modern amenities to guests. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture played a pivotal role in the restoration, ensuring that the fort’s heritage was maintained while making it accessible to the public.

Best Time to Visit Shigar Fort

• Summer (May to September): The best time to visit Shigar Fort is during the summer when the weather is mild, and the surrounding landscapes are lush and green.
• Autumn (October): Autumn is also a great time to visit, with vibrant fall colors providing a stunning backdrop for photography.

Ready to explore Shigar Fort? Plan your trip with Triisum and enjoy up to 30% off with our trusted guides. Take advantage of our 6+ years of experience in the tourism industry to make your trip tension-free, reliable, and budget-friendly. Contact us on WhatsApp at +92340-6501445 for couples, family, and corporate trips.

References

• Dani, Ahmad Hasan. History of Northern Areas of Pakistan (Upto 2000 AD). Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2001.
• Mock, John. Trekking in the Karakoram & Hindukush. Lonely Planet, 2004.
• Schomberg, R. C. F. Between the Oxus and the Indus. John Murray, 1900.
• Leitner, Gottlieb Wilhelm. Dardistan in 1866, 1886, and 1893. Reprint, Karachi: Indus Publications, 1978.
• Matthews, David. High Road to Hunza. Vanguard Books, 1990.

Recommended Books

1. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
2. The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia by Peter Hopkirk
3. In the Kingdom of the Himalayas by Glyn Roberts
4. Pakistan: A Personal History by Imran Khan
5. Empires of the Indus: The Story of a River by Alice Albinia

FAQs About Shigar Fort

1. What is the history of Shigar Fort?

• Shigar Fort was built in the 17th century by the Raja of Shigar and served as the residence for local rulers. It has been restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan and now functions as a luxury hotel.

2. How far is Shigar Fort from Skardu?

• Shigar Fort is approximately 32 km from Skardu, which takes about 45 minutes by car via the Skardu-Shigar Road.

2. What are the best photography spots at Shigar Fort?

• The best photography spots at Shigar Fort include the fort entrance, the garden with views of the Karakoram Range, the terrace overlooking the Shigar River, and the interior spaces showcasing traditional Balti architecture.

2. When is the best time to visit Shigar Fort?

• The best time to visit Shigar Fort is during the summer months from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding landscapes are lush. Autumn in October is also a great time to visit for vibrant fall colors.

2. How can I plan a trip to Shigar Fort?

• You can plan your trip to Shigar Fort by booking with Triisum, a trusted travel service offering up to 30% off with experienced guides. Contact them on WhatsApp at +92340-6501445 for couples, family, corporate, group, or private trips.

Don’t miss out on exploring the majestic Shigar Fort. Plan your trip with Triisum and enjoy up to 30% off with our trusted guides. With over 6 years of experience in the tourism industry, we make your trip experience tension-free, reliable, and budget-friendly. Create lifetime memories with us—contact Triisum today on WhatsApp at +92340-6501445 for couples, family, and corporate trips.

By following this guide, you can fully explore Shigar Fort while ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience. Whether you’re traveling for history, adventure, or photography, Shigar Fort offers a unique journey into the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan.