Khaplu Valley — Historic Royal Town of Baltistan

Khaplu, 103km east of Skardu along the Shyok River, was historically the second-largest kingdom in Baltistan under the Yabgo dynasty. Its restored 19th-century palace (Khaplu Fort/Yabgo Khar), the 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, and its role as the gateway to the Hushe Valley and Masherbrum region make it one of the richest heritage destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Beyond the town itself, the surrounding villages, Machulu, Saling, Haldi, offer some of the region's best lesser-visited scenery, from organic farms to Masherbrum viewpoints.