This Mountain Fortress is Now A 5-Star Hotel! | Shigar Fort Full Tour

Step back in time with me as I take you on a tour inside the iconic Shigar Fort, nestled in the rugged beauty near Skardu. Built over 400 years ago as a palace for the Raja of Shigar, this fort has seen centuries of history unfold within its ancient stone walls. Restored with care, it now offers a glimpse into the life, art, and architecture of a bygone era. Join me as we explore hidden rooms, beautiful carvings, and breathtaking mountain views that make Shigar Fort not just a structure but a living relic of Balti heritage and resilience. Known as Fong-Khar, which in the local language means the “Palace on the Rock,” Serena Shigar Palace encompasses a 450-year-old Fort and 17th-century Raja Palace in a mountainous landscape. Shigar Fort, known for its historical and architectural significance, dates back to the 17th century. The fort was originally constructed by the Raja of Shigar, a local ruler in the region now known as Baltistan. This area was historically significant due to its strategic location on the ancient Silk Route, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges between Central and South Asia. The construction of Shigar Fort reflects a blend of Tibetan architectural influences with local Balti craftsmanship. Initially, it served as a defensive structure, protecting the region from invasions and maintaining control over the lucrative trade routes. Over centuries, the fort evolved from a mere military stronghold into a residence for local rulers, witnessing numerous renovations and expansions. In the 20th century, the fort transitioned from a royal residence to various uses, including as a school, and later fell into disrepair. However, recognizing its cultural value, it was restored in the early 21st century through the efforts of a heritage conservation project. This initiative not only preserved the fort's architectural integrity but also transformed it into a heritage hotel, allowing visitors to experience the rich history and culture of the region. Today, Shigar Fort stands as a testament to the area's rich historical tapestry, showcasing the blend of various cultural influences through its architecture, artefacts, and its adaptation over time to meet the needs of its inhabitants and visitors. The location is the Serena Shigar Fort https://maps.app.goo.gl/iqCF7Gzqe3ZiE.... It's open daily for tours from 10 am. 00:00 Inside a 400-year-old fort & 17th century Palace 00:36 Where am I? 01:12 The journey to get there 05:09 Fort & Palace tour 14:34 Protests 16:25 Palace garden 17:27 The giant Chinar Tree 20:09 What's local food like? 23:24 Farming & Yaks 25:57 The 12 Pillar Pavillion 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 1) SUBSCRIBE! ✔ Click https://www.youtube.com/c/KarlRock/?s... Then smash the BELL ICON so you don't miss a 🔴live stream or video. 2) SUPPORT MY CONTENT & GET SPECIAL BENEFITS 🙏🏻❤️ Press the blue JOIN button or    / karlrock  . 3) WANT TO TRAVEL TO INDIA? Read my quick-start safety guide at https://blog.karlrock.com/india-survi.... 4) WANT TO LEARN HINDI हिन्दी? Learn Hindi Faster Than I Did! is free at https://blog.karlrock.com/how-to-lear.... 5) LET'S CONNECT 👋🏻   / iamkarlrock     / iamkarlrock   #shigar #fort #tour #urdu #hindi #pakistan #india #ladakh #gilgitbaltistan #skardu