The palace, considered an architectural heritage and a tourist attraction, was built in the mid-19th century, replacing an earlier fort located nearby. It served as a royal residence for the Raja of Khaplu.
From 2005 to 2011 the palace, having earlier stood in vulnerable conditions, underwent a restoration project carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture under the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme. The palace now houses a hotel operated by Serena and a museum depicting the history and culture of Baltistan.
Serena Khaplu Palace offers guests the privilege of experiencing a unique hotel stay in Pakistan in historical buildings that date back to the 1840s. These historical monuments have been brought back to life following a carefully designed strategy of adaptive re-use and restoration.
Serena Khaplu Palace is located at the upper side of the Khaplu Town; a beautiful part of the Baltistan region. Its picturesque seating, attractive landscape and culturally dominated features are ideal for explorers, researchers, adventurers and those with a love for nature and culture and for leisure activities.
In a region rich in cultural heritage, Khaplu Palace is certainly the finest surviving example of a Royal Residence in Baltistan. It is located on the legendry route to the world’s greatest junction of three mighty glaciers at Concordia. In terms of architectural heritage and cultural expression, it has arguably more treasures than Shigar Fort, possibly as a result of its closeness to both Leh in Ladakh and Srinagar in Kashmir.
Serena Khaplu Palace is a unique heritage Boutique Hotel which offers guests the opportunity to experience the restored original architecture of a 19th century Raja Palace, while enjoying the modern amenities and services of a luxury Hotel.