Shigar Fort is a historical fort located in the Shigar Valley of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The fort was built in the 17th century and has been used as a residence for local rulers, as well as a military fortress.
It is made of mud and clay bricks and has several towers, courtyards, and gates. The fort has been undergoing restoration work in recent years and is now open to visitors as a tourist attraction. It offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.
Location of Shigar Fort
Shigar Fort is located in the Shigar Valley of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The Shigar valley is situated in the western part of the Karakoram mountain range.
The valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, making it a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers.
The fort is situated at an elevation of about 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) above sea level, making it a commanding presence in the valley. It is surrounded by lush green fields and orchards, providing a stark contrast to the rocky and barren mountains that surround it.
The fort is accessible by road and is located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the city of Shigar. The nearest major city is Skardu, which is located about 80 kilometers (49.7 miles) away. The nearest airport is also located in Skardu.
The valley is home to many traditional and historical sites, and the fort is one of the main attractions among those.
How to Reach Shigar Fort?
Reaching Shigar Fort from major cities of Pakistan like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi is quite an adventure.
| City | Distance | Time Taken | Mode of Transport In This Route |
| Islamabad | 675 km | It will take about 16 and half hours to reach there directly via road. | Airplane and Jeep or Overnight Bus and Shared Jeep |
| Lahore | 1010 km | It will take about 18 hours to reach there directly via road. | Airplane and Jeep or Overnight Bus and Shared Jeep |
| Karachi | 2042 km | It will take about 31 hours to rach there which means 1 & half day to reach shigar fort. | Airplane and Jeep or Overnight Bus and Shared Jeep |
For Burgers (Islamabad to Shigar Fort)
If you are in Islamabad and looking to visit the Fort, you have a couple of options. One of the most convenient ways to reach Shigar Fort from Islamabad is by taking a domestic flight to Skardu. As it is the nearest major city to the fort. From Skardu, you can hire a private car or take a shared jeep to reach the Fort.
Another option would be to take an overnight bus or train to Rawalpindi and then connect to Skardu by bus or jeep. Then, from there you can take a ride to the Fort.
For Lahawris (Lahore to Shigar Fort)
Similarly, from Lahore, you can take a domestic flight to Skardu, which is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the Fort.
Alternatively, you can take an overnight bus or train to Rawalpindi and then connect to Skardu by bus or jeep to reach the Fort.
For Kirachites (Karachi to Shigar Fort)
For those coming from Karachi, the quickest and most convenient option would be to take a domestic flight to Skardu and then hire a private car or take a shared jeep to reach the Fort.
Another option would be to take a bus or train to Rawalpindi and then connect to Skardu by bus or jeep to reach the Fort.
History
Shigar Fort is a historical fortification located in the Shigar Valley of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The fort has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was first built by the Raja of Shigar, a local ruler of the area. It was used as a residence for the Raja and his family as well as a military fortress to protect the region from invasions.
This fort passed through different local rulers and was also occupied by the Dogra dynasty of Jammu and Kashmir. In the 20th century, it served as the residence of British political agents in the region.
However, after the partition of India in 1947, the fort was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In recent years, the government of Pakistan has undertaken restoration work on the fort to preserve its historical significance. Today, the fort is open to visitors as a tourist attraction and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. It is considered to be one of the most historically and culturally significant sites in Pakistan.
Architecture
Shigar Fort is an architectural marvel that showcases the traditional building methods and design elements of the region. As visitors approach they will be greeted by the grand entrance gate adorned with intricate carvings and designs. The gate is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders.
Once tourists enter the fort they will notice the several levels of the fort. The upper levels were used for residential quarters and the lower levels for storage and other functions. The fort also features several towers, which were used for defensive purposes and to keep an eye on the surrounding areas.
After this, they will come across several courtyards and residential quarters arranged around them. The courtyards are open to the sky, providing natural light and ventilation to the residential quarters. The traditional architectural elements such as wooden balconies, arched openings, and ornate carvings are also something that will catch their attention.
The fort is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary architectural styles, reflecting the rich history and culture of the region. It’s a great opportunity to experience the traditional and vernacular architecture of the region.
Transforming into Serena Shigar Fort
Shigar Fort, a 400-year-old historic monument was meticulously restored and transformed into the Serena Shigar Luxury Resort. The restoration process of Shigar Fort took several years. During which traditional construction methods and materials were used to preserve the authenticity of fort.
Serena Shigar Luxury Resort now offers visitors an exclusive opportunity to experience the beauty of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The resort’s elegant rooms are uniquely decorated with traditional art and antiques. This decoration provides a glimpse into the past while offering modern amenities.
In addition to the comfortable accommodations, the resort offers a range of activities for guests to enjoy, including guided tours of the fort, mountain treks, and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and traditional music performances.
The resort’s restaurant serves traditional Balti cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, offering guests a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
The transformation of Shigar Fort into a luxury resort not only provides a unique and memorable experience for guests but also serves as a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Ticket Price and Timings
The ticket prices and timings for Shigar Fort may vary depending on the time of year and any ongoing events or renovations. Typically, the fort is open to visitors from morning until evening.
As for the ticket price of shigar fort, it is usually minimal and affordable for local and international visitors. It is important to note that the fort is a historical site and the ticket prices are usually used for the maintenance and preservation of the site.
It is always advisable to check with the local tourist office for the most accurate information on the current prices and timings.
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