Serena Khaplu Palace

Khaplu, Pakistan

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Serena Khaplu Palace is a restored 19th-century royal residence in Khaplu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, now operating as a boutique heritage hotel and museum that showcases the history and culture of Baltistan.

The original structure, known as Khaplu Palace, was built by the local Raja (often associated with the Tongi family) and served as the seat of the former rulers of Khaplu, blending Tibetan and Kashmiri architectural traditions with stone, wood, and intricate carved details typical of the region’s palaces.

In recent decades, the palace was converted into a hotel by Serena Hotels, preserving its traditional layout and features while adding modern comforts such as air-conditioned rooms, garden and terrace areas, and a restaurant called Serfa Khar that serves both local and international cuisine. A portion of the palace now functions as a museum displaying artifacts, photographs, and information about Balti history, daily life, and the region’s cultural heritage, giving guests and visitors a deeper understanding of the area.

The palace is situated on the upper side of Khaplu town, close to the ancient route toward Concordia and K‑2, and is often used as a base for trekkers and travelers exploring the Gilgit-Baltistan glacial and mountain landscapes. Its distinctive white façade, wooden balconies, and central tower, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and open lawns, make it both a living historic monument and a notable landmark in the valley.