Shigar Valley

Shigar Valley is a side valley of the Baltistan region, branching north from the Indus near Skardu, and is characterised by terraced apricot and poplar gardens irrigated by glacial streams. The Shigar Fort, a 400-year-old timber-and-stone palace of the former raja of Shigar, has been restored and now operates as a heritage lodge. The valley serves as an alternate starting point for Baltoro Glacier treks and offers a more tranquil alternative to Skardu for photography of traditional Balti village architecture against the high desert mountain backdrop.