Serena Shigar Fort, known as Fong-Khar, which means the “Palace on the Rock,” in the local language, consists in a 450-year-old Fort and 17th century Raja Palace nestled in the mountainous landscape of Baltistan, Pakistan. Here the magnificent Karakoram and Himalayan ranges meet, an intersection which results in the most extensively glaciated mountain terrain on the planet and includes seven of the world’s 25 highest peaks (including K2, 28,251 ft). Shigar Fort is an important conservation project of cultural tourism in Pakistan, combining international standard services to the architectural, cultural and natural heritage of the Shigar Valley. Guests have the opportunity to experience the original architecture of a 17th century fort palace. All rooms were crafted using building materials and techniques faithful to the historical architecture of Shigar Fort. The accommodation facility consists of 15 rooms and 5 suites: 13 traditional guest rooms are located in the 400-year-old Fort-Palace, perfectly restored with antiques and wooden architecture while the Garden House offers seven conventional rooms with private terraces. The dining experience at Serena Shigar Fort is based on local ingredients from Shigar Valley farms and providers. The Fong Khar Restaurant offers innovative menus of Pakistani, Balti, Chinese and Continental specialties. Within driving distance, there are many places to discover the captivating beauty of the Shigar Valley like the Katpana Desert, known as the Cold Desert which is the highest desert in the world. Hotel guests can visit also famous glaciers and five nearby lakes offering boating facilities for charters and cruises. Cultural visits include the historic villages of Chinpa, Halpapa, and Shigar with some of the most ancient mosques in the area, like the 14th century Amburiq Mosque in Shigar Village, a UNESCO award-winning site.
