Shigar Fort Residence is located in the beautiful valley of Baltistan in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Its picturesque setting in the Shigar Valley provides the ideal gateway from which to explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Here, the magnificent Karakoram and Himalayan ranges meet - an intersection which results in the most extensively glaciated high mountain terrain on the planet. This includes seven of the world's 25 highest peaks, four of which exceed 8000m, including K-2, the second highest mountain peak in the world at 8611m.

Shigar Fort Residence has been open since June 1, 2005, following an intensive six-year restoration undertaken by Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan. Originally known as Fong-Khar, which in the local Balti language means "Palace on the Rock", this 400-year old Raja fort-palace has been brought back to life following a careful strategy of adaptive re-use and restoration. The result is a combination of authentic original 17th century architecture together with the modern amenities and services of a luxury guest house. Shigar Fort Residence has emerged as a new form of cultural tourism in Pakistan that combines guest rooms, facilities, and services of an international standard with an intimate first-hand experience of the unique architectural, cultural, and natural heritage of the Shigar Valley.
Baltistan is home to approximately 400,000 people, whose history and culture stretches back to early Tibetan Buddhist origins. This heritage is still evident in much of the local traditions, architecture and language of the area, offering visitors a rich cultural experience unique in Pakistan.
Guest Rooms
Shigar Fort Residence is a unique heritage conservation project which offers guests the opportunity to experience the restored original architecture of a 17th century Raja fort-palace, while enjoying the modern amenities and services of a luxury guest house.

Old Fort-Palace
Garden House

Old Fort-Palace
13 historical guest rooms, located in the original Old Fort-Palace, offer guests an exclusive and authentic cultural experience. Distinctive features include:
Meticulously restored original architecture
Traditional Shah-e-Nasheen
Wood carvings and lattices
Intricately carved wood screens and ceilings
Walnut timber flooring
Authentic period antiques
Modern ensuite bathrooms with marble tile and premium fixtures
Heritage Royal Suite
Originally the Raja’s royal summer quarters, this 1-bedroom suite features either 1 king size bed or 2 single beds, an adjoining large reception room, a “Shah-e-Nasheen” and an airy hanging balcony of wooden lattice work. Decorated in period antiques with a splendid view of the Shigar River, Cherry Orchard and Amacha Garden.
Heritage Suites
2 suites which originally served as the chambers of the royal women and 1 suite which was the Raja’s mid-season quarters. Large suites featuring 1 king size bed in the main bedroom, with adjoining room and 1 single bed in a separate Anteroom and/or Shah-e-Nasheen as well as a sitting area. Special features include beautifully carved doors and paneled ceilings. Decorated with period antiques and views of the Shigar River, Cherry Orchards or Amacha Garden.

Heritage Premiere Rooms
Spacious historic rooms featuring either 1 double bed or 2 twin beds as well as Shah-e-Nasheen or sitting area. Rich original architectural details, decorated with period antiques with views on either the Cherry Orchards or Amacha Garden.

Heritage Deluxe Room
Historic rooms with varied original architectural details, featuring either 1 double bed or 2 single beds, beautifully carved doors and windows with views of the Cherry Garden and/or Shigar River.

Heritage Studio Room
Cozy historic rooms with numerous original details and traditional wood furnishings, featuring 1 single bed and views of the Shigar River or the Cherry Orchard.

Garden House
7 conventional guest rooms with modern amenities are located in the Garden House, a new construction using traditional materials and building techniques in keeping with the historical architecture of Shigar Fort. The Garden House guest rooms offer intimate terraces and views on the Amacha Garden . Each room has been decorated tastefully, with handmade textiles and antique objects. These rooms offer good value and spacious comfortable accommodation.

Garden Suite
Extra spacious suite featuring 1 king bed, sitting area, in-room satellite television, modern ensuite bathroom, balcony facing the beautiful Baradari monument surrounded by the lush Amacha Garden.

Garden Balcony Rooms
Spacious rooms featuring either 1 double bed or 2 twin beds, in-room satellite television, modern ensuite bathroom, balcony facing the beautiful Baradari monument surrounded by the lush Amacha Garden.

Standard Garden Room
Spacious rooms featuring either 1 double bed or 2 twin beds, in-room satellite television, modern ensuite bathroom.

Guest Services & Facilities
The staff and management of Shigar Fort Residence are at your service to ensure your comfort and enjoyment during your stay.

Amenities
Shampoo, bath and shower gel, and moisturizing body lotion, and slippers are provided in each guest room for your convenience. The following extra amenities are available on request:
• Hairdryer
• Extra blankets
• Extra towels

• Bathrobes
• Space heater
• Additional pillows, linens

• Toiletries kit
• Electrical adapters



Business Center
Located in the Old House on the second floor, the Business Center provides a computer with Internet access, MS Office software applications, printing and faxing facilities.

Gift Shop
Located in the Garden House on the lower level, our Gift Shop features merchandise which is locally sourced and crafted. Shigar Fort Residence is committed to socially responsible tourism development in Baltistan and strives to encourage the revival of local handicraft arts and textiles. The Gift Shop is open daily.

Guest Kitchen
Located in the courtyard of Old Fort, this traditional-style kitchen is available for guest use and is equipped with a small refrigerator, crockery, and utensils. Guests may also enjoy tea, refreshments, and snacks available in our Guest Kitchen.

Laundry Service
Overnight laundry service is available for your convenience.

Meeting Facilities
Our main boardroom is located on the second level of the Old House, next to the Business Center. The boardroom can accommodate up to 12-15 people and is equipped with white board and audio-visual equipment. Smaller groups and break sessions can also be accommodated in the Turkish Lounge on the second floor of the Old House and in the Guest Lounge in the Garden House.

Mosque
Our historic mosque is located on the second level of the Old Fort-Palace and is available for quiet individual prayer and reflection. Individual prayer mats are available in each guest room and are located in the closet/armoire. Non Muslims are able to view the mosque from the veranda when not in use.

Museum and Grounds
Guests are encouraged to explore the rich cultural and historic heritage of Shigar Fort Residence. A guided museum tour through the Old-Fort Palace, Old House, Garden House, and traditional Amacha Garden is complimentary for our overnight guests.

Restaurant
Our restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Old House and is open throughout the day and evening for your convenience. We specialize in local Pakistani dishes, including traditional BBQ and Iftar dinners, featuring organic produce, fish, and meat. Guests can enjoy refreshments and food in the main dining room and adjoining outdoor terrace, or in the more relaxed atmosphere of the Turkish Lounge on the second floor with adjoining outdoor veranda overlooking the Shigar River.

Security
Shigar Fort Residence offers 24-hour security at the main Fort entry gate and on the Fort grounds. For protection of any valuables that may need to be stored there is a safe at the reception.

Telephone Services
All outside calls must be placed through the Hotel Operator. Charges per minute apply.

Transportation and Excursions
We offer complimentary airport transfers to and from Skardu for our guests. Local activities, day excursions, guides, and transportation can also be arranged.

TV Lobby Lounge
Our comfortable TV Lobby Lounge is located on the main floor of the Garden House and offers a variety of international satellite channels, as well as national Pakistani channels.

Water Supply
Shigar Fort Residence is equipped with an environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art water purification and filtration system. Tap water in the guest rooms is generally safe to drink but if you prefer bottled water is also supplied in the guest room for your convenience. Given the resources necessary to supply water, we ask guests to please be conscious of water consumption, particularly when using the shower.
Groups & Meetings
Shigar Fort Residence is an idyllic location for small group meetings, workshops, incentives, and retreats. The property's strategy of adaptive re-use and restoration has resulted in the combination of authentic original 17th century architecture with modern guest amenities and services. Shigar Fort Residence offers a pristine mountain setting - the perfect venue for meaningful group meetings without the distractions of the outside world, as well as the opportunity to enjoy group leisure activities and team building events.

Meeting Rooms
Main Conference Room
Located on the second level of the Old House, featuring authentic heritage architecture

Capacity for 12-15 delegates (Boardroom style)
Easel, white board and A/V equipment on request

Turkish Lounge
Located on the second level of the Old House in the Lounge

Capacity for 20 delegates

Features comfortable U-shape Turkish seating for more informal group discussions and break-out sessions

TV Lobby Lounge
Located on the main level of the Garden House

Capacity for 20 delegates

Available for set-up for group meetings or informal discussions and break-out sessions

Food & Beverage Functions
Group functions can be hosted in our main Restaurant or in the Turkish Lounge

Outdoor venues for receptions and BBQ include the Amacha Garden, Vine Terrace, Old Fort-Palace, Museum Terrace, Turkish Lounge

Veranda overlooking the Fort courtyard and Shigar River

Customized group menus featuring traditional dishes with organic produce, fish, and meat
Business Center
Located on the second floor of the Old House next to the Main Boardroom
Provides access to computer with MS Office software applications, printing, faxing, and internet connectivity