
11/12/2024
KHARPOCHO FORT is the ancient architecture of Skardu. Most importantly, the whole of Skardu City can be seen from the top of Kharpocho. The Kharpocho Fort also known as Skardu Fort is situated in Skardu City, Gilgit Baltistan. Kharpocho means “King of Forts' in Balti and is an amazing sight for visitors. Fort stands at a height of about 40 m above the city on a mountain. The fort is located on the bank of the Indus River. Near this Fort is the junction point of the Shigar River in the Indus River. This place has its reputation, showing how the king and the queen used to live with their families.
King Ali Sher Khan Anchan built the fort in the late 16th century. The fort was used as a military front in many wars. During the war against the Dogra, the ruler of the region, during the partition of the subcontinent, local forces realized the warfare and the location of the fort in the town. So they first occupied the fort to keep an eye on the entrance and exit point of Skardu city. Nowadays, avenues leading to the Fort are not easily accessible. One has to climb the heart of the Skardu to the top of the mountain where the Fort is located.
The old-fashioned infrastructure has dozens of small and large comfy rooms covered with a large boundary wall. The wood crafting and creative skills invested in the construction of the Fort make this place worth visiting and enjoying. The massive stones, and gravels, have been artistically used in the construction of the boundary walls of the fort. The itinerary of the Fort is studiously kept narrow and steep to save it from burglars and infiltrators.
Though many of the large rooms were burnt out in the war of 1948 of Gilgit Baltistan, the magnificent Fort still stands to attract thousands of tourists all year round. The secret tunnel connecting the Fort and the city. Rajas at that time built a secret tunnel under the mountains joining the town and the Fort. This secret tunnel was used during the war zone, and the royal families were unaware of its existence. You can see the tunnel during your visit to the Fort.