Serena Shigar Fort

Walking through Serena Shigar Fort felt like stepping back into history, while still having modern comfort and hospitality. The restoration is impressive and adds real value to Skardu’s heritage. It’s beautifully preserved, with remarkable architecture and woodwork that reflect the region’s rich history and culture. A must-visit if you’re into history, culture, and stunning architecture.

We spent two nights here, and being able to walk out to the local bazar was great. The garden and the hotel’s history were appealing, too. We liked the kofta and other Desi dishes from the menu, and my son enjoyed the margarita pizza. The renovated old fort rooms are very tight, with low ceilings. We could hear footsteps overhead on the wooden floor and people talking next door because the rooms are so close. There’s no TV in the room, and WiFi is very dodgy, though that seems common in most places there. We didn’t see the new wing, so you might want to ask about it. If you love history and don’t mind the low ceilings and noise from the next room, go for it. Otherwise, just visit for the day and hear the history from the tour guide.

The old 17th century fort makes for an incredible hotel, and it’s a cool location for walking around the local village. Dinner was the one letdown: there was no ambience, and with no soft music in the background you could hear everyone’s conversations, including your own. Apart from that, it was faultless.

You can stay inside a centuries-old fort and still have modern hotel facilities. Shigar Fort Residence serves traditional Balti cuisine and has a cultural atmosphere, with stunning valley views. The old fort has been beautifully restored as a luxury heritage hotel, surrounded by mountains and peaceful scenery. Its traditional architecture reflects the rich culture of Baltistan.