Welcome to
Serena Shigar Fort
A Historic Heritage Hotel In Pakistan
Serena Shigar Fort is a one-of-a-kind heritage boutique hotel nestled in the breathtaking Shigar Valley, framed by the majestic Karakoram Mountain Range. Located an hour’s drive from Skardu along an ancient trade route to Central Asia, the valley is renowned for its fertile orchards and historic charm, stretching 170 kilometers from Skardu to Askole. At its heart lies a 400-year-old fort and the 17th-century Palace of the Raja of Shigar, masterfully restored and transformed into an intimate 20-room retreat that reflects the rich culture and spirit of Baltistan. The hotel’s faithfully preserved architecture, from walnut wood floors and native stone walls to antique furnishings and handcrafted textiles, creates a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Guests can savour Balti cuisine in the elegant dining spaces, including the signature homemade cherry ice cream made from orchard-fresh ingredients. Serena Shigar Fort invites exploration from hiking Shigar Rock and visiting centuries-old mosques to discovering the wildlife of the Deosai Plateau or the craftsmanship of Puran Bazaar. A stay here is not only a journey into history but an immersion into nature, culture, and serenity.
Accommodation
Comfortable Accommodation in Baltistan
Find repose amid the wilderness at the Serena Shigar Fort hotel. Ancient mountain landscapes, stunning views and the ambience of a 400-year-old Fort-Palace set our 15 rooms and five suites among Pakistan’s most serene and timeless sanctuaries. Decorated in warm earth tones, all accommodations feature locally inspired design touches like wooden floors, exquisite woodwork, native stone and period furnishings.
The 13 traditional guest rooms located in the original 17th century Palace offer guests an exclusive glimpse into the life of the Raja of Shigar. A more recent addition to the grounds, the Garden House offers seven conventional rooms with modern comforts like flat-screen televisions and room service. These accommodations were crafted using building materials and techniques faithful to the historical architecture of Shigar Fort. Adorned with handmade fabrics and antiques, Garden House rooms feature private terraces with views of the Amacha Garden. All rooms at Serena Shigar Fort are non-smoking.
Standard Rooms
The Standard Rooms at Serena Shigar Fort offer a harmonious blend of heritage charm and serene comfort. Thoughtfully restored with native stone walls, hand-carved woodwork, and traditional Balti décor, each room opens to stunning views of the surrounding mountains or lush gardens. These cosy retreats reflect the soul of the region, providing guests with a peaceful and culturally immersive stay in the heart of the Karakoram.
In-room amenities
- Room service
- Intercom
- Laundry and shoe-shine
- On-call medical services
- Slippers
- Hair dryers (on request)
- Additional mattress (on request)
- 220V / 3-pin (square) sockets
- Double bed, twin bed or single bed
- State of the art bathroom with shower
- Work desk and chair
The Garden House standard room
The Garden House Standard Rooms at Serena Shigar Fort offer a spacious and tranquil retreat, featuring double or twin beds, a cosy lobby area, and modern comforts including cable television. Each room opens onto a private wooden balcony with serene views of the historic Baradari monument and the lush Amacha Garden, making it an ideal setting to unwind and soak in the beauty of Shigar Valley.
In-room amenities
- Room service
- Intercom
- Laundry and shoe-shine
- On-call medical services
- Slippers
- Hair dryers (on request)
- 220V / 3-pin (square) sockets
- Flat-screen TV with cable channels
- Private balcony overlooking the Baradari monument and lush Amacha Garden
- Modern bathroom with shower
- Lobby area
- Additional mattress or bed (on request)
- Double or twin beds
- Work desk and chair
Garden Suite
The Garden Suite at Serena Shigar Fort provides added comfort and space, featuring a plush king-sized bed, an elegant sitting area with a traditional Diwan, and in-room cable television. A modern bathroom and a private balcony overlooking the charming Baradari monument and Amacha Garden complete the experience, offering guests a serene and refined stay in the heart of Shigar Valley.
In-Room Amenities
- Room service
- Intercom
- Laundry and shoe-shine
- On-call medical services
- Hair dryers (on request)
- 220V / 3-pin (square) sockets
- Flat-screen TV with cable channels
- Private balcony overlooking the Baradari monument and lush Amacha Garden
- Modern bathroom with shower
- Additional bed (on request)
- Sitting area with Diwan
- King bed
- Penhaligon’s bath amenities
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Work desk and chair
Heritage Suite
The hotel’s three Heritage Suites originally served as the chambers of the royal women and the Raja’s mid-season quarters. Spacious and opulently decorated with period antiques, these Suites offer a king bed in the main bedroom, a single bed in a separate anteroom and/or Shah-e-Nasheen and a sitting area. Special features include beautiful panelled ceilings and carvings on Shah Nasheen
In-room amenities
- Intercom
- Laundry and shoe-shine
- On-call medical services
- Hair dryers (on request)
- 220V / 3-pin (square) sockets
- Modern bathroom with shower
- Additional bed (on request)
- Anteroom with single bed
- Master bedroom with king bed
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Sitting area
- Work desk and chair
- Penhaligon’s bath amenities
Royal Suite
Originally the Raja’s royal summer quarters, this non-smoking suite features one king bed, an adjoining sitting area, originally Raja’s Baithak, a “Shah-e-Nasheen” and an airy, hanging wooden latticework balcony. Decorated in period antiques with a splendid view of the Shigar stream, the room is appointed with a working desk, one exquisite bathroom and a powder room
In-room amenities
- Intercom
- Laundry and shoe-shine
- One King bed
- On-call medical services
- Hair dryers (on request)
- Mini refrigerator
- 220V / 3-pin (square) sockets
- Additional bed (on request)
- Private hanging balcony with views of the Shigar River
- Penhaligon’s bath amenities
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Sitting area
- Work desk and chair
- Modern bathroom and powder room
Dining
Enjoy Baltistan Restaurant Dining
Inspired by both African and international cuisines, Nairobi Serena Hotel offers a rich dining experience for every palate. From fine dining to casual bites, each venue delivers exceptional cuisine in a distinctive setting.
Fong Khar Restaurant
The culinary philosophy at Serena Shigar Fort is based on providing the finest seasonal and, where possible, local ingredients from Shigar Valley farms and providers. All meals feature fresh produce from our very own cherry orchards and vegetable garden, including a handmade cherry ice cream sure to be the delight of your stay.
Amidst a historic stone and wood design, Fong Khar Restaurant invites conversation among guests while savouring an innovative menu of Pakistani, Balti, Chinese and Continental specialties.
During the warmer months, the al fresco garden is the perfect setting for a meal beneath the grapevine with beautiful views of the Shigar stream and surrounding village. For private dining events, the first floor offers a Turkish-style seating area with an open veranda seating offering beautiful village and stream views.
Breakfast Buffet: 06:30 am till 10:30 am
Dinner Buffet: 07:00 pm till 10:30 pm
Business Meetings
& Conferences
Successful Conferences in Pakistan
Stunningly situated in the Karakoram Mountain Range, Serena Shigar Fort is an inspirational setting for business events and incentive retreats.
For intimate board meetings or conference gatherings of up to 15 guests, our main boardroom, which is located on the second level of the Old House, can be personalised to create the perfect setting for your requirements. Smaller groups and breakout sessions can also be accommodated in the Turkish-style seating area on the second floor of the Old House. We can arrange for private lunches for delegates, afternoon tea and freshly prepared sandwiches, cookies or pastries.
Yet conferences at Serena Shigar Fort are as distinguished for what takes place outside the meeting room. With breathtaking natural surroundings and a rich abundance of excursions, we plan all manner of teambuilding and recreational activities for our corporate guests, including outings to Satpara Lake, Kuchura Lake or Deosai Plateau and hot picnic lunches at various spots near the hotel.
We can assist with arranging additional memorable experiences, some within walking distance and others suited to half- and full-day excursions.
State-of-the-art Meeting facilities have been developed, along with the latest audio-visual equipment.
100% backup Power supply through generator
Reserved and secured parking
Wi-Fi access
Multimedia
LED TV 58 inch
Meetings at a Glance
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all meeting rooms
- Video conferencing services and multimedia display systems
- Video/DVD/LCD projector and screen setups
- TV monitors and AV equipment for hybrid meetings
- Podiums, pin boards, flip charts, whiteboards, and markers
- Modern, modular conference furniture
- Delegate stationery: pads, pens, and bottled mineral water!
- Full-day and half-day meeting packages available
- Customisable catering: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktail service
- Coffee and tea stations during breaks
- Dedicated conference coordination team
- Secretarial, photocopying, and printing/binding support
- 24-hour generator backup and meet-and-greet services
- Extensive secure on-site parking for delegates
Shigar Capacity Chart
|
Name of Room
|
Banquet
|
Cabaret
|
Reception
|
Theatre
|
Classroom
|
Boardroom
|
U-Shape
|
Hollow Square
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burapitzar |
Experiences
One of the highest cold deserts in the world, the Sarfaranga Desert is a surreal landscape of white sand dunes set against the backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks. Located just 40 minutes from Skardu, it offers a dramatic contrast of terrain and is ideal for jeep rallies, photography, and stargazing under pristine night skies..
One of the highest cold deserts in the world, the Sarfaranga Desert is a surreal landscape of white sand dunes set against the backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks. Located just 40 minutes from Skardu, it offers a dramatic contrast of terrain and is ideal for jeep rallies, photography, and stargazing under pristine night skies.
A hidden gem nestled 25 minutes from Shigar, Jarba So Lake is a tranquil spot surrounded by rugged hills and peaceful silence. Its calm, reflective waters and untouched natural beauty make it a perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers seeking serenity off the beaten path.
Located just 10 minutes from Shigar Fort, the Amburiq Mosque is one of the oldest in Baltistan, known for its unique Tibetan-Islamic architectural fusion. Restored with UNESCO support, this historic 14th-century mosque offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural roots of the region.
A lush and peaceful orchard just 15 minutes from Shigar, Hushupi Garden is known for its fruit trees, vibrant flowers, and serene walking paths. It's an ideal spot for a quiet afternoon picnic or a refreshing stroll amid the natural beauty of the valley.
Unique Wedding Locations
Celebrate your most cherished moments at Serena Shigar Fort, where centuries old heritage meets the dramatic beauty of the Karakoram. Say “I do” beneath the flowering gardens of a meticulously restored 17th century Raja’s palace, with sweeping mountain and river vistas creating an unforgettable natural setting. Whether planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration, our team works with you to design tailored décor, catering, and authentic Balti experiences. Honeymooners can indulge in cozy heritage suites, riverside dining, and private garden moments, all infused with local traditions and warm hospitality. With guided treks, cultural excursions, and stunning scenery at your doorstep, Serena Shigar Fort transforms your special occasion into a timeless story of love and elegance.
Gallery
Images of Serena Shigar Fort
Sustaining Heritage, Empowering Communities
Serena Shigar Fort stands as a model of heritage conservation and sustainable tourism. Carefully restored using traditional materials and local craftsmanship, the fort preserves its historic integrity while minimizing environmental impact. The property actively supports the local community through employment, promotion of indigenous crafts, and responsible sourcing. With a strong focus on resource efficiency, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, Serena Shigar Fort ensures that its legacy continues in harmony with both people and the environment.
Serena Shigar Fort
Stay in The Shigar Valley
Nestled at the gateway to the Karakoram’s highest peaks, Serena Shigar Fort is a meticulously restored 17th-century fort and former palace of the Raja of Shigar.