Just before 5.30 pm on 15 May 2024 we reached Khaplu, where we would stay two nights in an unforgettable hotel.
Superbly “restored” (and not overly-restored) this century, “the original” was built in the 19th century, as the local royal palace and fort.
Food was excellent, our “rustic” rooms were both lovely and comfortable, electricity supply was a tad erratic, hospitality was warm, and there was a beautiful garden, immediately in front of our room.
The grandeur of the surrounding landscape was almost beyond belief.
I took this post’s photo from just outside the hotel/palace entrance.
We were standing circa 2,6000 metres (8, 5000 feet) above sea level.
As you can see, on the other side of the Shyok River’s valley the Haldi Cones soared several thousand metres closer to the sun.
Most of Khaplu township was just below us, albeit screened by the poplar trees in the photo’s foreground
By Karakoram standards, the Haldi Cones’ are not especially high, but they are among “our” planet’s most dramatic mountains; humans are yet to “conquer” some of the pictured peaks.
Eventually, one multi-image post will take you much closer to the Haldi Cones, whilst another will give you a “good look around” the Khaplu Palace/Fort/hotel.
Vicariously, you’ll even meet Khaplu’s “Queen”!