STAY 

At Serena Shigar Fort you sleep inside history. Rooms are divided between the restored fort and a newer garden wing, with thick walls, carved beams and traditional textiles creating a warm, atmospheric feel. Modern comforts—good beds, heating, Wi-Fi and private bathrooms—are quietly integrated. Many rooms open onto verandas or courtyards, so you step straight into orchards, stone walkways and views of the surrounding cliffs and valley each time you leave your room.

CHILDCARE 

Families who enjoy culture and history often find Serena Shigar Fort rewarding, even without a formal children’s programme. Older children tend to be intrigued by the fort, towers and courtyards, and there is space in the gardens to wander under supervision. Staff are usually helpful with extra beds, simpler food and flexible mealtimes. It suits families who are comfortable with stairs, uneven surfaces and a quieter, heritage-focused stay rather than resort-style entertainment.

DINE 

Dining at Serena Shigar Fort combines local Balti flavours with wider Pakistani and international dishes. Expect warming soups, lentils, grilled meats, seasonal vegetables and fresh bread from the kitchen. When the weather is kind, meals on terraces or in courtyards feel particularly special, with the fort walls and cliffs around you. Inside, the main restaurant provides a cosy refuge on cooler evenings. Service is generally unhurried but attentive, matching the relaxed pace of the valley.

RELAX 

This is a place to slow down. Guests read or sip tea in shaded courtyards, stroll through the orchards or sit on terraces watching light move across the rock faces. The absence of loud music and nightlife is part of the charm. After long drives or treks, hot showers, quiet rooms and starry skies create a restorative pause before continuing deeper into Baltistan or returning towards Skardu and the Karakoram Highway.

EXPERIENCE 

Staying at Serena Shigar Fort adds a strong cultural thread to any northern Pakistan itinerary. You can explore the restored palaces, learn about former rulers, then step out into Shigar village to see everyday life along narrow lanes and fields. Short walks to the river or nearby viewpoints are easy to arrange. Returning through the old gateways to your room at dusk, with the fort lit and mountains silhouetted, is a memorable experience in itself.