Drive to Khaplu along Indus River then Shyok River. Temperature differences between glacial environments in the upper Shigar Valley and the hot valley near Skardu produce very strong winds which accumulate high sand dunes on the terraces of Indus River.
Before Partition, Baltistan was divided into 4 kingdoms and some principalities. Skardu, the richest and most important in the centre, Khaplu was controlling. The route to Ladakh, Shigar was opening the Shiok valley to north and Rondo was guarding the Indus gorge to the west. Visit of the old and historical town. Hotel.