An Indian Summer: Roughing it out at a Palace

Sunday, September 9

Roughing it out at a Palace

17th century, Baltistan Pakistan

A king - Hassan Khan, built a palace

That he named

Fong - Khar (Palace on the rock)

21st century

Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, restores the palace

Now called Shigar Fort Residence

For the discerning world traveler

To enjoy the luxuries of this century

In the glorious ambience of the past

Middle of no-where?

Somewhere in Baltistan

The first view of Shigar across the river

Local art in sparse interiors

Bedrooms for the kings retinue?

Beautiful lattice (jaali) work

Detail of hand carving on a column

No, you will not need to hunt for your own food :)

Dawatkhana (Dining room)

Stunning architecture

Read more about the history of Shigar Fort here

I can imagine taking a contemplative holiday here...

10 comments:

Anonymous said...: Really beautiful images, I love the carved wood & trellis and how natural everything looks. :); September 10, 2007 at 3:50 AM
Lady Prism said...: soooo..exquisite!!!...very romantic..love the blue hues...; September 10, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Bhavna Bhatnagar said...: Hi Robyn! yes, I was attracted by the natural, almost raw look of this place..glad you liked it too!

Hello Lady Luxe! Thanks for dropping by and your lovely comment :-) Hope to *hear* from you again!; September 10, 2007 at 11:40 AM
momma j lee ♥ said...: very raw!
i love the scenery!; September 10, 2007 at 7:18 PM
katiedid said...: Oh, I love this. I would really feel like I was in a place far away from it all. Such dramatic scenery.; September 12, 2007 at 3:09 AM
Bhavna Bhatnagar said...: Hey Jenn - good to hear from you
:-)!

Katie/Tara - Maybe we can plan a blogger's creative offsite here!
;-); September 12, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Alexander Santillanes said...: I love the combination of the white linens on the bed, and the rough wood in the architectural details.

And those mountains are so incredible- I can hardly believe that a place like that really exists! -X; September 17, 2007 at 6:51 PM
Bhavna Bhatnagar said...: :-) it does Xander!

Yes, the white sheets against a raw background are incredible..; September 17, 2007 at 10:08 PM
Anonymous said...: breath taking....both the nature & achitecture are so much in harmony. love the column...; September 21, 2007 at 9:25 PM
Bhavna Bhatnagar said...: Hello Kus :) Yes, that is one of the charms of this place - the fort does not stand out...it merges so well with the rest of the surrounding!; September 21, 2007 at 10:24 PM