Khilingrong Mosque is a two-storey timber and stone mosque in Shigar town, in the Shigar valley of Baltistan, standing close to Shigar Fort. It dates from the early 17th century, so it is more than 400 years old, and it was restored between 2001 and 2002 by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan. It is a short stop rather than a destination in itself, but it is one of the best surviving examples of traditional Balti wooden architecture, and it is easy to pair with the fort.
This guide covers its history, what makes the building unusual, what the restoration did, and the practical points for visiting, including the fact that it is not always open.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Shigar town, Shigar valley, Gilgit-Baltistan |
| Altitude | About 2,300 m |
| Built | Early 17th century, under the Amacha rulers of Shigar |
| Restored | April 2001 to October 2002 (Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan) |
| Recognition | UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit, 2012 |
| From Skardu | About 25 to 30 km; sources give 45 minutes to an hour by road |
| Entry | No fee reported; the mosque is a working place of worship and is sometimes locked |
What is Khilingrong Mosque?
The mosque was built by the Amacha dynasty, the ruling family of Shigar, in the early 17th century, in the same period as the fort that still overlooks the town. It is a community mosque, and it is still used as one after its restoration.
The most distinctive feature is the structure. The building has two floors, with the ground floor used in winter and the upper floor mainly in summer. That makes sense at this altitude: the lower room holds heat in the cold months, and the upper one is lighter and airier when the weather turns warm.
What makes the building special?
It is built in the traditional way from stone and timber, with timber columns laid in a cribbage pattern, in which logs are stacked in alternating layers to form a flexible frame. That kind of construction copes with earthquakes better than rigid stone alone, which matters in the Karakoram.
Carving is the other reason to stop. Surfaces are covered with geometric and floral patterns, and sources describe a mix of Tibetan, Kashmiri and local Balti influence. Instead of a minaret, the mosque is topped with a Tibetan-style tower, a feature that reflects the region's Buddhist past before Islam spread through Baltistan.
If you can see inside, look for the carved columns, the beams and the dated stone mentioned by visitors. If the doors are shut, the verandah woodwork and the roofline can still be seen from outside.
What did the restoration involve?
When restoration began the building was reported to be in an advanced state of deterioration. The approach was described as minimum intervention and maximum retention, and the main structural work was repairing the roof. Work ran from April 2001 to October 2002.
Archnet's record of the project lists the cost as about US$32,000, with most of it from the Government of Pakistan, technical assistance from the Aga Khan Cultural Service, and a small community contribution. The programme also trained local craftspeople in traditional building methods. The project received an Award of Merit in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards in 2012.
How to visit, and how to behave
Treat this as an active mosque, not a museum.
- It may be closed. Visitors on Tripadvisor report finding the hall locked, and one described the building as looking neglected. Ask in the bazaar or at the fort whether someone can open it, and do not expect that to be possible.
- Dress modestly, cover your head if asked, and take off your shoes before going in. Women should check locally whether entry is appropriate at that moment.
- Avoid prayer times, particularly Friday midday.
- Ask before photographing people, and do not photograph worshippers.
- Thank whoever opens it for you. No fee is published, so ask rather than assume.
Allow 15 to 30 minutes. The fort is within walking distance; one source puts it about 100 m away, so you can see both in a single outing. Our guide to Shigar Fort covers the fort, and staying at the fort explains the heritage hotel.
Other things to pair it with
Shigar town has more than this one mosque. The older Amburik Mosque is a short drive away, and our overview of places to visit in Shigar valley lists the rest. For the road from Skardu, see Skardu to Shigar. If you are planning more than a day, our Skardu travel guide and experiences will help you build the trip.
Is it worth the stop?
If you are already in Shigar for the fort, yes: it takes little time and shows a building type you will see in few other places. If you are only passing through, it is a low priority, and a locked door may leave you with only the exterior. It suits people with an interest in architecture and crafts. It does not suit anyone expecting a large or grand monument.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Khilingrong Mosque?
It dates from the early 17th century, which makes it more than 400 years old. It was built under the Amacha rulers of Shigar.
Where is Khilingrong Mosque?
It is in Shigar town in the Shigar valley, near the restored Shigar Fort, at about 2,300 m. Shigar is roughly 25 to 30 km from Skardu.
Can tourists go inside?
Sometimes. It is a working mosque and visitors have found it locked, so ask locally and dress and behave respectfully if you are let in.
Who restored Khilingrong Mosque?
The Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan carried out the restoration between April 2001 and October 2002, with Government of Pakistan funding and local community involvement.
Is there an entry fee?
None is reported. If someone opens the building for you, ask whether a contribution is appropriate.
