In Pakistan, the valleys of Hunza and Baltistan, high in the Karakoram, have undergone a transformation of habitat, customs and economic patterns. The Trust’s intervention commenced with the conservation of the 700-year-old Baltit Fort. Here, restoration work was coupled with ongoing rehabilitation of traditional settlements, community involvement and the promotion of tourism to improve the economic livelihood of local residents. Following this project, Shigar, Khaplu and Altit Forts were restored and converted to guesthouses. The villages around the forts, once in danger of being deserted, are being rehabilitated. Photo: Altit Fort - credit: AKDN / Christopher Wilton-Steer. Learn more.
Over 350 monuments and historic sites have been restored and rehabilitated since the Aga Khan Trust for Culture was founded. It has also received 13 UNESCO heritage awards for excellence in restoration and numerous national and international prizes for its approach to urban regeneration.
