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Pakistan has a rich history and there are a number of
ancient structures strewn throughout the Land that are a testament to
this. These lands have been ruled by Alexander the Great, Maurya,
Kushans, Arabs, Afghans, Mughals, British and even the White Huns. Its
no wonder that we have remnants of some wonderful historic forts and
castles still standing proud! Here are some of such ancient marvels for
you to enjoy.
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Ramkot Fort
It is an ancient Fort situated in Azad Kashmir besides the Mangla Dam.
It is accessible through boat, 13 kilometers away from Dina and 79
kilometers by road from Mirpur, Azad Kashmir through Dadyal village. The
Fort is a 30 minute walk from Dadyal. Ramkot Fort stands on the summit
of a hill in Mirpur. The chronology of the fort’s construction and even
its age remain unanswered questions. |
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Throtchi Castle
Adjoining Gulpur is Throtchi, famous for its castle that was built in
1460. Gulpur is a town in Kotli District, Azad Kashmir. It is located
southwest of Kotli City at the junction of the Kotli-Mirpur and
Kotli-Rawalpindi road. |
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Baghsar Fort
Baghsar Fort is located in the north of village Bhimber close to a place
known as Baghsar. The fort is situated in Samahni Valley near
Pakistan-India border. It is famous for containing the intestines of
Emperor Jahangir which are buried here. |
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Kalat Fort
Kalat Fort, also known as Meeri Fort, is located in Kalat. It was
conquered by the Balochis in the late 15th century and later became the
seat of the Khan’s of Kalat. |
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Mir Chakar’s Fort
It lies on the fringes of Sibi. Sibi is a historical city located 163
kms from Quetta. It is named after the great warrior Mir Chakar Khan who
defeated the Lashari tribe after what is called the “Thirty Years War”.
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Skardu Fort
Also known as the King of Forts, Skardu Fort is situated in Skardu,
Gilgit-Baltistan, at a walking distance of half an hour from the main
market, Yadgar Chowk. It’s an excellent example of ancient engineering.
An ancient mosque is also present inside the fort.
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Altit Fort
It is the oldest monument in the Gilgit Baltistan at approximately 1100
years old. It is located in Altit Town in the Majestic Hunza valley.
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Shigar Fort
Shigar means a “Rock”, so Shigar Fort literally means The Fort on a
Rock. It is located in Shigar town in Baltistan. It was built by the
Raja of Amacha Dynasty of Shigar in 17th century. After reconstruction,
from 1999 to 2004, the Fort has now been changed into a museum and
luxury hotel managed by Serena. |
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Bala Hissar
Bala Hissar is situated on a high mound, in the Northwestern corner of
Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is one of the most historical places of
Pakistan. In early 1834 it was renamed as Samir Garh by Sikhs who
conquered Peshawar, but the name didn’t last. The Fort is now serving as
headquarters of the Frontier Corps since 1949. |
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Kohat Fort
This fort was constructed by British government for military usage, on
the hilltop, where Alexander camped with his army before marching north.
The fort now serves as the headquarters of the IXth division of Pakistan
Army. Only the tunnel, which served as the only entrance and the trench
surrounding it, are in its original shape. |
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