Ramkot Fort: The crumbling giant of Azad Kashmir

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Muslim rulers of Kashmir built numerous forts, one of which is the Ramkot Fort, now surrounded by the water of the Mangla Lake.

The fort is located on the confluence of Rivers Jhelum and Poonch, on a vertical cliff looking over the shiny blue waters. Due to its peculiar architecture, the Ramkot Fort is distinct amongst fortresses built in the Kashmir region. Identical to the architectural characteristics of the Mangla and Muzaffarabad Forts, Ramkot was very likely built in the same period.

To approach the fort, you have to take a boat from the water sports club at the Mangla Dam, which, after an almost 10-minute ride, would reach the northern extremity of the reservoir. Here, you will find a gigantic fort structure located on the summit of the hill.

A short but steep climb uphill takes you to the fort. This tricky location must have been a strategic plus point for this fort in the past, but these days, it has become the reason for its isolation and wilderness; unlike other spots at the Mangla Lake, few tourists choose to head over this way, quite possibly due to its distance and tough terrain.