📍 Location: Kamru Village, ~2 km from Sangla, Kinnaur District
📅 Season: April–June & September–October for clear skies and cultural access
A seven-storey sentinel where 33 crore deities reside, and the wind carries whispers of kings and goddesses
🕰️ A Fort of Dynasties and Divinity
Kamru Fort was once the capital of the Bushahr principality, predating Sarahan. Built atop a stone base, its seven storeys rise in tapering wooden tiers, blending Himachali and Tibetan architecture. According to folklore:
- The fort was built by the Pandavas, and houses 33 koti (types) of gods and goddesses
- Only the priest is allowed inside the main sanctum, preserving its sacred aura
- Weapons and relics of former kings are stored inside, soon to be displayed in a museum
🛕 The fort is crowned by the Kamakhya Devi Temple, whose idol was brought from Assam, adding tantric and Shakti traditions to the site
🏞️ Architecture & Sacred Layout
- Lower two storeys: Made of stone, offering seismic stability
- Upper five storeys: Crafted from wood, with carved balconies and sloped slate roofs
- Main gate: Features an image of Lord Buddha, symbolizing peace and protection
- Badrinath Temple: Located within the fort, hosts a fair every three years where the idol is taken to Gangotri
🪵 The fort rests on a 55 sq ft stone platform, shaped like a tower—a rare vertical fortress in Himalayan design
🌄 Scenic & Cultural Significance
- Overlooks Sangla Valley, Baspa River, and apple orchards
- Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and meadows
- Hosts the Fulaich Festival, a vibrant celebration of flowers, music, and ancestral offerings
🧭 Plan Your Visit
| 🗺️ Travel Tips | 🏡 Stay Options |
|---|---|
| Reach via Shimla–Rampur–Karcham–Sangla (~230 km) | Hotel Royal Castle (Kamru), homestays in Sangla |
| Nearest railhead: Shimla (~230 km) | Combine with Chitkul, Rakcham, or Sapni Fort |
| Entry Fee: ₹20–₹50 | Open daily: 9 AM – 6 PM; photography allowed with permission |
✨ Why It Belongs in Your Guide
Kamru Fort reflects:
- Kinnaur’s royal and spiritual legacy
- A fusion of tantric, Buddhist, and folk traditions
- A vertical shrine where architecture becomes prayer
It’s not just a fort—it’s a tower of gods, carved in cedar and crowned in cloud.
