"Rohtas Fort" Rohtas by besal

Rohtas Travel Guide: 13 reviews and 60 photos

Rohtas Fort was built by an Afghan King, Sher Shah Suri (1486-1545), also known as Farid Khan. Its purpose was purely military, where Sher Shah needed protection from Gakhars, resident of this region, and allies to Mughal Emperor Hummayyun, whom this Afghan King dethroned.

Map of the fort - walled city

Rohtas fort, built in the heartland of Jehlum, is situated approx. 100 km from Islamabad and 7km from town of Dina. It is situated near the Kahan River on a hillock, overlooking Tilla Jogian range.

The main purpose of this fort was military only, and was a garrison. The main purpose to build this fort was to keep the local tribes, Gakhars, in line and to keep the Mughul king Humayyun at bay. The Gakhars were allied to the Mughal king.

It is claimed that this fort was never taken by assault, and survived intact today. Fortification is done by massive walls, for more than 4km, that surrounds the fort. It is 2700 feet (820 meters) above sea level and covers an area of 13 acres. A small village also exists within the boundary walls of the fort. Entrances were through twelve gates. Very few gates now survive.

Some of the 12 Gates: Sohail Gate, Shah Chandwali (Shahi) Gate, Kabuli Gate,Shishi Gate, Langar Khani Gate, Talaqi Gate, Mori or Kashmiri Gate, Khwas Khani Gate, Gatali Gate, Tulla Mori Gate, Pipalwala Gate, Sar Gate

UNESCO Heritage site

Passage leading to Sohail gate & Museum

The fort is now a protected monument and maintained by the Department of Archaeology. In 1997 Rohtas Fort was also placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

UNESCO
Date of Inscription: 1997
Criteria: (ii)(iv)
Jhelum City, Punjab
N32 57 45 E73 35 20

My cousin who accompanied us on our road trip from Karachi to Kashmir wanted to see this fort. From Lahore instead of getting on the motorway, we took the Grand Trunk (GT) road, as this fort is accessible from this route only. This was my second trip. I first visited this fort in June 2008, and at that time the temperature was 40 C+. But good weather followed us on our road trip. It had rained previous day, and the temperature had cooled down to mid-30 C.

This time we got to see the museum as well. It was closed, but becasue of our 'connections' we got a guided tour.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Magnificent, impregnable fort, beautiful landscape
Cons:Extremely hot (40 C+) during summer

Last visit to Rohtas: Jun 2009
Intro Updated May 15, 2010
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Reviews (10)

Rohtas Museum Things to Do (9)

Situated above Sohail gate, the museum houses artifacts dating back from the time the fort was being built. Sher Shah... more travel advice

Own car Transportation (1)

To get there from Islamabad/Rawalpindi, drive east on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. Appox. 100 km (1.5 hour drive) you will... more travel advice

Shahi Masjid Things to Do (9)

Shahi masjid is located near the Shahi gate on the west wall. It was in bad shape, however it looked as if the facade... more travel advice

Unknown Mazar Things to Do (9)

No one knows how, but some small Mazars, of holly or revered men (?), are found inside the fort. This one is at the main... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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goutammitra May 21, 2010 at 5:51 AM

Sher Shah Suri's Qila & maqbara ( Mausoleum) is in Sasaram Dt. Rohtas, Bihar. We are still using his in modified version. Unfortunate that it is bad shape in India. His fort is well preserved in Rohtas ( Pakistan). Great tips Amir.
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Mozumbus May 16, 2010 at 10:42 PM

valuable addition indeed. pictures are very well taken and good enough to invite people to visit this site. Either you have a very good eye or the place is that picturesque, I will go there and then give my opinion.....
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Faiza-Ifrah May 15, 2010 at 2:13 PM

seems like a very nice trip. great pictures and lots of information. i think all these places will come to light like untouched pristine tourist treasure once stability returns to the country.