ROHTAS FORT:

Departure Dates: September - March.

Trip Length: 1 Day

Activities: Sightseeing, heritage

Difficulty Level: Easy

Destinations: Rawat Fort, Mankiala Stupa & Rohtas Fort

Tour Highlight:

It is one of the interesting excursions from Islamabad/Rawalpindi. Sher Shah Suri the

celebrated Afghan king who ruled over India built the Massive and impressive fort in

1540 A.D. The strength and width of this Fort can be imagined from the fact that it could

easily accommodate 12000 men of Sher Shah Suri’s army that was once based here to

defend his domain against Ghakkar tribes, living in the vicinities of the Salt Range.

Location & Area:

Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) is situated in a gorge approximately 16 km North West of

Jhelum and 8 KM from Dina. It is one of the most imposing historical monuments which

represents the Pathan period of architecture style in Pakistan. The fort is the symbol of

strength and determination of its builder Sher Shah Suri who ruled over India only for six

years, 1540-45 A.D., but even during that short period he created many splendours

including Rohtas fort and the Great Grand Trunk Road, connecting Kabul with Calcutta.

The fort is about 300 feet above its surroundings. It is 2660 feet (818 meters) above sea

level and covers an area of 12.63 acres. It’s a beautiful historical architectural monuments

that can be visited and enjoyed. Rohtas Fort, also called Qila Rohtas, is an exceptional

example of early Muslim military architecture in Central and South Asia.

Best Time and Atmosphere:

The most suitable time to visit the Fort is winter season, September - March. The

temperature is normally on a high in summer due to location of the fort in sand stone

area.

Visitors Facilities:

There is a nominal entry fee you have to pay. A secure car parking is available, toilets for

public and an information center to brief and guide the visitors. Cold drinks and fast

foods are available on different stalls by local at different places with in the fort. There

are park and benches as sitting.

General Guidelines:

Your dressing should be casual and its advisable to wear sports shoes as you have to walk

on stones and dust and clime number of uneven steps of the fort. Carry some fluids and

food with you and don't forget to take with you a still or video camera.

Places of Interest:

There are number of places inside the fort that can be visited and enjoyed. Specifically

these include;

Sher Shah Suri Museum at Sohail Gate

Visitor Information Center at Sohail Gate

Bari Bowli (134 step down stone cut well)

Haveli Man Singh

Rani Mehal

Phansi Ghat

Shahi Mosque

Shishi Langar Khani Gate

Shahi Bowli

Talaqi G

The Structure

The fort is rectangular in shape and follows the contours of the hill it was constructed on.

The fort is approximately 4 km in circumference and a 533 meter long wall divides the

citadel (for the Chieftain) from other parts of the fort.

The fortification has 68 bastions (towers) at irregular intervals, three Baolis (Stepped

Wells), one of them is in the citadel and the rest are in the other parts of the fort. It has

twelve gates with four of them trap (double) gates, 1,900 battlements and nearly 9,500

stairs. The other buildings in the fort are Haveli Man Singh, Rani Mehal and a Shahi

Mosque.

The height of the outer wall varies between 10 and 18 meters. Its thickness varies

between 10 and 13 meters. The wall has 2 or 3 terraces and varies in thickness, the

maximum being 13 meters near the Mori Gate. The terraces are linked by staircases. The

topmost terrace has merlon-shaped battlements. Muskets can be fired from these

battlements. Soldiers could also pour molten lead over the walls.

The wall is built in sandstone laid in lime mortar mixed with brick. The gates are in gray

Ashlor Masonry. Some portions have been built using burnt brick.

The Gates:

1. The Rohtas Fort has the following 12 gates. All of them are built in Ashlor Stone.

2. Sohail Gate

3. Shah Chand Wali

4. Kabuli Gate

5. Shishi Gate

6. Langar Khani Gate

7. Talaqi Gate

8. Mori/Kashmiri Gate

9. Khawas Khani Gate

10. Gatali Gate

11. Tulla Mori Gate

Rawat Fort, Mankiala Stupa & Rohtas Fort

Itinerary:

0830 hours: Departure by road for Rothas Fort from Islamabad. Visit Rawat Fort and

Mankiala Stupa enroute.

1130 hours: Arrival Rothas Fort and drive through the Fort. Visit important buildings of

the Fort including, various gates, Baolis (water wells), palaces etc.

1300 hours: Lunch at the fort.

1400 hours: Departure for Islamabad.

1700 hours: Arrive at Islamabad and end of tour.

The cost includes:

Transportation

Lunch

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