Nandana Fort, Archaeological fort in Salt Range, Pakistan
Nandana Fort is a stone fortress perched high above Choa Syedan Shah in the Salt Range, with ancient building remains scattered across the mountaintop. The site reveals layers of construction from different periods, including foundation stones, wall fragments, and chamber ruins that tell stories through their physical layout.
The fortress was built in the 10th century under Hindu Shahid ruler Anand Pal as a military stronghold controlling the region. It remained in use for centuries before declining in importance after the 13th century as political powers shifted in the area.
Stone carvings, temple foundations, and prayer niches blend together on the site, showing how different faiths once shared this mountain. Walking through the ruins, you notice how religious traditions left their marks side by side rather than erasing one another.
Reaching the fort requires hiking up a rocky path from Choa Syedan Shah, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. The climb takes effort, but the wide views of the mountains make the walk worthwhile on clear days.
The Persian scholar Al-Biruni used this mountaintop to take measurements for calculating Earth's diameter, turning the location into a landmark of scientific inquiry. His choice of this high point reveals how ancient scholars cleverly used geography to solve mathematical problems.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
