Culture · Sangla and Chitkul, Himachal
Walk up to Kamru's fort-temple
Climb 2 km from Sangla through apple orchards and the old village of Kamru to its tall timber fort, an old seat of the Bushahr rulers with a shrine of the goddess Kamakhya. Steep but short, with views across the Baspa valley.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Ocrambo a… · Public domain · CommonsKamru sits on a spur directly above Sangla, and its fort tower is visible from the main road. A path and narrow road climb through orchards and terraced fields, then through the village gate, carved in wood. The walk is about 2 km and takes 45 minutes to an hour uphill. Kamru was an old seat of the Bushahr state, whose rulers later moved down to Sarahan and Rampur on the Sutlej.
The fort is a multi-storey building of timber and stone in the region's traditional style, crowned by a wooden structure with a shrine of the goddess Kamakhya. Villagers maintain it and the temple courtyard. Visitors may be asked to cover their heads or wear a Kinnauri cap, provided at the entrance, and to tie a cloth around the waist. Leather items are not allowed inside. Photography inside the shrine is usually not permitted.
Look out from the courtyard over Sangla, the Baspa and the snow peaks of the range opposite. The village lanes around the fort have old houses with carved balconies, and residents are used to visitors, but walk quietly and do not enter homes or temple areas without permission. Come down the same way and finish with tea in Sangla's bazaar.
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Questions
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Can tourists enter Kamru fort?
Visitors can usually enter the courtyard and see the fort, following the rules set by villagers and the temple committee: head covering, a cloth tied at the waist and no leather. Access to upper floors may be restricted. Follow instructions from the caretakers.
How far is Kamru from Sangla?
About 2 km uphill, roughly 45 minutes to an hour on foot. A narrow road also goes most of the way. The walk is steep in places but short and suitable for most active visitors.
What is the history of Kamru?
Kamru was an old seat of the Bushahr state, which ruled much of Kinnaur and the upper Sutlej. The rulers later shifted to Sarahan and Rampur. The fort and its Kamakhya shrine remain important to the valley.