The fort was a fortified residence for the Prince of Hunza. Hunza is situated at an altitude of  2500 m and has been one of  numerous centres along the Silk Route. Hunza was a sovereign principality from the 15th century up to 1892, when the British conquered the area and inaugurated a new Mir. Today the Mir has no political power, but enjoys traditional power and great influence. The residence was used until 1945, when a new residence was erected further down the valley.

The oldest parts of the fort date from the 13th century and are constructed in a special technique using timber and mudbricks in order to withstand the many earthquakes in the area. Through the centuries the fort has been expanded and rebuilt, and its present appearance is about 100 years old. After 1945 the fort fell into decay and was a ruin until 1990, when major restoration works were performed, a cooperation between the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan and British institutions. NORAD has helped finance the restoration and the Directorate for Cultural Heritage has evaluated the work on behalf of NORAD.

Photo: Directorate for Cultural Heritage, Lyder Marstrander