A 550-year-old fort hidden in the hills of Rawalakot
Ain Fort in Rawalakot is finally stepping out of the shadows after centuries of neglect. Long covered by dense forest and slowly fading away, the historic fort has entered a new phase as restoration work begins for the first time since the creation of Pakistan.
Historians believe the fort dates back more than 550 years, to around 1460 AD, when the Shah Mir rulers of Kashmir are thought to have built it. Over time, later powers in the region, including Mughal Emperor Akbar and the Dogra administration, reinforced and expanded the structure. This layered history makes Ain Fort a rare witness to several ruling eras in the western Himalayan belt.
Located near Rawalakot at one of the narrowest crossings of the Jhelum River, Ain Fort once played a key strategic role. It functioned as a customs post, a forest checkpoint and a military outpost, forming part of a chain of forts that helped control movement and trade through the mountains.
First major restoration since Pakistan’s creation
Despite its age and importance, Ain Fort stood in a severely deteriorated state for decades. Walls had weakened, sections of the structure were at risk of collapse, and thick vegetation had taken over large parts of the site. Until recently, there had been no organised effort to stabilise or conserve the fort.
That situation is now changing. The Himalayan Wildlife Foundation has taken the lead in restoring Ain Fort, marking the first systematic conservation work on the site since Pakistan came into being. According to the foundation, restoration activities began around two months ago and are expected to continue for another six months.
The current phase focuses on stabilising the structure, carefully repairing damaged sections and protecting the remaining original features. Work is being carried out using recognised conservation techniques so that the fort’s historic character is preserved rather than replaced with new construction.
A partnership-driven conservation project
The restoration of Ain Fort is not a single-organisation effort. It is being funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). Each partner brings a different type of support to the project.
PPAF’s involvement highlights how cultural heritage and poverty alleviation can be linked. Well-managed heritage sites can create new livelihood opportunities for local communities, from guiding and hospitality to transport and handicrafts. For the AJK government, the project is a chance to protect an important historical asset and strengthen the region’s tourism offering.
NUST is providing technical support for archaeological restoration, ensuring that the work follows professional standards. With experts guiding the process, the project aims to protect original stonework, layout and design details so that visitors can still read the fort’s history through its walls and foundations.
Visiting Ain Fort during restoration
Even while conservation work is underway, Ain Fort will remain open to visitors. According to the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation, the site will stay accessible during the entire restoration period, giving people a chance to see the fort as it slowly returns to life.
Reaching the fort is already part of the experience. Visitors can travel by road to the area, then take a short boat ride across the river before starting a hike up to the summit. From the top, Ain Fort overlooks the surrounding landscape, offering wide views of the river, forested slopes and nearby settlements.
Those planning a visit should be prepared for some walking and basic, nature-focused tourism rather than heavy infrastructure. However, as the project progresses, there is potential for improved signage, guided tours and small-scale facilities that still keep the natural and historic character of the site intact.
Why preserving Ain Fort matters for the future
Restoring Ain Fort is about more than repairing old stone walls. It is a step toward protecting the cultural memory of the region and giving younger generations a tangible connection to the past. Sites like this remind people how trade routes, river crossings and local power centres once shaped everyday life in the mountains.
For local communities, a conserved and well-managed heritage site can support sustainable tourism, create jobs and build pride in their area. When visitors come to learn about the fort and enjoy the scenery, they often spend money on food, transport and local services, which can help the surrounding villages.
For Pakistan as a whole, Ain Fort’s restoration sends a positive message about the value of heritage and the importance of long-term planning. Instead of allowing historic structures to disappear under forest and erosion, carefully designed projects can bring them back into public view in a respectful way. Ain Fort’s new chapter may also inspire similar efforts at other forgotten sites across the country.
