Chiktan Fort alias Chiktan Castle or Chiktan Khar is a fort in the Chiktan village near Ladakh in Kargil district, India.

Chiktan Fort – Image courtesy – wmf.org/project/chiktan-castle

This fort was a majestic fort, which is now ruined. The initial construction of the fort was started by Tahtah Khan, Prince of Baltistan. He took shelter in this region after a failed attempt on his life, in the eighth century. Later, the fort and a palace (castle) were made in the 16th century. It served as the royal residence for centuries, for many dynasties which ruled the areas.

The fort was neglected after it was attacked by the Dogra King of Jammu, who destroyed the parts of the fort.  Thus, the fort was abandoned in the late 19th century.

In the middle of the 20th century, the royal family used the stones from the fort to construct a new local government hospital in the area.  Seeing the negligence, local people took the remaining wood and other things. Due to these reasons and aging, along with the natural calamities over time, the fort was reduced to rubble.

This fortress is believed to be older than the Leh Palace.

This fort ruins are situated deep inside a valley, along the Indus river banks.  The palace was a Masterpiece of Tibetan Architecture, which is found in Lhasa (Tibet).  It is said that there was a rotating wooden room, which was rotated due to the outside winds.

This fort can be combined as part of the Ladakh tour. Your Ladakh trip will not be complete without visiting this magnificent fort ruins. This fort is not typically included in Ladakh tour packages. 

How do I Go to the Chiktan Fort Ruins near Ladakh in Kargil?

This ancient fort ruins are at a distance of around 75 kilometers from Kargil.

Kargil was the site of the last war between India and Pakistan. The Kargil War or Kargil Conflict, occurred in 1999,  along the Line of Control (LOC).  It is known as “Operation Vijay” in Indian military terms.