Kangra Fort at a glance
Kangra Fort is a Katoch fortress and is now a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It stands in the Kangra valley and makes a half-day or full-day trip. The earthquake of 4 April 1905 damaged it badly, and you still see broken gateways and walls today. No founding year is certain, because the fort's origins are tied to legend.
The trip starts in McLeod Ganj, but the distances in local guides are measured from lower Dharamshala. From there it is about 20 km, or 45 minutes. Add the leg between McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala to that. A visit to the fort itself takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Tickets and hours: what local guides say
Local guides disagree on prices and hours. Treat both columns as unconfirmed and check at the ticket counter.
| Guide A (October 2026) | Guide B (June 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Indian visitors | About INR 150 | INR 30 |
| Foreign visitors | Higher than Indian visitors, amount not given | INR 300 |
| Hours | About 9:00 to 18:00 | 9:00 to 17:00 |
| Weekly closing day | – | Monday |
Do not assume that one ticket covers the fort, the ASI museum and the Maharaja Sansar Chand museum. Ask what each ticket includes. Plan to arrive well before 17:00 so that the earlier closing time does not catch you out.
Day trips and tours around Kangra and McLeod Ganj
Tours to the Kangra valley and day trips from the Dharamshala area, with live prices and availability.
Getting there from McLeod Ganj
There is no direct fixed time from McLeod Ganj to the fort, so build the trip from two legs.
Leg 1: McLeod Ganj to lower Dharamshala
A local guide gives rough figures for 2026: a taxi at about INR 300 to 500 and 20 to 30 minutes, a bus at about INR 20 to 30 and 30 to 45 minutes. The Dharamshala Skyway cable car also links the two parts of town in about 5 minutes over 1.8 km, but check that it is running before you rely on it. See the Dharamshala guide.
Leg 2: Dharamshala to the fort
About 20 km and 45 minutes by road. A taxi that waits during your visit saves you the search for a ride back.
Timing
Count the legs, the visit of up to 2 hours and the return, and you have most of a day. Start in the morning. Leave a buffer if you need to be back for a bus or flight.
Kangra Valley: Masroor Temple
If you have more time in the Kangra valley, the Masroor Temple is a separate trip from the fort. It is a Hindu rock-cut temple complex from the early 8th century in the Nagara style, carved from monolithic rock. A local guide puts it at about 40 to 45 km and 1.5 hours from Dharamshala.
The distances differ, so pick one of the two, or plan a full day with a driver and agree the route in advance.
| Kangra Fort | Masroor Temple | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Katoch fortress, ASI monument | Rock-cut temple complex |
| From Dharamshala | About 20 km, 45 minutes | About 40 to 45 km, 1.5 hours |
| Visit time | 1.5 to 2 hours | – |
What to expect at the fort
Kangra Fort is a ruin, and the damage from the 1905 earthquake is part of what you see. Expect broken gateways, old walls and stepped passages rather than furnished rooms. The fort is protected as an ASI monument, so follow the site signs and keep to the paths.
- Wear shoes you can walk in. Passages and approaches can be steep and uneven.
- Start in the morning. That gives you the 1.5 to 2 hours of the visit and the return before the possible 17:00 closing time.
- Do not count on one ticket. The fort, the ASI museum and the Maharaja Sansar Chand museum are separate things.
- Decide on the drive first. The fort is a trip to the Kangra valley, and the ride from McLeod Ganj is a large part of the day.
If you prefer to stay close to town, our list of things to do covers shorter walks and sights around McLeod Ganj.
Kangra Fort: frequently asked questions
How far is Kangra Fort from McLeod Ganj?
Local guides give about 20 km and 45 minutes from Dharamshala, not from McLeod Ganj. Add the trip between McLeod Ganj and lower Dharamshala to plan the full journey.
How much does Kangra Fort cost?
Sources disagree. One local guide lists about INR 150 for Indian visitors, another lists INR 30 for Indian visitors and INR 300 for foreign visitors. Confirm the price at the ticket counter.
Is Kangra Fort closed on Mondays?
One guide says yes and gives hours of 9:00 to 17:00. Another lists hours of about 9:00 to 18:00 without a closing day. Avoid Mondays if you can, and check before you go.
How long should I plan for the visit?
Plan 1.5 to 2 hours at the fort, plus the drive. Together with the leg from McLeod Ganj, that fills most of a day.
Can I visit Masroor Temple on the same day?
It lies about 40 to 45 km from Dharamshala, against the fort's 20 km. A combined day needs an early start and a driver. Most people pick one of the two.