Naggar Castle
The Timber Castle of the Kullu Rajas
Overview
Naggar Castle is a medieval castle of the Kullu rajas, built in the local kath-kuni style of stone and timber on a ridge above the Beas at Naggar. Naggar was the old capital of the Kullu kingdom before the seat moved to present-day Kullu town, and the castle later became a heritage rest house and small museum. Its wooden galleries look out over the whole valley, and the Nicholas Roerich estate lies close by. MyTripMyTravel combines the castle, its views and the nearby Roerich gallery into an unhurried afternoon in the Kullu valley.
Naggar Castle occupies a commanding ridge above the Beas river, a low, sturdy building of dressed stone and interlocking timber in the kath-kuni style that has held up against Himalayan earthquakes for centuries. It was raised by the rulers of Kullu around the fifteenth century as a royal seat.
Naggar itself was the ancient capital of the Kullu kingdom before the centre of power shifted downstream to the town now called Kullu. The castle survived that change, later serving as a rest house and today housing a small museum along with a heritage hotel, its courtyards and galleries still carrying the feel of an old mountain court.
The wooden balconies frame sweeping views over the orchards and peaks of the Kullu valley, and the estate of the Russian painter Nicholas Roerich lies a short way above. MyTripMyTravel links the castle with the Roerich gallery and the valley's views for a relaxed, story-rich half-day.
At a glance
Naggar Castle in brief
What to see
Highlights
Kath-kuni structure
The castle's alternating stone-and-timber walls show the earthquake-resistant craft of old Kullu.
Royal seat
Built by the Kullu rajas, it presided over Naggar when it was the kingdom's capital.
Small museum
A modest museum inside displays local artefacts and the castle's own history.
Valley galleries
Wooden balconies and courtyards open to wide views over the Kullu valley and its peaks.
Roerich estate nearby
The home and gallery of painter Nicholas Roerich lie a short distance above Naggar.
Visitor information
Our tips
Combine the castle with the nearby Nicholas Roerich estate and gallery.
Respect that parts of the castle operate as a working heritage hotel.
Take time on the galleries for the valley views, best in clear morning light.
Wear comfortable shoes, as Naggar's lanes are steep and uneven.
Good to know
Naggar Castle, your questions
Who built Naggar Castle?
It was built by the rajas of Kullu, around the fifteenth century, as a royal seat at their capital of Naggar.
Was Naggar a capital?
Yes. Naggar was the old capital of the Kullu kingdom before the seat of power moved to present-day Kullu town.
What is it used for now?
The castle today functions as a heritage hotel and houses a small museum, while remaining open to visitors.
What is kath-kuni architecture?
A Himalayan building style alternating layers of stone and timber, valued for its strength in earthquake country.
What else is nearby?
The estate and art gallery of the Russian painter Nicholas Roerich lie a short way above the castle.
Visit with us
See Naggar Castle, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Naggar Castle into a wider Kullu and North India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Naggar Castle
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.