In the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, a historic fort known as Chandpur Garh is located. In the 9th century, the Garhwal region was divided into 52 small, independent forts. Chandpur Garh, one of the most powerful of these, was ruled by King Bhanu Pratap. It is considered the first capital of the Garhwal Kingdom and the origin of the Pawar dynasty.

It is said that in 888 AD, King Kanak Pal came here from Dhar, Gujarat, married King Bhanu Pratap’s daughter, and established the Pawar dynasty by making Chandpur Garh his capital. The fort is located on the Karanprayag and Gairsain Highway, approximately 100 meters uphill from the road. The site is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Excavations here have uncovered numerous ancient remains. Massive stone walls, the remains of soldiers, and the ruins of ancient rooms are visible on the hill. A deep, circular well and drains have also been found, demonstrating the sophisticated water management system of the time. Ancient clay pots, mortars, and grinding stones have also been recovered. The ancient temple of Maa Raj Rajrajeshwari, the family deity of the Pawar kings, is also present in the complex. This place is also a major stop on the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.