Photo: SpeakingArch · CC BY-SA 4.0Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Swat Valley / Amluk Dara Stupa, Swat
Field guide · Heritage
Swat
Swat District · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Amluk Dara Stupa, Swat
The Amluk-Dara Stupa, located in Swat Valley, Pakistan, is a notable example of Gandhara civilization.
Believed to have been built in the 3rd century, it was first discovered by archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein in 1926 and later studied by Domenico Faccenna in the 1960s and 1970s. The stupa features a square plinth foundation, about 4 meters thick, and is topped by a hemispherical dome that stands 7 meters tall and 21 meters in diameter, making it highly visible from a distance. Despite being one of the best-preserved stupas in the region, it remains unprotected and faces damage from treasure hunters.
Why go
- ✦One of the best-preserved stupas in Swat, from the 3rd century
- ✦A dome 7 m tall and 21 m across, seen from far off
- ✦Found by Aurel Stein in 1926, studied by Faccenna
Current Condition
The Amluk Dara Stupa is currently a protected archaeological site under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of Archaeology & Museums, renowned for its well-preserved Gandhara-era Buddhist architecture. While open to visitors, conservation efforts ensure the structural integrity of this historically significant monument.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, April–May or late September to November. The stupa is about 2 km north of Nawagai village, reached by a walk of roughly 1 km through the village, with Mount Ilam behind it; the path is easiest in dry weather outside the monsoon.
Getting there, About 2 km north of Nawagai village on the Barikot–Buner road; walk about 1 km through the village.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Amluk Dara Stupa, Swat, within 5 km.
