Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Bhamala Stupa
Field guide · Heritage
Bhamala Stupa
The Bhamala Stupa is a historic Buddhist site located near Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Dating back to the 2nd century CE, it is part of the larger Bhamala Buddhist Complex, situated near the Haro River and the Khanpur Dam. The stupa is renowned for its distinctive cruciform design and is considered one of the best-preserved sites in the Taxila valley. It houses a 1,700-year-old statue of the Buddha attaining enlightenment, regarded as the oldest of its kind in the world. The site was excavated in the late 1920s by Sufian Malik and John Marshall, with further work resuming in 2017. It was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status and has undergone partial restoration. The stupa is surrounded by smaller votive stupas and monastery cells, reflecting the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. As of 2015, it is under the protection of the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Why go
- ✦Buddhist heritage
- ✦Gandhara archaeology
- ✦history
Current Condition
The Bhamala Stupa is currently a protected archaeological site under the management of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of Archaeology & Museums, with ongoing conservation and partial tourist development. While some areas are accessible to visitors, full-scale tourism infrastructure remains under development to ensure the site's preservation.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, Year-round; confirm local conditions and any festival dates before travel.
Getting there, In or near Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; confirm current local access before visiting.
