Photo: Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of PakistanField guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Swat Valley / Butkara III, Mingora
Field guide · Heritage
Swat
Swat District · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Butkara III, Mingora
Butkara III is an archaeological site located in Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
The site is divided into two areas: Area A and Area B. Area A includes an open stupa court, underground chambers, and shrines, while Area B consists of a series of six rooms arranged in a row. Excavations at the site, led by Prof. Dr. Abdur Rahman from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Peshawar, uncovered a large number of stone sculptures. These sculptures feature garland bearers and panels depicting Jataka tales. The findings from the excavations are now housed in the Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Museum at Peshawar University. The site dates from the 1st to the 5th century CE and is protected under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Antiquities Act of 2016. It was first published in the "Buddhist Shrines in Swat" in 1993.
Why go
- ✦An open stupa court, underground chambers and shrines
- ✦Sculptures of garland bearers and Jataka tales
- ✦Excavated by Prof. Abdur Rahman of the University of Peshawar
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, April–May or autumn, with the Swat Museum and Butkara I nearby. Butkara III is an active excavation site, with few visitor facilities, so bring water.
Getting there, In Mingora, Swat, about 1.3 km from the Swat Museum; an active excavation.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Butkara III, Mingora, within 5 km.
