Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Khanpur Cave Haripur
Field guide · Heritage
Khanpur Cave Haripur
Khanpur Cave A is a prehistoric archaeological site located in the Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
The cave, measuring 2.60 by 1.80 meters, is associated with the Paleolithic period and is estimated to date back between 2 million years ago and 18,000 BCE. It is situated within an area that is heavily vegetated, which adds to its natural historical significance. The cave has been studied as part of an archaeological survey in the Hazara Division, and the findings were published in Frontier Archaeology, Vol VI in 2016. The site is currently privately owned and is not legally protected under any specific heritage laws.
Why go
- ✦Buddhist heritage
- ✦Gandhara archaeology
- ✦history
Current Condition
The Khanpur Cave near Taxila (KPK) remains accessible but lacks formal tourism infrastructure, with preservation efforts led by local authorities and archaeological researchers. While not part of the UNESCO Taxila complex, its prehistoric significance attracts specialist interest. The site's fragile ecosystem and rock formations require careful conservation to balance access with protection.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, Year-round; confirm local conditions and any festival dates before travel.
Getting there, In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; confirm current local access before visiting.
