Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Munir Khan Dheri
Field guide · Heritage
Munir Khan Dheri
Munir Khan Dheri is an important Buddhist archaeological site located atop a small hill in Banda Munir Khan, approximately 12 km north of Haripur city.
The site measures 34 meters east-west and 30 meters north-south and sits at an elevation of 2116 feet. It features remnants of a main Buddhist stupa, constructed using mature diaper masonry and adorned with stucco mouldings—a hallmark of Gandhara-period architecture. Despite severe disturbance from illegal excavations, parts of the stupa still survive in relatively good condition. The surface is strewn with extensive potsherds, confirming its historical significance and occupation during the Buddhist era, likely the Kushan period.
Why go
- ✦Buddhist heritage
- ✦Gandhara archaeology
- ✦history
Current Condition
Munir Khan Dheri’s Buddhist stupa, featuring rare stucco mouldings and mature diaper masonry, survives in a fragile, looted state—its hilltop location offering no protection from systematic vandalism and exposure. The site falls under the jurisdiction of the KP Directorate of Archaeology & Museums, which has failed to secure, excavate, or conserve the monument despite its clear Gandharan artistry and vulnerability to further damage.
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.
