Photo: Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of PakistanField guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Swat Valley / Nimogram Site
Field guide · Heritage
Swat
Swat District · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Nimogram Site
A Buddhist monastery and three main stupas in a row, ringed by 56 votive stupas, on the right bank of the Swat River.
The monastery covers an area of 29m x 23m, consisting of two halls situated on its north-eastern and north-western corners.
Why go
- ✦Three main stupas standing in a row
- ✦Fifty-six votive stupas around them
- ✦A monastery of 29 by 23 metres
- ✦Two halls set at the north-eastern and north-western corners
History
The complex sits on the right bank of the Swat river, about 45 km west of Saidu Sharif. Three principal stupas run north to south, ringed by fifty-six smaller ones, with a monastery of 29 by 23 metres alongside. The excavation produced an unusually large haul: 467 stone images, 43 pieces of stucco, five copper coins and two relic caskets. Kushano-Sasanian coins date the site to the second and third centuries CE.
Historical Significance
The row of three main stupas broke the Gandharan pattern of a single dominant stupa, and the site's sculpture is among the richest single yields in Swat.
Why Visit
Three stupas in a line rather than one at the centre — the plan is what makes Nimogram worth the drive out from Mingora.
Interesting Facts
- Three main stupas in a row — a first for the region
- Fifty-six smaller stupas surround them
- The dig produced 467 stone images and two relic caskets
- Kushano-Sasanian coins date it to the 2nd–3rd centuries CE
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, March to November. Spring and autumn are the pick; upper Swat holds snow through winter, though Mingora and the valley floor stay open.
Getting there, Swat valley, reached via the Swat Expressway from Mardan — around four hours from Islamabad. Butkara sits on the edge of Mingora; Nimogram and Shina Shah are further out on valley roads.
Allow, An hour to ninety minutes at each; a full day to link them with the Swat Museum.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Nimogram Site, within 5 km.
Nothing else genuinely close by (within 5 km of Nimogram Site) is published yet.
