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Photo: Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of PakistanField guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Nimogram Site
Field guide · Heritage
This is an important Buddhist archaeological site, housing a monastery and three main stupas in a row surrounded by 56 votive stupas.
The monastery covers an area of 29m x 23m, consisting of two halls situated on its north-eastern and north-western corners.
Why go
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.
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.
Three stupas in a line rather than one at the centre — the plan is what makes Nimogram worth the drive out from Mingora.
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.
Straight-line distance from Nimogram Site, within 30 km.
