Sikri, Find Spot of the Fasting Buddha

Sikri, located in District Dir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a historically significant Buddhist archaeological site.

GPGreenPak Field GuidesSourced from GreenPak · 2 min read

Sikri is most famous for the discovery of the “Fasting Buddha”, one of the finest examples of Gandhāran art, depicting Prince Siddhartha during his ascetic phase. The sculpture, carved in grey schist, showcases deep realism with emaciated features and is considered a global icon of Buddhist sculpture. Discovered during British-era excavations in the early 20th century, it is now the centerpiece of the Lahore Museum’s Gandhāra Gallery. Sikri is geographically close to other major Buddhist sites like Loriyan Tangai and Chakdara.

Why go

✦Find spot of the Fasting Buddha, an icon of Gandhara art
✦The grey schist sculpture is the centrepiece of the Lahore Museum
✦Near Loriyan Tangai and other Buddhist sites

Planning tip

Best Time to Visit, The Fasting Buddha itself is now in the Lahore Museum, so pair a visit to the site with the museum; spring and autumn are Dir's mild seasons.

Getting there, Sikri (Shikrai) is a village in Mardan district; the protected site has little to see.

What to Do

◆See the Fasting Buddha itself in the Lahore Museum

◆Visit the site only with local help; little is visible

◆Combine with the Buddhist sites around Mardan

Nearby

Straight-line distance from Sikri, Find Spot of the Fasting Buddha, within 5 km.

Thareli Buddhist Site, Mardan

~4 km from Sikri, Find Spot of the Fasting Buddha

Jamal Garhi Buddhist Monastery, Mardan

~4 km from Sikri, Find Spot of the Fasting Buddha