Photo: Usman.pg · CC BY-SA 3.0Field guides / Punjab / Haripur / Sirsukh, Taxila
Field guide · Heritage
Haripur
Haripur District · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Sirsukh, Taxila
The city of Sirsukh is said to have been founded during the Kushan era after 80 CE, and is the last of the great ancient cities of Taxila.
The invaders decided to abandon the older city of Sirkap and build a newer city on the other side of the Lundi-nala. The wall of the city is about 5 kilometers long and about 5.4 meters thick. The city wall covers an area of around 2300 x 1000 meters seen along the east-west direction, and is laid out in a typical Central Asian style, complete with suburbs. Sirsukh was left uninhabited when the White Huns invaded the Punjab at the end of the fifth century CE. To the north-east of the city flows the Harro river whereas to the south the Lundi-ravine is present.
Why go
- ✦The last of Taxila's great cities, founded after 80 CE
- ✦A city wall about 5 km long and 5.4 m thick
- ✦Laid out in the Central Asian style
Visiting today
Sirsukh City near Taxila is a protected archaeological site managed by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Pakistan. Ongoing conservation and research efforts aim to preserve its historical significance.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, October to March. The Kushan city's 5 km wall lies across the Lundi nala from Sirkap; the site is open but only partly excavated, so it suits a walk on a mild day.
Getting there, Across the Lundi nala from Sirkap, Taxila; open but only partly excavated.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Sirsukh, Taxila, within 5 km.
