Sphola Stupa, Khyber Pass

The Sphola Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument located in the Khyber Pass, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

GPGreenPak Field GuidesSourced from GreenPak · 2 min read

Dating back to the 2nd century CE, it is believed to have been constructed during the later years of the Kushan Empire or the 3rd to 5th centuries. The stupa, built from stone, features a dome resting on a tiered base and is one of the most intact Buddhist structures in the Khyber Pass region. Excavations at the site have uncovered Gandhara sculptures, now housed in Peshawar Museum, highlighting the area's historical connection to Buddhism. Today the stupa stands within a Frontier Constabulary post, so ask before visiting. The Sphola Stupa is the last remaining Buddhist monument in the area, serving as a poignant reminder of the region’s ancient Buddhist heritage.

Why go

✦One of the most intact stupas in the Khyber Pass
✦A stone dome on a tiered base, 2nd–5th century CE
✦Its sculptures are in the Peshawar Museum

Planning tip

Best Time to Visit, The stupa in the Khyber Pass stands within a Frontier Constabulary post, so ask before visiting. The Peshawar Museum holds the sculptures excavated here.

Getting there, In the Khyber Pass near Jamrud; the Frontier Constabulary uses it as a check post, so it is not open to the public.