Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / The Stupa of Gharasa
Field guide · Heritage
The Stupa of Gharasa
The Stupa of Gharasa, located near Dangram in Swat’s Jambil Valley, stands at the base of Mount Gharasa amidst ancient archaeological remains.
It consists of five storeys, with a rectangular base and circular upper levels. Only the southern side of the first storey remains well-preserved. Constructed using large gneiss blocks and phyllite slabs, the stupa was originally coated in thick plaster. It features internal stairways and chambers, possibly used for construction access or relic storage. The architectural design is similar to other Swat stupas such as Saidu Sharif I and Tokar Dara. However, unlike them, it lacks angular columns. Today, the site is in poor condition, mainly due to stone being removed for new construction.
Why go
- ✦Buddhist heritage
- ✦Gandhara archaeology
- ✦history
Current Condition
The Stupa of Gharasa near Dangram in Swat is a critically endangered Gandhara-era monument, currently unprotected despite its unique five-storey hybrid architecture (rectangular base, circular upper tiers) and rare internal stair chambers. Ravaged by stone looters and structural collapse, its surviving southern facade—built with gneiss blocks, phyllite slabs, and original plaster—demands emergency stabilization by the KP Directorate of Archaeology & Museums to prevent total loss.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, Year-round; confirm local conditions and any festival dates before travel.
Getting there, In or near Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; confirm current local access before visiting.
