Takht-i-Bahi
A hilltop Buddhist monastery from the 1st century CE, one of the most complete in the Gandhara region.
Last reviewed 12 October 2026
- Where
- Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Type
- Buddhist monastery
- Managed by
- Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
About
The monastery was used from the 1st to the 7th century. Its courtyards, stupas and meditation cells are unusually well preserved.
The ruins of the walled town of Sahr-i-Bahlol, about 5 km away, are part of the same World Heritage Site.
Plan your visit
Best time to visit
October to April.
Getting there
Takht-i-Bahi is about 15 km from Mardan and 80 km from Peshawar. From Islamabad, it is around 2 hours by the M-1 motorway. The nearest airport is Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar.
View on map (opens in new tab)
Opening times and prices
Opening times and ticket prices change, so check before you travel on the official website (opens in new tab).
Good to know
- There is a steep climb to the monastery, so wear good shoes.