Butkara stupa

Butkara stupa is located in the lush Swat Valley, Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It was constructed during the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BCE and is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the region. The stupa is decorated with intricate carvings and has been excavated and restored by archaeologists.

It is an ancient Buddhist site believed to have been built during the reign of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Surrounded by the valley’s breathtaking natural beauty, the stupa and its surrounding ruins offer a unique combination of spirituality and scenic splendor.

The site is one of the most important in understanding early Buddhist architecture and continues to attract international pilgrims, archaeology students, and heritage tourists. Swat’s historical depth and serene environment make it a key destination for religious and cultural tourism.