Manikyala Stupa Archaeological Site

Address: Mankiala village area, near Gujar Khan / Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset

Admission: Free (no formal ticketing; small community donations possible)

An ancient Buddhist stupa located in the Punjab region near Rawalpindi in the greater Islamabad area, notable as a surviving example of Buddhist architecture in northern Pakistan.

The stupa was constructed in the early historic Buddhist period and has been noted in archaeological surveys of the region. It has undergone periods of damage and subsequent conservation and small-scale excavation but remained a single isolated monument rather than part of a large monastic complex.

Located near the village of Manikyala close to Rawat in Rawalpindi District, Punjab, it lies beside the corridor linking Rawalpindi and the surrounding plains and is reachable by local roads from Islamabad/Rawalpindi.

• Date and conservation: The structure is an ancient Buddhist stupa dating to the early historic period and has been the subject of archaeological visits and conservation work.
• Access: Access is by road from Rawalpindi/Islamabad and the site is small and visible from nearby approaches, so visits are typically short.

What to See#

• Setting: Sits just off the historic Grand Trunk Road near the village of Manikyala in the Rawalpindi area, a short drive from the town of Rawat.

From Islamabad or Rawalpindi drive southeast via the Grand Trunk Road (N-5) and then local roads toward Gujar Khan; the stupa is near Mankiala village. The final few kilometres are on rural lanes - a high-clearance vehicle is helpful. Local taxis from Gujar Khan or nearby towns can be hired.

• Combine the visit with Katas Raj temples or Rohtas Fort if doing a day trip from Islamabad.
• Expect rough, potholed village roads near Mankiala; a high-clearance car helps.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer local visitors; wear modest clothing to respect the local community.