Taxila Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City • Unesco

Facts and practical information

Located in the Punjab region of Pakistan, Taxila is a city that is rich in history and cultural heritage. With its ancient ruins and archaeological sites, it is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

One of the main attractions in Taxila is the Taxila Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and relics from the ancient Gandhara civilization. The museum showcases Buddhist sculptures, pottery, coins, and other archaeological finds that provide a glimpse into the region's past. Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about the significance of Taxila in the development of Buddhism.

Another must-visit site in Taxila is the Taxila Archaeological Site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to numerous ancient ruins and structures, including the Dharmarajika Stupa, the Jaulian Monastery, and the Sirkap city ruins. Walking through these ancient sites, visitors can imagine what life was like during the Gandhara period and admire the intricate stone carvings and architectural details that have withstood the test of time.

For those interested in the spiritual aspect of Taxila, a visit to the nearby Buddhist monastery of Julian is highly recommended. This well-preserved monastery offers a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection. The monastery complex consists of prayer halls, living quarters, and a central courtyard, all adorned with beautiful Buddhist art and sculptures.

In addition to its historical and archaeological significance, Taxila also offers natural beauty and stunning landscapes. The Margalla Hills, located just outside the city, provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and explore the lush green trails that wind through the hills.

To complete the Taxila experience, travelers can indulge in the local cuisine, which is known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. From traditional Pakistani dishes to international cuisines, there are plenty of dining options available in the city.

Local name: ٹیکسلا Built: 1000 B.C.E.Abandoned: V centuryUnesco: from 1980Elevation: 1706 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 33°45'1"N, 72°49'30"E

Location

PunjabPakistan

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Taxila Top Attractions

Taxila Attractions - What to See and Explore

Taxila offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Jaulian, Sirkap, Kunala Stupa, Taxila Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Buddhist architecture • Monastery
Jaulian
Jaulian is a ruined Buddhist monastery dating from the 2nd century CE, located in Pakistan. Jaulian is located in Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the provincial border with Punjab and the city of Taxila.
Buddhist architecture • Archaeological site • Ancient Greek architecture
Sirkap
Sirkap is the name of an archaeological site on the bank opposite to the city of Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan. The city of Sirkap was built by the Greco-Bactrian king Demetrius after he invaded ancient India around 180 BC.
33°45'1"N • 72°49'52"E
Kunala Stupa
Kunala Stupa is a Kushan-era Buddhist stupa and monastery complex to the south-east of Taxila, on a hill about 200 meters just south of Sirkap, Punjab, Pakistan, thought to date to the 2nd century CE.

Buddhist architecture • Specialty museum • Art museum
Taxila Museum
Taxila Museum is located at Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan. The museum is home to a significant and comprehensive collection of Gandharan art dating from the 1st to the 7th centuries CE.
33°43'38"N • 72°51'13"E
Kalawan
Kalawan is the name of an archaeological site in the area of Taxila in Pakistan, where it is one of the largest Buddhist establishment. It is located about 2 km from the Dharmarajika stupa.
City • Buddhist architecture • Archaeological site
Sirsukh
Sirsukh is an ancient city that forms part of the ruins at Taxila, near the modern day city of Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan.
Buddhist architecture • Archaeological site
Bhir Mound
The Bhir Mound is an archaeological site in Taxila in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It contains some of the oldest ruins of Ancient Taxila, dated to sometime around the period 800-525 BC as its earliest layers bear "grooved" Red Burnished Ware, Bhir Mound, along with several...
Buddhist architecture • Archaeological site
Dharmarajika Stupa
The Dharmarajika Stupa, also referred to as the Great Stupa of Taxila, is a Buddhist stupa near Taxila, Pakistan. It dates from the 2nd century CE, and was built by the Kushans to house small bone fragments of the Buddha.
Archaeological site
Mankiala stupa
The Mankiala Stupa is a 2nd-century Buddhist stupa near the village of Tope Mankiala, in Pakistan's Punjab province. The stupa was built by the Kushans and is said to commemorate the spot, where according to the Jataka tales, an incarnation of the Buddha called Prince Sattva sacrificed himself to feed seven hungry tiger cubs.
33°45'52"N • 72°49'44"E
Jandial
Jandial near the city of Taxila in Pakistan is the site of an ancient temple well known for its Ionic columns. The temple is located 630 meters north of the northern gate of Sirkap. The Temple was excavated in 1912–1913 by the Archaeological Survey of India under John Marshall.
Archaeological site
Gandhara
Gandhāra is the name of an ancient region located in present-day north-west Pakistan and parts of north-east Afghanistan. Gandhara was one of 16 Mahajanapada of ancient India.
33°44'0"N • 72°49'50"E
Taxila Cantonment
Taxila Cantonment is a cantonment adjacent to Taxila in Rawalpindi District, Punjab province, Pakistan. The city is home to Heavy Industries Taxila — a major defence, engineering conglomerate, and military corporation.
Universities and schools
University of Engineering and Technology
The University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila is a public university located in Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan. It was established in 1975 as a campus of the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore and chartered as an independent university in 1993.
33°45'0"N • 72°49'30"E
Hathial
Hathial is an ancient archaeological site next to Bhir Mound, just south of Sirkap, in the area of Taxila in Pakistan. It is quite a large site, in which red burnished ware and various materials were discovered similar to those of Charsadda.
Universities and schools
HITEC University
HITEC University is a private university located in Taxila Cantonment, Punjab, Pakistan. Taxila, a historic seat of learning and an important archaeological site, is about 30 km north-west of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Day trips

Taxila – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Taxila, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Jinnah Park (Rawalpindi), Faisal Mosque (Islamabad), Pakistan Monument (Islamabad).

18 milesSE
Amusement, Amusement park, Park
Jinnah Park, Rawalpindi
Jinnah Park, a verdant oasis amidst the bustling city of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, stands as a popular recreational destination for both locals and tourists. This amusement park, named after the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, offers a diverse array of activities...
12 milesE
Mosque, Sacred and religious sites
Faisal Mosque, Islamabad
Faisal Mosque stands as a striking symbol of Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. This contemporary mosque, nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills, is renowned for its unconventional design and immense size. Completed in 1986, it is the largest mosque in...
15 milesE
Specialty museum, Museum, Memorial
Pakistan Monument, Islamabad
The Pakistan Monument, located in the capital city of Islamabad, stands as a testament to the nation's history and the unity of its people. This iconic structure, designed to resemble a blooming flower, symbolizes the four provinces and three territories of Pakistan...
14 milesE
Zoo with lions, turtles, birds and more
Islamabad Zoo, Islamabad
Nestled in the heart of Pakistan's verdant capital, Islamabad Zoo is a place of conservation, education, and recreation, drawing visitors from all corners of the country. The zoo, which sprawls over an area of 82 acres, is a sanctuary for a diverse collection of...
15 milesE
Mosque best known for a 2007 siege
Lal Masjid, Islamabad
Lal Masjid, situated in the heart of Islamabad, Pakistan, stands as an emblematic structure within the city's urban landscape. This mosque, whose name translates to "The Red Mosque" in English, is known for its distinctive red color and has been a key religious site...

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Best Time To Visit Taxila

Learn when is the best time to travel to Taxila weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in July.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in November. Most of it rains in August.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Taxila?

The top attractions to visit in Taxila are:

What is the best time to visit Taxila?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in July. The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.