Paharpur Buddhist Monastery (পাহাড়পুর বৌদ্ধ বিহার): travel guide

UNESCO World Heritage ruins of the 8th-century Somapura Mahavihara — largest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas with over 177 meditation cells.

Paharpur Buddhist Monastery is in Naogaon district, Rajshahi division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Paharpur Buddhist Monastery and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Paharpur Buddhist Monastery

  • Somapura Mahavihara (সোমপুর মহাবিহার): UNESCO World Heritage ruins of a large 8th-century Buddhist monastery, with an on-site museum covered by the main ticket. Historical, entry about 20 BDT, best time: October to March
  • Paharpur Archaeological Museum (পাহাড়পুর জাদুঘর): Site museum next to the Somapura ruins, holding terracotta plaques, sculptures and finds from the excavation. Museum, free entry, best time: October to March
  • Satyapir Bhita (সত্যপীরের ভিটা): Ruined triangular-plan vihara about 300 yards east of the Somapura east wall, mentioned in a Nalanda copper plate. Historical, free entry, best time: October to March

Where to stay in Paharpur Buddhist Monastery

  • Archaeological Rest House, Paharpur (Budget), about ৳200/person/night. Sleep beside the UNESCO ruins

Travel advice for Paharpur Buddhist Monastery

  • Opening hours and closed days: April-September: Tue-Thu and Sat 10-13 and 13:30-18, Fri 10-12:30 and 14:30-18, Mon 14:30-18. October-March: Tue-Thu and Sat 9-13 and 13:30-17, Fri 9-12:30 and 14-17, Mon 13:30-17. Closed Sunday. A Daily Star piece gives a simpler 10-17 with Monday half-day, so check on arrival.
  • Ticket prices: Tickets are Tk20 for Bangladeshis, Tk100 for SAARC visitors and Tk200 for other foreigners (Daily Star also lists Tk5 for secondary students); the museum is included in the ticket per travelandexplorebd, though Wikivoyage lists a separate Tk50 museum fee, so confirm at the gate.
  • Getting to Paharpur: From Naogaon (about 32 km) go via Badalgachhi to Paharpur Bazar, then about 2 km by CNG, autorickshaw or van; buses to Paharpur leave from Baludangga stand. From Joypurhat (about 9-13 km, 25 minutes) buses run 07:00-16:00 for about Tk10. Jamalganj station is nearest (about 4.5 km;

More places to explore in Bangladesh

JatraSathi is a free Bangladesh trip planner in English and Bangla. Prices are estimates; check before you travel.