Manthal Buddha Rock

Manthal Buddha Rock ('Dray chatfi Fong' in local Balti language) is a large granite rock with a relief sculpture of Buddha, which probably dates back to the 8th century.

Before the arrival of Islam in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan, the majority of people were Buddhist and they sculpted Buddha images on many rocks.

This Buddha carving was not known to the world until the beginning of the 20th century due to its remote location.

The Pakistani government has recently been attempting to promote religious travel.

[citation needed] In order to inform the global Buddhist community, these sacred sites are being recognised in national forums.