The Buddhist monastic complex at Takht-i-Bahi (Throne of Origins) was founded in the early 1st century located in modern-day Mardan, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Owing to its location on the crest of a high hill, it escaped successive invasions and is still exceptionally well preserved. The complex is regarded by archaeologists as being particularly representative of the architecture of Buddhist monastic centers from its era, due to which it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

The Buddhist monastery was in continual use until the 7th century AD. It is composed of an assemblage of buildings and is the most complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan. Today the ruins comprise a main stupa court, votive stupas court, a group of three stupas, the monastic quadrangle with meditation cells, conference hall, covered stepped passageways and other secular buildings.