Kargah the Buddha : Golden Era of Buddhism in Gilgit-Baltistan Kargah Buddha is an archaeological site located at the junction of Kargah and Shukogah Nalla, about 6 miles (9.7 km) west of the Gilgit city in GilgitBaltistan. Nearby locales include Barmas, Napur, and the Rakaposhi Mountain. It is a carved image of a large standing Buddha, some 50 feet (15 m) high, in the cliff-face in Kargah Nala.The carving, which is in a style also found in Baltistan, and is estimated that the carving was completed in the 7th century. It was discovered in 1938-39, following the innovation of supposed Gilgit manuscripts in 1931.The image is surrounded by the holes for a wooden house structure, which would have sheltered it from inclement weather. During the 3rd century to the 11th century, Gilgit was a prominent Centre of early Buddhism. During this time period, multiple powers vied for contr...