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Neolithic Site of Mehrgarh

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Mehrgarh is one of the most significant Neolithic archaeological sites in the world, located on the Kachi Plain of Balochistan, Pakistan. Dating back to 7000 BCE, it is one of the earliest sites in South Asia showing evidence of the transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture and animal husbandry. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the inhabitants cultivated wheat and barley and kept domesticated sheep, goats, and cattle. The discovery of pottery, bead manufacturing, and early forms of metallurgy highlights the technological sophistication of this early civilization. Notably, Mehrgarh provides the earliest known evidence of proto-dentistry, with drilled human teeth dating back over 9,000 years. The settlement consisted of multi-room mud-brick houses and specialized granaries for food storage. Mehrgarh serves as a crucial precursor to the later Indus Valley Civilization, providing a roadmap for the development of early urban life in the region.

Location: Pakistan
Top sights: Mehrgarh · Nausharo
Nearby: Ziarat (43 km)

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The sprawling archaeological site of Mehrgarh has a fascinating glimpse into the origins of South Asian agriculture. Visitors can explore the exposed remains, walking among the mud-brick foundations of Neolithic structures.

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Typical hours

Access to these remote archaeological ruins is typically permitted only during daylight hours. Due to the site's remote nature, there are no strict commercial opening hours, though a morning visit is highly recommended.

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Photography

Capturing the desolate beauty of these ancient foundations requires good natural lighting. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times, and a wide-angle lens is great to capture the vast expanse of the archaeological excavations.

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Time needed

A thorough exploration of the various excavation zones will generally take around two to three hours. If you are deeply interested in ancient history, you might find yourself wanting to spend even more time analyzing the ruins.

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Combine with

This excursion is best combined with a broader tour of Balochistan's other historical and natural sites. Consider planning your itinerary to include nearby towns where you can learn more about the fascinating local culture.

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Getting there

Reaching this remote ancient site requires arranging reliable private transportation, usually a sturdy 4x4 vehicle. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide who knows the area well is strongly advised for both navigation and safety.

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Insider tip

Before embarking on your journey, it is crucial to check the current security situation and obtain any necessary permits. Additionally, ensure you carry an ample supply of drinking water and sun protection, as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates

29.38330, 67.63330

Facts

The site was discovered in 1974 by a French archaeological team led by Jean-François Jarrige.
Excavations at the site continued systematically from 1974 until 1986.
Mehrgarh contains the world's earliest known evidence of cotton use, dating to the 5th millennium BCE.
The archaeological remains cover an area of approximately 200 hectares.
Evidence of dental drilling was found on eleven molars from nine different adults.
The presence of Lapis Lazuli beads suggests early trade links with regions as far as Afghanistan.