Accessibility Problems to Disables Tourists at Buddhist Heritage Site at Takht-Bhai, Mardan Pakistan

Abstract

The Buddhist heritage site of Takht -Bhai is one of the main heritage sites in Pakistan to attract tourists on national and international level and promote the cultural and religious tourism in the region. One of the main challenges at the Takht-Bhai Buddhist heritage site is that many people, especially those with disabilities, are unable to fully enjoy their visit. The site’s attractions, facilities, and services are not equally accessible to everyone. Disabled visitors face several difficulties, such as steep and uneven pathways, lack of ramps, no chairlift facilities no wheelchair, friendly toilets, and no transport options to reach the upper portion of the site. These issues make it hard for them to explore the site comfortably. This paper aims to highlight the key problems faced by physically disabled visitors based on their experiences and the author’s personal observations. It seeks to bring attention to these problems and suggest possible solutions to improve accessibility for everyone.