The Best Travel Guide to Peshawar (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Peshawar

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Asia Pakistan Peshawar

Overview

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Peshawar The guide was updated: 2024-06-10

Historically an important trading centre, Peshawar lies near the Khyber Pass, a key route of the legendary Silk Road and gateway to the Indian subcontinent, travelled by conquerors and explorers. The Storytellers Bazaar (Qissa Khawani Bazaar) is a captivating reminder of the city’s role in world trade. Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province where things remain volatile, but recent trends indicate a decline in criminality and a budding resurgence of urban life.

Facts

Population:	2.4 million
Currency:	1 Pakistani rupee (PKR or Rs) = 100 paisa
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Ambulance: 115 Police: 15 Fire brigade: 16
Newspapers:	The Frontier Post: thefrontierpost.com Daily Pakistan: dailypakistan.com.pk The Express Tribune: tribune.com.pk
Website:	kptourism.com tourism.gov.pk cmgp.gkp.pk
Opening hours:	Generally speaking, the workweek is Monday to Friday, with Friday being a half-day. Sometimes Saturday is also a half-day, but Sunday is always off. Government offices operate from 8/9 am to 5/6 pm, while private businesses tend to start operations at about 10 am. Restaurants and cafes tend to stay open later, until about 9/10 pm.
Tourist information:	TCKP Tourist Information Center Nishter Hall, Sunehri Masjid Road, PTCL Colony, Peshawar Open Mon–Fri 9am–4pm +92 91 921 3762

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Section in Peshawar

Given that most city exploration is done during daylight hours, there is plenty to easily fill a space of a few days. Apart from the must-do’s of the Peshawar Museum and the Old Town, one unusual attraction is the 1920s Khyber Pass Railway, trips on which are only possible by prior appointment. Depending on their planned time of travel, adventure-seekers might want to look into visiting one of the notorious gun factories in the outlying Tribal Areas (or the infamous Darra Adam Khel), but doing so outside of a guided tour can be highly dangerous and is strongly advised against.

Peshawar Museum

Peshawar Museum

Nowhere else in the world is there a collection of Gandharan art more extensive than that of the Peshawar Museum, housed inside an attractive Victorian building (much of the Gandharan section was closed for renovations as of fall 2017, so do give a call prior to visiting).

Islamia College

Islamia College

The grounds of the beautiful Islamia College are open to the public, allowing anyone to enjoy the glory of its Victorian architecture and tranquil, green premises. It is a reputable academic institution, too, and one important enough to be displayed on the 1,000 Pakistani Rupees banknote.

Mahabat Khan Mosque

Mahabat Khan Mosque

The splendid Mahabat Khan Mosque is a fine example of 17th century Mughal architecture, with its ornate interior and courtyard water reservoir especially inviting to visitors. Entry is allowed, and private tour guides offer their services at a moderate fee.

Sethi Street & Sethi House Museum

Sethi Street & Sethi House Museum

The Sethi Mohallah area within the walls of Peshawar's old town contains rare examples of Central Asian-inspired architecture, constructed by the once prosperous trader family. The intricate woodwork and carvings, along with ornamental interiors and stained glass windows and ceilings, make for a fascinating look around. Keep in mind that most houses are now privately owned.

Bala Hissar Fort

Bala Hissar Fort

The imposing Bala Hissar Fort was once the seat of Afghan Durrani royals. Ownership was transferred to the Sikhs in the 19th century, with the fort eventually being rebuilt by the British to achieve its current look. Bala Hisar now houses the paramilitary forces of Pakistan, making it difficult to look inside, but an on-site museum is open to the public.

Cunningham Clock Tower

Cunningham Clock Tower

The Cunningham Clock Tower, known locally as Ghanta Ghar, is located just a few hundred meters from the city's busy centre, Chowk Yadgar. It was inaugurated in 1900 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of British Queen Victoria. The Kalyan Bazar road that runs from here is lined with interesting examples of old merchant dwellings.

Khyber Pass

Khyber Pass

Security is of concern at present and trips to the Khyber Pass are best left for a better time (check official safety advice at your planned time of travel), but do seize the opportunity when the opportunity comes. The pass has long been a gateway to South Asia (part of the ancient Silk Route), travelled by merchants, explorers and conquerors, the likes of Alexander the Great and Mughals, a channel that now connects Pakistan to the troubled Afghan territories via Torkham. Michni Checkpoint is as far as most visitors can count on getting.

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