Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a city of proud Pashtuns. With the world’s second-highest population of the Pakhtuns tribe, it has become the center of their arts and culture in Pakistan.
Peshawar is a beautiful city with a history that dates back to the Mughal Era, 17th century, and even older than that. This ancient town saw the likes of Alexander the Great and Babur and was the pathway for many great civilizations like the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Mughals, and Mongols. It is a place where those historical streets, buildings, and bazaars have changed little in the past hundred years. It is a visual treat for all history lovers. And if you don’t love history already, Peshawar will make you fall in love with your deeply embedded roots.
Here are 10 interesting things to do if you are in Peshawar.
1. Have a cup of Green Tea at The Qisa Khwani Bazaar
The Qisa Khwani Bazaar, known as the “Street of Storytellers” dates back to 1000 years or so. It takes its name from the professional storytellers who would camp here and entertain soldiers and travelers with intriguing stories of love and war. Though those storytellers are gone now, the atmosphere reminisces about them. Things have changed very little in over 1000 years; you can just stroll here in the Bazaar and take in the sights. And while you are at it, sit at a tea shop and sip a soothing cup of green tea, known as Kahwa.
2. Revisit History in the Peshawar Museum
The Peshawar Museum was built in 1905 during the British Colonialist Regime and was known as “Victoria Memorial Hall”. Its two-story building features an amalgamation of British, Hindu, South Asian, Buddhist, and Mughal Islamic Architectural styles. It is most renowned for its collection of Gandharan art. It currently showcases 14,000 items from various civilizations and includes sculptures, coins, household items, weapons, art and crafts, and a lot more. A stroll down the Peshawar Museum will leave you intrigued.
3. Pay a sacred visit to Mohabat Khan Mosque
The Mohabat Khan Mosque dates back to the Mughal Era of Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb. It was built by Mohabbat Khan who was a governor at that time. The mosque is a fine specimen of Mughal Architecture and will truly leave you awe-inspired. Climb to the rooftop of this Mosque and look over its vast and open courtyard.
4. Have a visual treat at the Bala Hisaar Fort
Whether you are coming from Rawalpindi or Khyber, the first thing that will meet your eye when you reach Peshawar is the mighty Bala Hisar Fort. When passing under the shadows of its huge battlements and ramparts, you just cannot fail to be impressed. What you can do is stand from afar and just admire its beauty. Even if you are flying from South to Peshawar to visit this beautiful Fort, it’s worth it.
5. Spend an Evening at the Sethi Houses
Sethi Houses in the Sethi Mohallah located in the old walled city of Peshawar will impress anyone who has a keen eye for detail and can admire the beauty of historical art. These houses were home to the Sethi family who was established businessmen with businesses in Central Asia, China, Afghanistan, Iran, and India. These beautiful houses feature carved wooden doors, partitions, balconies, and mirrored and painted rooms with a construction design that is a marvel of its own. Step inside and go back in time; you will be swept away by history.
6. Go hiking in the Hill Ranges
You can find many hike routes starting from Peshawar where you can have the adventure of your life. Take a glimpse into the rich history of Peshawar while trekking on these adventurous, daunting but beautiful hike routes.
7. Take a Safari to Hindu Kush Mountains
If you are in the mood for some great adventure, road trips, and beautiful sightseeing, take a road from Peshawar via Mardan to Dir Town, pass the Lowari Tunnel, and go to Gilgit-Baltistan via Shandoor Pass. Reach the rooftop of the world where you can see the tallest mountains of the world.
8. Have some fun and thrill at the Army Stadium
If you are in Peshawar, you cannot miss a visit to the Army Stadium. Pack your picnic essentials and take your family along. Enjoy a lovely picnic in the park and have some thrilling fun at the entertainment rides.
9. Take a boat cruise and enjoy freshwater fish at Sardaryab
It is a small tourist attraction built on the Great Kabul River. You can rent a boat for a river cruise with your family or just sit down and enjoy the delicious freshwater fish, freshly caught and prepared.
10. Have the most amazing experience at the rooftop BBQ at PC Hotel
As the steam rises from the fresh BBQ cooked at the Tatara Restaurant at PC hotel, you can’t resist the temptation to go sit there in its traditional set-up with live folk music and let the delicious BBQ flavors satisfy your taste buds. With the sky as its roof, this is a must-go place where you can overlook the old and much-treasured city of Peshawar.
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