Peshawar

Peshawar is the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan and is also its economic and cultural centre. It is the oldest city in Pakistan and one of the oldest cities in the world, with its history dating back to 539 BC. Peshawar is known for its historical forts, lively bazaars and the best museum in Pakistan.

The historic city of Peshawar lies in the wide Peshawar Valley in Pakistan, bordered by the Bara River, a tributary of the Kabul River, on the east and the Khyber Pass on the west. One of the oldest cities of the world, Peshawar was home to the erstwhile Kushan Empire and houses the tallest structure of the ancient world, the Kanishka Stupa. Peshawar was also the capital of the ancient Buddhist kingdom, Gandhara, and contains ruins of the largest Buddhist stupa in India. The ancient caravan trade route between Afghanistan and Central Asia passed through Peshawar. This historic city comprises of 3 distinct parts - the old city, the British cantonment and the University town. The old city portrays the true colours of ancient Peshawar with its lively and colourful bazaars, ancient forts and mosques and the Pathan (Pakhtun or Pashtun) clan walking the streets. The British railway divides this part of town from the Cantonment which houses the clubs, churches, schools, the airport, the Mall and the Saddar Bazaar. The sprawling bungalows and the majestic administrative edifices are perfect examples of British architecture. Beyond that lies the town surrounding the Peshawar University. Travelling to Peshawar is incomplete without a visit to Qissa Khawani Bazaar, which is described as the 'Piccadilly of Central Asia'. This is where the art of storytelling flourished and enthralled travellers from around the world. This, along with other bazaars like Khyber Bazaar and Sadar Bazaar are the best places where you can buy Pakistani and Afghani curios like carpets, rugs, pustins (sheepskin coats), karakul (lambskin coats) and others. At these bazaars, you can also taste the famous Kawa tea (green tea) and the Sharbat-e-Sandal, a sweet summer drink. You can finish your Peshawari journey with a glimpse of historical structures like Bala Hissar, Gor Khatri, Peshawar University, Cunningham Clock Tower, Mahabat Khan Mosque and Peshawar Museum.