Peshawar, the capital of North Western Frontier, tantalises the traveler with romance courage and adventure. Its unique character makes it look like a picturesque backdrop, of a dramatic ambient description, straight out of a story book. Its distinct atmosphere is enhanced by the aromatic steaming samovars dispensing tea into tiny enameled pots. Brought to prominence as the winter capital of Kushan, the city suffered heavily, under a stream of invading armies, until the Mughals arrived in the 16th and 17th centuries. They beautified Peshawar with gardens, mosques and monuments serve as a visual delight, creating a magnetic attraction for the tourist seeking a glimpse of bygone era.

Peshawar is a city for the truly intrepid. Whether standing awestruck in front of an old mosque or wandering through fabled bazaars – be prepared for a warm-hearted welcome, and expect the unexpected.

Entry

Air:
Peshawar’s international connections are changing all the time. Gulf Air and Emirates connect it to Europe via the Middle East. PIA, Shaheen Air and Aeroasia fly to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, and also have connecting flights almost daily to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Train:
Many local bus services are available from all major cities of the country. ‘Daewoo Bus Service’ is recommended for travelling due to their convenient timings and services. The historic ‘Grand Trunk’ road joins Peshawar with the rest of the country. One can reach Peshawar in two hours from the capital city Islamabad and in 6 hours from Lahore.

Places of Tourist Interest

A city of gardens and old historic monuments, the places recommended to tourists in Peshawar are:

The Old City and its traditional markets offering shoppers ethnic brass and copperware.

Bala Hisar Fort built by Mughal Emperor Babur.

Peshawar Museum, which houses an excellent collection of Gandharan art, including statues and friezes depicting Buddha’s life.

Islamia college, founded in 1913, is worth a look for its grand Victorian façade and clock tower.

The historic Khyber Pass.

Among the places where you can just stroll quietly is Khalid-Bin-Walid Bagh in the cantonment, a peaceful slice of an old Mughal garden.

Weather

The region generally receives the edge of the monsoon rains in the summer. The valleys are hot and humid from June to mid September. Around Peshawar and its south, the plains and the low Rocky Mountains are usually dry and hot with pleasantly warm days and cold nights in the winter.