Home/Provinces//Destinations/Peshawar
🏺

Peshawar, One of Asia's Oldest Living Cities

Peshawar Tour Packages · Peshawar Tours · Peshawar Travel Packages

Overview

Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Gandhara-era archaeology and the historic gateway to the Khyber Pass, one of the most-requested destinations across every Pakistan tour operator we checked, and one of the country's most underrated heritage stops.

Quick Facts

Starting Cost:
Best Time:
Region:
Tours Available:

Summary:

🏔
Tours
🌄
Places to Visit
🏨
Hotels

History

Peshawar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Asia, with a documented history stretching back over 2,000 years as a key stop on ancient trade routes between South and Central Asia. It was the winter capital of the Kushan Empire and a major centre of Gandhara Buddhist art and learning before becoming a Mughal and later British frontier city.

Geography

The capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sitting near the mouth of the Khyber Pass at the edge of the Indus plains, historically the last major city before the routes into Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Culture

A predominantly Pashtun city with a strong oral storytelling tradition, Qissa Khwani Bazaar literally means "Storytellers' Market", alongside a distinct frontier cuisine and craft tradition in copper, leather and carpets.

🌦 Weather & Best Time to Visit

Hot summers (often 40°C+, May-August), mild and pleasant winters (November-February) which are by far the best time to visit.

🔴 Check today's live weather →

✈ How to Reach

Domestic flights from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, or a 1.5-2 hour drive from Islamabad via the M-1 Motorway.

Top Attractions

Things to Do

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1, Old City & Bazaars

Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Sethi Mohalla heritage houses, Namak Mandi dinner.

Day 2, Peshawar Museum & Khyber Pass Viewpoint

Gandhara collection at Peshawar Museum, scenic drive toward the Khyber Pass viewpoint (permit-dependent).

Tour Packages

Hotels

Restaurants

Shopping

Local Experiences

Storyteller-market walk through Qissa Khwani BazaarNamak Mandi karahi dinnerPeshawar Museum's Gandhara sculpture collection

🚗 Rent a Car in Peshawar

4x4s, sedans and family vans with a driver included, see vehicle types and every city we serve.

See Rent-a-Car Options →

Travel Tips

Namak Mandi is best visited in the evening when the karahi stalls are in full swing
A local guide is strongly recommended for the old city's dense bazaar streets
Khyber Pass access beyond the viewpoint requires special permission, we handle this when included in a tour

Frequently Asked Questions

The main tourist areas, the old city, bazaars and museum, are regularly visited with a local guide; conditions are monitored and we advise accordingly before travel.
Yes, it's about 1.5-2 hours by road, making it feasible as a long day trip, though an overnight allows more time in the old city and bazaars.

Related Articles

More Ways to Explore

Plan Your Pakistan TripFree Custom Itinerary in 2 Hours
💬 WhatsAppBook Now
💬
💰 Get Free Quote 🎨 Customize Tour 📞 Call Now