Peshawar (Pashto: پېښور; Urdu: پشاور) is a relatively prosperous frontier city in Pakistan near the Pakistan-Afghan border, which gives it a distinct Afghan flavour. Peshawar is the capital and largest city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Peshawar sits in a large valley near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass, known as "City on the Frontier", its strategic location on the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia has made it one of the most culturally vibrant and lively cities in the greater region.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Peshawar is the sixth-largest city in Pakistan, and the largest Pashtun-majority city in the country. Situated in the broad Valley of Peshawar east of the historic Khyber Pass, close to the border with Afghanistan, Peshawar's recorded history dates back to at least 539 BCE, making it the oldest city in Pakistan and one of the oldest cities in South Asia. In Ancient era, the city was known as Purushpura and served as the capital of the Kushan Empire under the rule of Kanishka; and was home to the Kanishka stupa, which was among the tallest buildings in the ancient world. Peshawar was then ruled by the Hephthalites, followed by the Hindu Shahis, before the arrival of Muslim empires.
Taxi & auto-rickshaws give Peshawar two of its most well-known traits: polluted air and clogged streets, and are the most popular way to get around the city. Walking is another option.
The Old City Centre with the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Bazar-e-Kalan, Clock Tower Square, Chowk Yadgar, Tehsil Gorgathri, Mohabbat Khan Mosque, Sunehri Masjid (Sadar), Peshawar Museum, Khyber Bazar. Parks includes Khalid bin Waleed park, Shahi bagh and Wazir bagh. The traditional halal food of Peshawar can be bought from Namak Mandi, Khyber Bazar. The famous "Kulfa" can be accessed from Qissa Khwani Bazar from April–September every year, when there is hot weather in the city. 1 Bala Hissar Fort. One of the most historic places of Peshawar. The word Bala Hisar is from Persian meaning “elevated or high fort”. Renowned historian, Dr A.H.
In the summertime hiking tours to the mountains are offered. Ask at Green Tours in front of the Greens Hotel, Peshawar Cantt, and Pearl Tours of the Pearl Continental Hotels. This can also be done by hiring a car, jeep or pickup from local 'rent-a-car' servicing private agencies at a very cheap rates. Khyber Train Safari Shah Qabool Gems Street, Namak mandi. Gems and minerals.
Namak Mandi, several shops in namak Mandi near Shoba bazar, where you can enjoy Peshawar's characteristic Mutton ( including roast, bbq , karhai, etc ). Mr. Cod, Bithani Plaza, Iqra University Chowk, University Road, Peshawar. Chief Burger, University Town. Best fast food in town offering several kinds of burgers, pizzas, etc. Clock Tower Food Street, Peshawar City, for all local and traditional spicy foods. Masoom's Cafe also known as Cafe Crunch, University Town, for continental foods. Pearl Continental Hotel Roof Top Bar B Que, on weekends only. Habibi Restaurant (can be in city and entrance to Hayatabad) for local and traditional foods. Khyber friends, a small restaurant located on unive…
Peshawar is known for its Kawa (Green Tea) which has a unique flavour, and is usually served sweet. Sharbat-e-Sandal is a sweet, non-carbonated drink unusually found in markets in summer. It has a good taste and a yellowish-green transparent colour - look out for the black seeds. Served ice cold. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a dry state, making alcohol hard to come by.
Before going to Peshawar, check for travel advisories from your government's website, as these regions have become volatile and unstable, with fighting between the Taliban forces and Pakistani military. Peshawar is the home of several ethnic and religious groups and has had a number of terrorist attacks. Although the number of terrorist attacks declined from 2010 to 2014, in the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, Taliban militants killed 132 school children. Police officers can be found in the streets and roads to ensure safety. As a stranger, and therefore a guest, you can usually rely on the support of people around you should something or someone feel threatening.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Peshawar typically sees ~34°C daytime highs and 20 rainy days.
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