Overview
Peshawar, one of the oldest cities in South Asia, has origins that stretch back over 2,000 years. Its strategic location at the gateway between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia made it a crucial hub for trade, culture, and conquest. Originally known as Purushapura meaning “City of Men” Peshawar was a prominent center during the Gandhara civilization and was influenced by many cultures, including Persian, Greek, Mauryan, and later the Kushan Empire under Emperor Kanishka, who made it a focal point for Buddhism. This period saw the city flourish as a center for Buddhist learning and art, as seen in the Gandharan art collection at the Peshawar Museum.
In the following centuries, Peshawar became a vital city for the Persian and later the Mughal empires. Under Mughal rule, the city saw architectural developments, such as the construction of the Mahabat Khan Mosque, reflecting the grandeur of Mughal architecture. Its unique heritage continued as the city became a key outpost for the Durrani Empire and later for the British during the colonial period.
Peshawar’s historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar (Storytellers Bazaar) symbolizes its role as a melting pot of cultures, where traders and travelers shared stories and goods from far-off lands. Today, Peshawar stands as a vibrant city that blends ancient traditions with modernity, preserving its historic bazaars, traditional crafts, and culinary delights, making it a living testament to Pakistan’s rich and diverse heritage
Itinerary
Start your day with a traditional breakfast at a local eatery in Nishtarabad. Try the popular halwa puri, Chana, and parathas with a cup of chai for an authentic taste of Peshawar.
Head to the Peshawar Museum to explore one of the best collections of Gandharan art in the world. The museum is filled with Buddhist relics, ancient statues, and exhibits that reflect Peshawar’s diverse cultural heritage.
Wander through the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar (Storytellers’ Bazaar), famous for its vibrant atmosphere, artisans, spices, and dry fruits. Capture the essence of this legendary marketplace, which once served as a resting place for traders and travelers.
Visit the Mahabat Khan Mosque, a beautiful 17th-century Mughal-era mosque with stunning architecture. Spend some time admiring its intricate tilework and grand structure.
Head to Namak Mandi for a hearty lunch featuring the city’s famous chargha and lamb karahi. This area is well-known for its traditional Peshawari cuisine, especially the delectable charsi tikka.
After lunch, explore Sethi House, a historical mansion that reflects the lavish lifestyle of 19th-century traders. Admire its classic wooden balconies, intricate carvings, and stained glass, offering a unique glimpse into Peshawar’s past.
Evening: Relaxation and Shopping
Drive by the Khyber Pass Memorial for a quick photo stop, then continue to the Bala Hisar Fort. Although the fort is typically closed to public access, the exterior view is striking, especially around sunset.
Conclude your day by visiting Saddar Market, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and Peshawari sandals. This bustling market is ideal for finding souvenirs and mementos to remember your trip.
Enjoy a final meal in the Saddar area, sampling Peshawari naan and a few local delicacies.
Pakistan prioritizes the safety and hospitality of its visitors, despite occasional security concerns. Travelers often enjoy positive experiences, thanks to the warmth and friendliness of locals. Renowned for their hospitality, Pakistanis enhance the tourism experience with their kindness and cheerful demeanor. The country values and welcomes tourists, offering diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. While Pakistan is considered safe compared to other destinations, travelers should stay informed about current events before their journeys.
We accept cash as the quickest mode of payment. Alternatively, you can also deposit the amount into our bank account, which we will provide once you book your tour.
Our head office is located in the scenic city of Gilgit, with a branch office situated in the vibrant capital, Islamabad.
Our refund policy for tour cancellations stipulates a 12% charge on the deposit amount. If you choose to postpone your tour, your payments will remain valid for the next year, excluding any bank fees.
Please note, a 12% cancellation fee will be applied if clients cancel the tour before 15 days. For cancellation requests made after this period, the company will assess them on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all relevant circumstances at that time.
For travelers considering a visit to Pakistan, the optimal season spans from April to November. During these months, visitors can revel in favorable weather conditions, characterized by spring blooms, summer abundance, and autumnal hues, depending on the specific month of travel. Whether exploring the northern regions or other popular tourist destinations across the country, travelers can anticipate an exceptional journey during this period. Conversely, winter months bring harsh cold weather, rain, and snowfall to the northern regions, making it less conducive for travel. However, this season presents an opportune time to explore the southern parts of Pakistan.
In the Northern areas of Pakistan, the weather varies significantly throughout the year:
During the summer months (May to September), daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). This period offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking. However, temperatures can drop considerably at night, especially in mountainous regions.
In the winter season (November to February), temperatures decrease substantially, with daytime highs ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Nighttime temperatures often fall below freezing, accompanied by heavy snowfall and icy conditions, particularly in higher altitudes. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding during this time.
It’s important for travelers to pack appropriate clothing for both warm and cold weather conditions when visiting the Northern areas of Pakistan, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year.
“When visiting Pakistan, it’s important to respect local customs and cultural norms. Modest attire is appreciated, especially in religious sites. Always greet others with courtesy and use the right hand for gestures or offering items. Avoid public displays of affection and refrain from consuming alcohol in public areas, as it’s prohibited in Islam. Additionally, it’s customary to remove shoes before entering someone’s home. Demonstrating sensitivity and respect for Pakistani traditions will enhance your experience as a visitor.”
The processing time for a tourist visa to Pakistan typically varies, but it generally takes between 7 to 10 business days. However, the duration can depend on several factors such as the applicant’s nationality, the completeness of the application, and the specific requirements of the Pakistani consulate or embassy where the application is submitted. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to accommodate any potential delays.
We accept cash as the quickest mode of payment. Alternatively, you can also deposit the amount into our bank account, which we will provide once you book your tour.
Our head office is located in the scenic city of Gilgit, with a branch office situated in the vibrant capital, Islamabad.
Our refund policy for tour cancellations stipulates a 12% charge on the deposit amount. If you choose to postpone your tour, your payments will remain valid for the next year, excluding any bank fees.
Please note, a 12% cancellation fee will be applied if clients cancel the tour before 15 days. For cancellation requests made after this period, the company will assess them on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all relevant circumstances at that time.
For travelers considering a visit to Pakistan, the optimal season spans from April to November. During these months, visitors can revel in favorable weather conditions, characterized by spring blooms, summer abundance, and autumnal hues, depending on the specific month of travel. Whether exploring the northern regions or other popular tourist destinations across the country, travelers can anticipate an exceptional journey during this period. Conversely, winter months bring harsh cold weather, rain, and snowfall to the northern regions, making it less conducive for travel. However, this season presents an opportune time to explore the southern parts of Pakistan.
In the Northern areas of Pakistan, the weather varies significantly throughout the year:
During the summer months (May to September), daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). This period offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking. However, temperatures can drop considerably at night, especially in mountainous regions.
In the winter season (November to February), temperatures decrease substantially, with daytime highs ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Nighttime temperatures often fall below freezing, accompanied by heavy snowfall and icy conditions, particularly in higher altitudes. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding during this time.
It’s important for travelers to pack appropriate clothing for both warm and cold weather conditions when visiting the Northern areas of Pakistan, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year.
“When visiting Pakistan, it’s important to respect local customs and cultural norms. Modest attire is appreciated, especially in religious sites. Always greet others with courtesy and use the right hand for gestures or offering items. Avoid public displays of affection and refrain from consuming alcohol in public areas, as it’s prohibited in Islam. Additionally, it’s customary to remove shoes before entering someone’s home. Demonstrating sensitivity and respect for Pakistani traditions will enhance your experience as a visitor.”
The processing time for a tourist visa to Pakistan typically varies, but it generally takes between 7 to 10 business days. However, the duration can depend on several factors such as the applicant’s nationality, the completeness of the application, and the specific requirements of the Pakistani consulate or embassy where the application is submitted. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to accommodate any potential delays.