Sethi Muhallah is a remarkable 19th-century establishment with stunning ancient architecture. I visited “Sethi House,” one of the twelve original houses in the area. The Sethi family was a trading family that conducted business from Central Asia to Europe. The Sethi House is now a museum, managed by the heritage department, and is still undergoing renovations.
Builders primarily construct the house from bricks, wood, sand, and jute, featuring beautiful carvings and intricate glass and woodwork. The ceilings showcase exquisite geometric designs crafted by artisans from distant regions, with each room featuring unique glasswork. The thoughtful architecture allows sunlight to illuminate every part of the house, including the double basement, thanks to ventilation.
A central courtyard houses a fountain, and a water supply is on every floor through a single water well and small tanks built into the walls. Each room includes a chinikhana (chimney) adorned with decorative wall designs. There is also a large safe in the basement where the family stores money and valuables. According to the caretaker, during World War II, the family lost a significant amount of wealth, stored in Russian currency.
Sethi House is definitely worth visiting! However, it requires funding and attention to help preserve its beauty and history.
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Islamia College should undoubtedly be on every tourist’s to-do list when visiting Peshawar. It is a breathtakingly beautiful building steeped in history, with its majestic walls transporting you back in time and lush green lawns inviting visitors for a stroll. No matter how much time you spend there, it never feels like enough.
Constructed by British colonialists in the early 20th century, Islamia College Peshawar is a center of educational excellence and a hub of Pakhtun culture. The layout and architecture of this grand historical building are stunning, reflecting the architectural aesthetics of its creators.
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Qissa Khawani Bazaar, literally translated as “Story-tellers Bazaar,” evokes romantic images of old people huddled together sharing tales over hot tea. Although the bazaar may have looked this way generations ago, it has transformed into a bustling marketplace where vendors sell dry fruits, tea, and spices in narrow streets divided into sections.
Despite the changes, it remains worth visiting for its history, diverse landmarks, and shopping. Visitors should prepare for a bustling tourist attraction rather than an enchanting scene from the Arabian Nights.
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The Mahabat Khan Mosque is a 17th-century Mughal-era mosque located in Peshawar, Pakistan. They built it in 1630 and named it after Nawab Mahabat Khan Ali Mardan Khan, the Mughal governor of Peshawar. The mosque’s white marble façade is one of Peshawar’s most iconic sights.
The mosque is amidst crowded bazaars, and during my visit to this historical masterpiece, I parked my car on Hakeem Ullah Jan Road and walked through Sarafa Bazaar, entering from the south entrance gate. The mosque has three entrances, with the main one being on the west side.
Inside, the mosque features an open courtyard with a centrally-located ablution pool and a single row of rooms lining the exterior walls. The architects designed the rectangular prayer hall and flanked it with two tall minarets, which they divided into three sections.
The museum within the mosque is breathtaking, showcasing magnificent architecture and well-preserved craftsmanship. It houses a collection of over 1,000-year-old Buddhist artifacts displayed beautifully on the first floor, each accompanied by a sign describing it in both English and the local language. The second floor features more recent history of the local people, but due to time constraints, we were unable to explore that section, and we hope to return soon.
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This building dates back to the 18th century and boasts a collection of Buddhist artwork from the ancient Gandhara Empire. The current collection includes nearly 14,000 items related to Gandhara, Greco-Buddhist, Kushan, Parthian, and Indo-Scythian life.
Examples of the artifacts include art, sculptures, coins, manuscripts, statues, ancient books, early versions of the Quran, weapons, clothing, jewelry, Kalash effigies, inscriptions, paintings from the Mughal and later periods, household items, pottery, and local and Persian handicrafts.
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Hisaar Bala Fort is another remarkable historical site worth visiting. Featuring an impressive exterior and well-maintained interior, it also serves as the workplace for armed officials. While certain areas are off-limits to the public, most of the fort is open for visitors to explore.
Historical notes are available throughout the site, and a museum displaying pictures of well-known political figures and historical facts. The rooftop of the fort offers a fascinating view of Peshawar City, particularly Qissa Khawani Bazaar.
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The location is approximately 18 kilometers from PC Hotel Peshawar, which is about a 30-minute drive along the newly constructed BRT metro project. The Bab-e-Khyber monument is situated on GT Road, marking the entrance to the Khyber Pass, next to the historic Jamrud Fort. This pass leads to the Torkham border, which is 38 kilometers from the monument.
The Bab-e-Khyber monument was built and inaugurated in 1963 during the regime of Field Marshal General Ayub Khan. Historically, it has served as an important trade route, also known as the Silk Route, connecting Central Asia and South Asia. Additionally, this pass has been a critical military choke point for various states that sought to control it.
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Sethi Muhallah is a remarkable 19th-century establishment with stunn
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The Peshawar Museum was founded in 1907 as “Victoria Hall” in memory of Queen Victoria. This two-story building features a unique architectural style that combines British, Hindu, Buddhist, and Mughal Islamic elements. Initially, the museum had only one exhibition hall, but two additional halls were added in 1969–70. For anyone interested in Gandhara art, this museum is definitely worth a visit. The Department of Archaeology has maintained it very well.
The museum itself is breathtaking, showcasing magnificent architecture. It is a beautiful building that has been well-preserved and is immaculate.
Inside, you can find countless Buddhist artifacts that are over 1,000 years old, artfully displayed on the first floor. Each piece has a sign describing it in both English and the local language. The second floor features more recent history relating to the local people, but we had limited time to explore that section; however, we hope to return soon.
It is one of the best Gandhara art museums in the world, housing numerous artworks that exemplify this style, which dates from the 1st to the 5th century AD. The building was constructed by the British to showcase many pieces that came from excavations conducted primarily at the end of the 19th century, and they remain highly valuable today. The various sections of the museum are well laid out, offering amazing exhibitions.
Visitors can admire dozens of beautiful sculptures of Buddha, illustrating stories from his life, as well as Bodhisattvas and scenes from classical origins. Everything is marvelous. Although Peshawar has a long and rich history, the city may seem dull, but this exceptional museum certainly stands out.
The building itself dates back to the 18th century and houses a collection of Buddhist artwork from the ancient Gandhara Empire. The current collection includes almost 14,000 items related to Gandhara, Greco-Buddhist, Kushan, Parthian, and Indo-Scythian life.
Notable examples include art, sculptures, coins, manuscripts, statues, ancient books, early versions of the Quran, weapons, clothing, jewelry, Kalash effigies, inscriptions, paintings from the Mughal era and later periods, household items, pottery, and local and Persian handicrafts.
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Chauk Yadgar is the city center where you can find everything from needles to camels. Nearby, you can enjoy Peshawari Tikka (made from mutton, beef, and chicken) at the food street. Additionally, fish, quail, sparrow, with a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits are available at very reasonable prices. Close by is the Sarafa Market, where jewelry is bought and sold.
Money changers are also present for exchanging foreign currency. Retailers and wholesalers are actively engaged in their trades, and people from all over the province visit this place for business. This square has historically been used for large political gatherings and processions, especially during holidays or in the evenings.
The best times to travel to Peshawar are from February to April and from October to December, as these months offer the most enjoyable weather. Here’s an overview of the seasons in Peshawar:
Winter (mid-November to March): If you can tolerate the cold, visiting Peshawar in winter can be quite pleasant, although you may encounter more rainfall during this season. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), and nighttime temperatures can drop to freezing.
Spring (March to April): This season is an ideal time to explore Peshawar. You can expect mild temperatures and clear skies, with average daytime highs around 26°C (79°F).
Summer (May to September): Summers in Peshawar are extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C (104°F), making this period less suitable for visits.
Autumn (October to mid-November): With daytime temperatures averaging around 27°C (81°F), autumn is another excellent time to visit Peshawar.
Walking is the best way to discover the old city of Peshawar, as most tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. It allows for a more personal experience of the city. If walking is not feasible or if you need to travel longer distances, consider these alternatives:
Rickshaw: This is my preferred mode of transport for getting around cities in South Asia. Rickshaws are economical and will take you directly to your destination at a lower price. Be sure to agree on the fare beforehand.
Public Bus: The metrobus is the most cost-effective way to navigate Peshawar, although it may be slower since it does not cover all tourist areas.
Taxi: While hiring a private car is pricier than other methods, it offers more comfort. Fortunately, Pakistan is one of the most affordable countries in Asia, making taxi rides quite reasonable.
Finding accommodations can be challenging due to strict regulations, as many hotels do not permit foreign guests. Here are a few hotels that do accept them:
Peshawar Barracks Estb 1867: This hotel offers spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and a large garden. Once a military base, it has become one of the premier hotels in Peshawar.
Shelton Rezidor: Ideal for mid-range budgets, Shelton Rezidor features a lovely garden and bar. The elegantly decorated rooms and accommodating staff ensure a pleasant experience.
Empire Hotel: The Empire Hotel is the most budget-friendly option that allows foreign guests. However, during my last visit, it was undergoing renovations, and I am unsure if it still accepts foreigners. Please share any updated information about this hotel in the comments.
