Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) – Adventure and Serenity in the Mountains

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located in the northwestern part of Pakistan, is synonymous with rugged mountains, green valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The province is home to the mighty Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan mountain ranges, making it an adventure enthusiast’s dream destination.

The northern valleys, including Swat, Chitral, and Naran Kaghan, are known for their mesmerizing landscapes. Swat Valley is often called the “Switzerland of the East” for its beauty, while Saif-ul-Muluk Lake in the Kaghan Valley is an iconic spot for nature lovers. Chitral is famed for the unique Kalash Valley, home to the Kalash people who celebrate ancient festivals and live in a world seemingly untouched by time.For history buffs, Takht-i-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist monastery, showcases the ancient Gandhara civilization. The Khyber Pass, a historical trade route, offers breathtaking views and insights into the strategic importance of this region. KPK is known for its fruit orchards, especially in Swat and Dir, which produce high-quality apples, apricots, and plums. The Peshawar Valley supports the cultivation of wheat, maize, and sugarcane.

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Cities

Peshawar

Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is one of South Asia's oldest cities, with a history dating back to at least 539 BCE. Located near the Khyber Pass and the Afghanistan border, it was founded on the Gandhara Plains, near the ancient city of Pushkalavati (modern Charsadda). Peshawar served as the capital of the Kushan Empire and was home to the Kanishka Stupa, making it a key cultural and political center in antiquity.

Kafir Kot

Bilot is a non-descript little Village in the Dera Ismail Khan district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is situated along the Indus where the lowest spurs of the Hindu Kush meet the Salt Range. The locals call the place Kafir Kot. There are two ruins called Kafirkot at around 50 kms from each other called the Bilot Kafirkot and the Tilot Kafirkot. Both the Temple Complexes are surrounded by ruins of Fortifications of what once would have been an impressive Fort.

Swat

The Swat valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is close to the Afghanistan border. It stretches out roughly 150 km on both sides of the Swat river, from its main town Mingora all the way up to a (now) hard-to-reach village called Kalam. Their lifestyle can best be observed in the small villages, like Bahrain and Madyan. The valley is known for its splendid scenic beauty. It is one of the favorite visit points for the tourists for its serene environment.

Kalam

Kalam is a valley located at distance of 99 kilometers from Mingora in the northern upper reaches of Swat valley along the bank of Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Kalam is surrounded by lush green hills, thick forests and bestowed with mesmeric lakes, meadows and waterfalls which are worth seen features of the landscape. It is the birthplace of Swat river which forms with confluence of two major tributaries of Gabral river and Ushu river.

Chitral

Chitral, the capital of Chitral District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is located on the western bank of the Chitral River (also known as the Kunar River). The region is renowned for its rugged, steep mountains, lush green valleys, meadows, and expansive glaciers. Chitral is divided into about 35 sub-valleys, with key areas including the Kalash Valleys, Garam Chashma, Shishi Koh, Mastuj, Laspur, Yarkhun, Tor Khow, and Mor Khow. The district is also home to Tirichmir.

Kailash Valley

The Kalash Valleys, home to the ancient Kalasha tribe, are one of Chitral's main attractions. The Kalasha, numbering around 3,800, live in the valleys of Birir, Bumburet, and Rambur. Bumburet, the largest and most scenic, is 40 km from Chitral and accessible by jeep. Kalash women wear black gowns made of coarse cloth in summer and hand-spun wool in winter. Their distinctive headgear, made of black wool, is adorned with cowrie shells, buttons, and a large colored feather.

Bumburet

Bumburet is the largest valley of Kalasha Desh in Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The valley joins the Rumbur valley at 1,640 metres and then joins the Kunar Valley at the village of Ayun, 1,400 metres, some 20 kilometers south (downstream) of Chitral. To the west the valley rises to a pass connecting to Afghanistan's Nuristan Province at about 4,500 metres. The valley is inhabited by the Kalash people and has become a tourist destination.

Kaghan

Kaghan Valley, located in Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, stretches 155 kilometers from an elevation of 2,134 feet to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 13,690 feet. The valley is bordered by Gilgit-Baltistan to the north and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the southeast, nestled within the Lower Himalayas. Known for its stunning landscapes, it features lush meadows, clear rivers, and snow-capped peaks,which become tourist destination.

Naran

Naran is a medium-sized town in upper Kaghan Valley in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is located 119 kilometers from Mansehra city at the altitude of 2,409 meters. It is located about 65 kilometers away from Babusar Top. Naran Kaghan is famous as a tourist destination, owing to its pleasant weather in peak season every year thousands of tourists rush to explore the valley. It is also the gateway to Gilgit.

Landmarks

Sethi Street

Sethi Mohallah, located in the heart of Peshawar's walled city, features seven unique houses, including the historic Sethi House, a cultural heritage site. These houses blend Gandharan and Central Asian architectural styles, making them rare masterpieces. Completed in 1884, Sethi House is now managed by the Directorate of Archeology. The Sethis were influential traders with business connections across China, India, Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia, contributing to the region's rich cultural heritage.

Gun Market Dara Adam Khail

The city of Darra Adam Khel is situated in Khyber Regency, south of the city of Peshawar and close to both the infamous Khyber Pass and the Afghan border. It is generally regarded as the largest illegal gun market in the world. Seventy-five percent of the population are involved in the gun business, and gun shops seem to be the sole market keeping the city alive. Individual craftsmen produce replicas of nearly every gun on the market, from Nazi WWII pistols to modern anti-aircraft guns.

Khyber Pass

The Khyber Pass is a mountain pass in the northwest of Pakistan, on the border with Afghanistan. It connects the town of Landi Kotal to the Valley of Peshawar at Jamrud by traversing part of the Spin Ghar Mountains. Throughout history, it has been an important trade route between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent and a vital strategic military choke point for various forces. The summit of the pass is 5 km inside Pakistan at Landi Kotal, while the lowest point is at Jamrud in the Valley of Peshawar.

Buddhist Stupa (Sahji Ki Dheri)

The Kanishka Stupa, built by Kushan king Kanishka in the 2nd century CE, is located at Shaji-ki-Dheri near Peshawar. It was constructed to house Buddhist relics and was one of the tallest structures of the ancient world. The stupa is also known for its relics, which were later transferred to U Khanti Hall at Mandalay Hill in Burma.

Chakdara

Chakdara has been an important center for over 3,500 years, featuring remains of the Gandhara grave culture, Buddhist sites, and Hindu Shahi forts. The ancient route from Afghanistan via Nawa and Katkala Passes crosses at Chakdara. The Mughals built a fort in 1586, later occupied by the British in 1895, who constructed the present fort in 1896 and defended it during the Siege of Malakand in 1897.

Dir

Dir, located in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lies in the foothills of the Himalayas. Once a princely state, Dir became a district in 1969 after being abolished by a presidential declaration. Spanning 5,280 square kilometers, it lies between Chitral and Peshawar. In 1996, Dir District was divided into Lower Dir and Upper Dir.

Turkham Border

Torkham is a key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, connecting Nangarhar province with Pakistan. It serves as the busiest entry point, vital for transportation and trade. Highway 7 links Torkham to Kabul via Jalalabad, while on the Pakistani side, it connects to Peshawar through the N-5 National Highway, which further links to Islamabad. The crossing also plays a strategic role in facilitating cross-border movement and commerce between the two countries.

Rani Gat Buddhist Ruins

Ranigat is a famous Buddhist archaeological site located in Tehsil Totalai, District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The remains are scattered along the valley ridge, showcasing ancient Buddhist architecture. The site drew the attention of researchers like Sir A. Cunningham, who visited in 1848, followed by H.W. Bellew in 1864 and H.H. Cole, who conducted excavations. Since December 1881, the excavated area has been protected with barbed wire fencing.

Jamrud Fort

Jamrud Fort is located at the entrance to the Khyber Pass, near Bab-e-Khyber, in KPK, Pakistan. Once part of the Afghan Durrani Empire, it was captured by the Sikh Empire in the 19th century. General Hari Singh Nalwa laid the foundation for the fort on 18 December 1836, and it was completed in just 54 days. The fort has been historically significant for controlling the Khyber Pass and regional defense. It continues to stand as a symbol of Sikh military strength and strategic foresight.

Lowari Tunnel

The Lowari Tunnel is a 10.4-kilometer vehicular tunnel under the Lowari Pass in the Hindu Kush Mountains, connecting Dir and Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Operated by the National Highway Authority, it bypasses Lowari Pass on the N-45 National Highway. Construction began in 1975 as a railway tunnel but was later converted to a road tunnel. Partly completed by June 2017, it was fully inaugurated by late 2018.

Shahi Fort

Located near the Shahi Mosque on the right bank of the river, the Chitral Fort is a historic structure that has witnessed centuries of glory and decline. The fort offers a glimpse into the region’s past and showcases unique architecture that impresses art lovers and architects alike. The Royal Fort has a rich history, including invasions by forces crossing the Lowari Pass to the south.

Chitral Gol National Park

Chitral Gol National Park, located in the scenic Chitral Valley, features a narrow 18km gorge that opens into a basin surrounded by high peaks. The Chitral Gol River flows south into the Kunar River. The park is known for its markhor goats, along with small populations of Siberian ibex, Ladakh urial, and occasional black bears.

Amluk Dera Stupa

The stupa of Amlukdara is located 2km north of Nawagai village in a small valley, along the main road to Buner. The prominent stupa, sheltered by Mount Elum, sits on a square plinth measuring 34 meters in diameter and 4 meters high. Ruins of the monastery, stupas, and other remains are still visible. The site holds significant archaeological and historical value, reflecting the region's Buddhist heritage.

Kumrat Valley Upper Dir

Kumrat Valley, located in Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lies at the foothills of the Hindu Kush Mountains, bordered by Chitral, Ayun Valley, Kalam Swat, and Lower Dir. The lush valley, traversed by the Panjkora River, is known for its scenic beauty and dense Deodar forests, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. It is a popular destination for trekking and adventure lovers.

Mughal -Caravanserai Gor Khatri

Sethi Street ends at a Mughal gateway which leads to Gor Khatri. In the 7th century AD Buddhist monks came to visit the shrine and monastery called ‘Tower of Buddha Alms Bowl’, today however there is no trace of that. The next mention one can find is in Emperor Babur’s accounts where he states that it is a temple where Hindu jogis would come for pilgrimage.

Shandur Pass

Shandur Top, located in Ghizer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is often called the ‘Top of the World.’ Accessible from late April to early November, the area features breathtaking views and numerous small streams in summer. The journey to Shandur involves a dry, dusty trek with steep climbs and no trees. It is renowned as the world’s highest polo ground and lies midway between Chitral and Gilgit.

Mansehra (Ashoka Rocks)

Ashoka Rock are in Mansehra city (Near Butpull). These rocks were made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Empire Mauryan in his reign from 232 BCE to 269 BCE. Expression Dhamma Lipi was used by Ashoka to describe his own edicts. The materials on which he wrote were (Rocks, Pillars, Stone slabs. These edicts were based on the religious behaviors of people with one another.

Sikh Fort

Up a laneway 300m past the library is a fort, built in the early 19th century by Sikh governor general Man Singh (after whom Mansehra is named), and rebuilt by the British after the Second Sikh War and the annexation of the Sikh state. The building is now in use for police-station, and a jail. Very few traces of the original mud-and-rock structure can be seen inside.

Mahodand Lake

The lake, located in the Ushu Matiltan valley 40 km above Kalam, is known for its freezing waters and abundance of trout fish. Surrounded by lush meadows, waterfalls, pine and cedar trees, and snow-capped peaks, it offers a stunning 2-km long vista. The area is also dotted with colorful flowers, adding to its picturesque charm. Visitors can enjoy boat and horse rides, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Saint John’s Church (Jhelum)

St. John's Church is an Anglican church, now under the Church of Pakistan, located in Jhelum cantonment, beside the river Jhelum. Built in 1860, it was a Protestant church during the British colonial era. After being closed for forty years, it was renovated and reopened. On 7 July 1857, 35 British soldiers of the 24th Regiment of Foot were killed by mutineers in Jhelum during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Saint John’s Church

St. John's Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, the city's oldest, was built between 1851 and 1860. Now known as the Cathedral Church of St. John, it is located in the cantonment near the Peshawar Club and is part of the Anglican Diocese of Peshawar, under the Church of Pakistan. Originally a garrison church for British families stationed on the North West Frontier, it houses the graves of British officers, including Lieutenant Colonel James O'Bryen, who died in action.

Makra Peak

Makra Peak, standing at 3,885 meters (12,746 ft), is located in Tehsil Balakot, Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its name, "Makra," means spider in Urdu, as the snow formation on the peak resembles a spider. Situated southeast of Kiwai and south of Paye Meadow, a 4–6-hour moderate trek from Paye leads to Makra Top. From there, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Kaghan Valley on one side and Kashmir on the other.

Payee Lake

Payee Lake is situated near Shogran in the Kaghan Valley in Pakistan. It is situated at the height of almost 3,000 m (10,000 feet). It is surrounded by Makra Peak, Malka Parbat, Moosa da Musalla and the mountains of Kashmir. The lake is accessible via Kiwai passing through Shogran through a jeep track. A stamp has been issued on this lake. Payee Lake is situated near Shogran in the Kaghan Valley in Pakistan.

Shogran

Shogran is a hill station situated on a green plateau in the Kaghan Valley, northern Pakistan at a height of 2,362 metres above sea level. Shogran is located at 34 kilometers away from Balakot. The road from Islamabad to Kiwai is metaled and measures 212 kilometers. Hotels and motels are available at affordable costs. Shogran is a beautiful plateau with stunning views.

Sphola Stupa

Sphola Stupa is a Buddhist monument located in the Khyber Pass, Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. About 25 kilometers from Jamrūd, it sits on a high rocky ledge and consists of a stone mound supported by a tiered base. Large sections of the stone have fallen away, particularly to the right of the mound. It serves as a reminder of the Kushana Empire and Buddhism nexus, often depicted in Gandhara artefacts.

Janabad Seated Bhudda

The huge image of a seated Buddha carved into a high rock face of reddish colour that rises on the hillside to the southwest of Janabad (Shakhorai) village. Due to its high position above the narrow terrace, it is well preserved except the nose seems to have been damaged by the vandals. The Buddha figure is about 7 meters in height and is certainly the most impressive piece of sculpture to be seen in Gandahara region.

Mughul Bridge

The Mughul Bridge stands above Bara River and near the Chuha Gujar village, Peshawar. It is a Mughal-era construction probably built during Shah Jehan’s rule in 1629. The bridge is 100 yards long and six yards wide with six-foot tall pillars on each side. The pillars are topped with beautiful domes which add to the grandeur of the bridge. As is typical of Mughal architecture, there are 12 arched tunnels or water ways running under the bridge.

Siri Paye

Siri Paye is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.058m (10,032ft) above the sea level, located in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The average gradient is 11.2%, with some sections up to 15%. The road to the summit is difficult. It is a 4x4 gravel road, very narrow and steep. The route demands 100% concentration. Siri Paye holds scenic green mountains and snowcapped peaks, with a peaceful environment and natural beauty that is soul-soothing experience.

Musa Ka Musala

The peak, known as Musa Ka Musala (Moses' Prayer Mat), stands at 4,076 meters (13,374 feet) and is visible from 200 kilometers away. It features a shrine made of stones and colorful flags. The mountain's classification as a peak or plateau is debated. The trek to the summit begins at Mandakucha, accessible via a road from Shinkiari, and follows the route: Mandakucha → Jacha → Bikhi → Jabbar → Khorri (Gali) → Choti Ziara Gali.

Saiful Muluk Lake

Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, ranked fifth by The Guardian as a top tourist destination, is known for its crystal-clear, greenish-blue waters and stunning views of Malika Parbat. Located in the Kaghan Valley near Naran, it is fed by glacial waters and supports diverse wildlife, including rare brown trout and various aquatic plants.

Malika Parbat

Malika Parbat, the highest peak in Kaghan Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stands about 6 kilometers south of Lake Saif-ul-Muluk. It is visible from the lake and can be accessed from both the Naran-Lake Saif-ul-Muluk side and the Batakundi-Dadar Chitta glacier. The mountain has three summits: the North Peak, Cresta, and South Peak, and is renowned for its challenging climbs and breathtaking views.

Lulusar Lake

Lulusar Lake, located at an altitude of 3,410 meters (11,190 feet) in Naran Valley, is about 30 km from Naran. It is easily accessible via a metaled road, making it reachable by any vehicle. The lake serves as the primary source of the Kunhar River, adding to its significance in the region. Fishing and boating are not allowed here, as locals believe the lake is haunted, with its serene yet eerie ambiance deterring such activities.

Ansoo Lake

Considering as a unique teardrop shaped lake located in Manoor Valley of Kaghan. It is high altitude lake situated adjacent to Malika Parbat. It takes seven to nine hours of trek for a round trip from Lake Saif-ul-Muluk to Ansoo Lake. Almost whole area is covered with snow throughout the year because of highest altitude. The lake is said to have been discovered in 1993 by Pakistan Air Force pilots.

Dudipatsar Lake

Dudipatsar Lake, located at 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) in the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, is accessible via a 3.5-hour trek from Jalkhad in Naran. Known as the "White Mountains Lake" due to the snow-clad peaks around it, it is also called the "Queen of the Lakes" in northern Pakistan. Still largely unexplored, the lake attracts only a few adventurous visitors each year.

Saral Lake

Saral Lake, located at 13,600 feet in Neelam Valley, Azad Kashmir, is accessible from Sharda via a jeepable track to Gumut National Park, followed by a hiking trek. Trekkers typically camp overnight near the lake, which is surrounded by lush meadows and white streams. The route also passes through the small seasonal settlement of Mullan ki Basti.

Lalazaar

Lalazar is a tourist spot at an elevation of 3,123 metres (10,246 ft) above the sea level, located in upper Kaghan Valley in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. It is named Lalazar for the lush greenery and scenic views all around and thus, it is a popular picnic point for the tourists.

Noori Top

Noori Top, at 12,500 feet, is the second-highest pass in Kaghan Valley, marking the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir. The trek starts from Jalkhad in Naran Valley and ends near Sharda in Kashmir. The best time to visit is from July to September, as the pass is often inaccessible by vehicle during other months due to snow. The pass offers different scenic views each season, with snow-capped peaks in winter and early summer.

Babusar Top

Babusar Top is highest place in Kaghan Valley. Babusar Top (elevation 4,173 metres) is a mountain pass at the north of the 150 km long Kaghan Valley, connecting it via the Thak Nala with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). It is the highest point in the Babusar Valley that can be easily accessed by cars. The Babusar Pass connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit Baltistan. It is one of the most dangerous routes in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Islamia College University

Islamia College, founded in 1913 by Sir S.A. Qayyum and Sir George Roos-Keppel, is one of Pakistan's oldest institutions of higher education, rooted in the Aligarh Movement. In 1950, the University of Peshawar was established as an offshoot, with Islamia College as a constituent college. Although granted university status in 2008, the word "college" was retained in its title to preserve its historical legacy and prestigious heritage.

Gorkhatri

Gorkhatri, meaning "Warrior's Grave," is a historic site in Peshawar, Pakistan. Identified by Alexander Cunningham as the location of the Kanishka stupa and the Buddha bowl tower, it is a fortified compound with two gateways. Excavations up to 2007 revealed Peshawar's ancient origins, making it the oldest living city in South Asia.

Bala Hissar Fort

Bala Hissar is a historic fortress in Peshawar, originally a royal residence for the Durrani Empire and renovated during Sikh rule. Positioned on a high mound, it offers panoramic views of Peshawar and the valley. The inner wall covers about 10 acres, while the outer wall spans 15 acres, with the fort rising 90 feet above ground level.

Mahabat Khan Mosque

Mahabat Khan Mosque, located west of Chowk Yadgar, is Peshawar's finest mosque. Built in 1630 by the Mughal governor under Shah Jahan and renovated in 1898, it features an open courtyard with a central ablution pool and a row of rooms along the exterior walls. The prayer hall, sheltered by three fluted domes and flanked by two tall minarets, is adorned with intricate floral and geometric designs.

Takht-i-Bahi

One of the last surviving ancient Buddhist sites in the region, it escaped several Hun invasions due to its remote location. Built as a small stone monastery, it features early inscriptions referring to Gondophares, the Indo-Parthian king. The complex includes stupas, monk cells, meeting halls, and covered passages. Along with nearby Sahr-i-Bahlol, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.

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