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Peshawar ('Pe-kha-war' in Pushto) is situated at the gateway to
the famous Khyber Pass in the North-West Frontier Province(NWFP)
of Pakistan . Peshawar the capital city of North-West Frontier Province,
is a frontier town, the meeting place of the sub-continent and Central
Asia. Through the centuries Peshawar has been the melting pot of
civilizations. The footprints of the Mongol invaders, the Chinese
pilgrims and the Tajik traders are still visible. It is the land
where Buddhism took birth, where Sikhs once ruled and the British
Raj battled the brave Pathan tribes. No wonder then, that Peshawar
is called the "City of the tellers”. Peshawar, is perhaps
the oldest city in Pakistan and in its narrow alleys and bazaars
one can catch colourful glimpses of the unique culture and handicrafts
of the frontier people. Particularly famous are the beautiful tapestries
of Swat, hand-made guns of Darra, and intricately crafted copper
and brassware.
It is also a place where ancient traditions jostle
with those of today, where the bazaar in the old city has changed
little in the past hundred years except to become the neighbour
of a modern university, some modern hotels, several international
banks and one of the best museums in Pakistan.

Mahabat Khan Mosque :
The only significant remaining Mughal mosque in Peshawar was built
by Mahabat Khan in 1670 A.D. when he was twice governor of Peshawar
under Mughal emperor Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb. The mosque was nearly
destroyed by Sikh's in 1898 AD and was only saved by unremitting
efforts of the faithful. The extensive renovation of the mosque
was done by the traditional craftsmen. The mosque is a fine specimen
of Mughal Architecture of Shah Jehan period. The interior of the
prayer chamber has been lavishly decorated with floral with work
and calligraphy.
Khyber Pass
The historic Khyber Pass being at a distance of 16 kms west of Peshawar
and extends upto the Pak-Afghanistan border at Torkham, 55 kms away.
Starting from the foot-hills of the Suleman Range it gradually rises
to an elevation of 1,066 metres above sea level. Khyber Pass has
been a silent witness to countless events in the history of mankind.
As one drives though the Pas at a leisurely pace, imagination unfolds
pages of history, the Aryans descending upon the fertile northern
plains in 1,500 BC subjugating the indigenous Dravidian population
and settling down to open a glorious chapter in the history of civilisation,
the Persian hordes under Darius (6th century BC) crossing into the
Punjab to annex yet another province to the Achaemenian Empire;
the armies of Alexander the Great (326 BC) marching through the
rugged Pass to fulfil the wishes of a young, ambitious conqueror;
the terror of Ghanghis Khan unwrapping the majestic hills and turning
back towards the trophies of ancient Persia; the white Huns bringing
fire and destruction in their wake; the Scythians and the Parthians,
the Mughals and the Afghans, conquerors all, crossing over to leave
their impact and add more chapters to the diverse history of this
sub continent.
Qissa Khawani Bazzar
Extending from west to east in the heart of the city is the romantic
'Street of Story-tellers' - the Qissa Khawani Bazzar. In olden days,
this was the site of camping ground for caravans and military adventures,
where professional story-tellers recited ballads and tales of war
and love to throngs of traders and soldiers. Today the story-tellers
are gone but the atmosphere lingers on. Bearded tribesmen bargain
with city traders over endless cups of green tea. Fruit stalls look
small colourful pyramids.

Peshawar Museum
Visit the rich museum of Peshawar, displaying treasures
of the Gandhara period. Proceed to old Peshawar through the Kabuli
Gate - one of sixteen - to the Qissa Khawani Bazaar, "the street
of story tellers", to witness unusual and unforgettable sights,
the coppersmith's bazaar, which flourished from the 1st century
BC to the 5th century AD Continue to Mohabat Khan's Mosque, built
in 1670 by the Governor of Peshawar under Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan.
The "Peshawar Pottery works is a complex exhibiting Peshawar's
famous baked pottery.

Peshawar University
The Peshawar university founded in 1950 AD. Is the out growth of
Islamia college, Peshawar which was established in 1913 AD. By late
Nawab Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum khan. The first chief minister
of NWFP. His namesake and another prominent political figure, Khan
Abdul Qayyum Khan laid the foundation of the university during his
tenure as chief minister of NWFP.
Facilities for all types of recognized out door and in door games
have been provided. College and university tournaments are held
regularly in games like hockey, football, cricket, swimming, badminton,
volleyball, basket ball, tennis boating, shooting and athletics.
There are various types of unions and associations to provide the
students debating forum. The university has a big library with nearly
100,000 books and manuscripts.
HOTELS
Dir House
This rest house is closest to the RMI, infact it is located at a
walking distance. It offers air-conditioned rooms, telephone facilities
and television.
Pearl Continental
Pearl Continental Hotel Peshawar Is The Lone Four-star
Hotel on Peshawar having148 Deluxe Rooms. It Is Known For Its Hospitality
And Personalized Service. It Is The Only Hotel Of The Town, Which
Has The Corporate Identity, Good Location, Large Front Lawn, Good
Communication Systems, 24 Hours Room Service, Centrally Air Conditioning,
Large Restaurant In The Lobby, Large Choice Of Restaurant In The
Lobby, Swimming Pool And Health Club. There Is An 18 Hole Golf Course
Next Door, Business Center, 100% Backup Power Generation, Shopping
Arcade, Banquet Halls And Adequate Parking.
Shiraz
Shiraz is located on the main university road, catering to local
and international visitors. Shiraz provides comfortable rooms at
affordable charges.
Hotel grand
A fairly recent addition to the list of hotels in Peshawar, Hotel
Grand offers all the amenities available in a modern hotel. The
hotel is conveniently located 10 minutes drive from the RMI
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