Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is Pakistan's northwestern province, a mountainous region bordering Afghanistan that holds Peshawar, one of South Asia's oldest living cities, the Gandhara Buddhist ruins of Takht-i-Bahi, and the Himalayan, Karakoram and Hindu Kush valleys of Swat, Kaghan, Chitral and Dir. Travel conditions vary sharply by district, and official advisories advise against all or most travel to much of the province.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Peshawar Museum
Houses one of the world's finest collections of Gandhara Buddhist sculpture, with displays that suit older children and teenagers.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Qissa Khwani Bazaar and Chowk Yadgar
A lively bazaar of tea houses and dried fruit stalls; busy and crowded so best with older children.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Mahabat Khan Mosque
A large Mughal-era courtyard with frescoes, suitable for older children interested in architecture.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Peshawar Zoo and Shaheed Park
Parks with open lawns and playgrounds for younger children.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Nathia Gali and Ayubia National Park
Pine forest walks, a chairlift at Ayubia and cool air in summer, reached from Abbottabad.
Duration: Half day to full day
Naran and Lake Saif ul Malook
A glacial lake at 3,200 m with horse rides and picnic meadows; road and weather limit access outside summer.
Duration: Full day
Khyber Pass Jamrud Fort
A historic fort and pass; access depends on current permissions and security conditions.
Duration: Half day
Swat valley picnic at Fizagat and Mingora
River picnic spots in the Swat valley; subject to current FCDO advice.
Duration: Full day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Pearl Continental Peshawar
A full-service international-standard hotel in Peshawar with a pool, multiple restaurants and secure access.
Family features: Pool, family rooms, multiple dining options, secure compound
Serena Hotel Peshawar
A heritage-style hotel with gardens and strong security, popular with diplomats and international visitors.
Family features: Gardens, family rooms, pool, in-house restaurants
Pearl Continental Bhurban
A resort hotel in the Murree hills near Galiyat with large grounds.
Family features: Pool, playground, family suites, large grounds
Swat Serena Hotel
A hillside hotel in Swat's Saidu Sharif with garden views; check current advisories before planning.
Family features: Gardens, family rooms, restaurant
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Order mild dishes such as plain naan, chicken karahi without chilli, pulao and roasted corn for young children.
Fresh bakery items, dried fruit and fruit from reputable shops are good snacks.
Choose busy restaurants with high turnover to reduce stomach upset risk.
Use bottled water for children, including for brushing teeth.
Many restaurants have family sections; ask for the family hall in Peshawar tikka restaurants.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Travel in spring or autumn; Peshawar exceeds 40 C in June-August.
Check current district advisories before including Swat, Chitral or Kalash with children.
Plan long road journeys with frequent stops; mountain roads cause motion sickness.
Carry basic medicines, rehydration salts, wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
Ascend gradually to high lakes and passes; children are more sensitive to altitude.
Bring child car seats; they are rarely available with hired vehicles.
Choose hotels with secure compounds and 24-hour power backup.