Need a break from the city?
Living in Peshawar has its perks — and one of them is easy access to mountains, greenery, and fresh air just a short drive away.
Here are 5 perfect weekend getaways from Peshawar — whether you’re planning a family trip, solo escape, or a quick adventure with friends.
1. 🏞️ Malakand Pass & Chakdara
A scenic drive with lush hills and historic forts. The views from the top of Malakand Pass are unreal — especially at sunset.
- Travel time: 2–2.5 hours
- Tip: Stop at Churchill Piquet viewpoint
- Great for: Day drive, peaceful tea stop, photography
2. 🌿 Dir Valley
Green, peaceful, and off the tourist radar. Upper Dir is the gateway to Kumrat Valley, but even Lower Dir has riverside views and old-style villages worth exploring.
- Travel time: ~4 hours
- Stay overnight to enjoy fully
- Ideal for: Nature lovers, road trippers
3. 🏰 Takht Bhai Ruins (Mardan)
Want a mix of history and nature? Takht Bhai is your spot. These 2,000-year-old Buddhist ruins are calm, scenic, and easy to explore in a few hours.
- Travel time: 1.5 hours
- No entry fee
- Best in: Early morning or evening
4. 🍃 Swabi & Kund Park
A peaceful riverside spot where the Kabul and Indus rivers meet. Great for picnics and boating.
- Travel time: 2 hours
- Entry: Rs. 20–50
- Bonus: Stop at Ghazi Brotha Dam on the way
5. 🏕️ Thandiani (via Abbottabad)
Cooler weather, pine trees, and silence. If you leave early, you can do it in a day — but staying a night makes it better.
- Travel time: ~5 hours
- Good roads, family-friendly
- Perfect for: Relaxing in nature, short treks
Weekend Travel Tips
- Leave early on Saturday to beat traffic
- Pack snacks, especially for longer routes
- Carry cash — most small towns don’t have working ATMs
- Always check the weather (especially in monsoon season)
You don’t need a week off to travel.
Sometimes, one weekend away is enough to reset your mind.
So, grab your backpack, pick a spot, and get out there — you’ll return fresher, lighter, and with way better stories than a Netflix binge.