Located at the highest point in the heart of Peshawar's ancient walled city, the City Museum at the historic Gorkhatri complex offers you a fascinating look into the region's rich past. First established in 1640 A.D. as a Mughal caravanserai by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan, this iconic site once welcomed Central Asian and Afghan merchants. Today, you can explore three distinct galleries within the museum that showcase centuries of history.
In the archaeological gallery, you will discover excavation material recovered between 2002 and 2011, reflecting a continuous historical profile of the Peshawar Valley extending back to the Indo-Greek era or even earlier. Moving to the ethnological gallery, you can admire traditional regional culture through displays of household objects, armaments, customary dresses, ornaments, musical instruments, and traditional arts and crafts. Finally, the antiquities gallery features fascinating relics from the British Raj era, providing deeper context regarding Peshawar's local heritage.
Adjacent to remaining Mughal gateways, historical cells, and a Hindu temple, visiting the City Museum allows you to step directly into the vibrant layered history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
What to see at City Museum, Gorkhatri
- Archaeological artifacts excavated from the ancient Gorkhatri site
- Ethnological displays featuring traditional dresses, armaments, and crafts
- Historical antiquities and exhibits from the British Raj period
- Surrounding 1640 A.D. Mughal caravanserai complex built by Jahanara Begum
- Surviving monumental gateways, historical cells, and a Hindu temple
Visiting tips
Take time to walk around the historic Gorkhatri grounds to view the remaining Mughal gateways and Hindu temple after viewing the indoor galleries.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
City Museum, Gorkhatri is easy to reach on Peshawar’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mohabbat Khan Mosque and Peshawar Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Peshawar travel guide.
See the full Peshawar travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.