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Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
previously
(NWFP-
North West Frontier Province) has welcomed many
conquerors, traders and settlers from times immemorial who entered
the Indian subcontinent through the historic Khyber Pass. A true
gateway to the East, the pass has echoed with the advance of such
great adventurers as Alexander the Great, Mehmood Ghaznavi, Muhammad
Ghory and Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty
Stretching from the Hindukush mountains in the northwest to the
Derajat Basin in the south, the mainly rocky terrain gives way to
unexpected belts of green valleys. Some of the most breathtaking
scenery is to be enjoyed in the valleys of Swat, Gilgit, Kalash and
Hunza. Tourists, trekkers and mountain climbers flock here in the
summer to savour the beauty of nature and the quaint ethnicity of
the local tribesmen. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)
to the northwest of the province, border on Afghanistan.
The Pathans, who are the main inhabitants of the province, are a
proud and fiercely independent people. Historically, they have
resisted domination from other races with a rugged ferocity
reminiscent of the daunting mountains of their homeland. But
friendly visitors to this land will receive the warmth of
hospitality. The capital, 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
Cities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
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