Things To Do
in Kohat
Kohat is a mid-sized city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, historically positioned on trade and transit routes between Peshawar and the southern plains. The city blends Pashtun cultural traditions with Urdu and Hindko-speaking communities, and it sits amid low rugged hills and agricultural plains. Kohat’s landmarks include a colonial-era fort, local bazaars, and nearby reservoirs and hill ridgelines that offer easy outdoor access.
Visitors find an unvarnished provincial city with welcoming hospitality, strong local flavors, and straightforward logistics for exploring the wider region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the historic Kohat Fort, where you can admire the impressive architecture and learn about its significance in the region's history. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café, savoring dishes like paratha and chai while soaking in the vibrant street life. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the old bazaar, where you can witness local artisans at work and perhaps pick up some unique handicrafts.
In the afternoon, head to the Shrine of Shah Kamal, a revered site that showcases stunning Mughal architecture. Spend some time wandering the surrounding gardens, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and reflecting on the historical importance of the site. For lunch, indulge in authentic Kohati cuisine at a nearby restaurant, sampling local favorites like Kabuli pulao or Seekh kebab.
As the sun sets, visit the picturesque Kohat Lake for a peaceful evening by the water. Engage in a relaxing boat ride while taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding hills and natural scenery. Conclude your day with a dinner at a lakeside restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh fish and regional delicacies while listening to the sounds of nature.
Kick off your day with a visit to Tanda Dam, an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local eatery before embarking on a scenic drive to the dam, taking in the breathtaking landscape along the way. Upon arrival, take a refreshing walk along the dam's edge, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the serene waters.
After a morning of exploration, engage in water sports such as jet skiing or paddle boating at Tanda Dam. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the designated areas, surrounded by the beauty of the natural environment. Spend the afternoon swimming or relaxing on the shore, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot to watch the sunset over the dam, creating a perfect backdrop for stunning photographs. Afterward, head back to Kohat city and treat yourself to a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, relishing the flavors of regional dishes. Wind down your day by strolling through the city, enjoying the lively evening atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Tea or chai (stall) | $0.20-0.60 |
| 🚕Short taxi/rit (local) | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.10-0.50 |
| 🏨Basic hotel room (per night) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic regional culture with warm hospitality
- Affordable travel costs and food
- Access to nearby hills, reservoirs and easy outdoor activities
- Less tourist-crowded—good for off-the-beaten-path experiences
- Fewer tourist amenities and limited English in some areas
- Basic healthcare and infrastructure compared with larger cities
- Security advisories can change and may restrict travel
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options for visitors seeking vibrant evening scenes
- "السلام عليكم (Assalamualaikum)" - Peace be upon you / Hello
- "شکریہ (Shukriya)" - Thank you
- "براہِ مہربانی (Barah-e-meherbani)" - Please / Kindly
- "کتنا ہے؟ (Kitna hai?)" - How much is this?
- "ہاں / نہیں (Haan / Nahi)" - Yes / No
- "معاف کیجیے (Maaf kijiye)" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Kohat
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic fort and surrounding hilltops offer panoramic views of the city, layered rooftops and nearby agricultural plains—best at golden hour.
Bustling market alleys filled with colors, textiles, spices and daily commerce—excellent for street photography and candid portraits with permission.
Water reflections, birdlife and adjacent greenery provide tranquil landscape shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Nearby villages, terraced fields and ridgeline tracks showcase traditional architecture, pastoral life and panoramic natural vistas.
Food in Kohat
Kohat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy, flattened minced meat patty (often beef or mutton) flavored with coriander, pomegranate seeds, and chilies; commonly found at roadside stalls and local kebab houses.
Must-Try!
A rich, tomato-and-spice-based mutton (or chicken) curry cooked in a karahi; hearty and best enjoyed with freshly baked naan from local bakeries.
Fragrant rice cooked with meat and mild spices, often served with a cooling yogurt raita—available at many family-run restaurants.
Layered fried flatbread served hot with butter and a strong cup of tea; a common breakfast or snack found in small cafes and tea stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market area for spices, bread, dried fruits and street stalls selling kebabs, samosas and paratha; excellent for tasting a variety of local snacks.
Small clustered markets where locals buy produce and regional spices—good places to sample seasonal fruit and buy spices to take home.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use traditional greetings (Assalamualaikum) and show respect to elders—modest dress for both men and women is appreciated, especially near religious sites.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women; some areas may be conservative about images—respect refusals.
Local hospitality is strong—if invited into a home, remove shoes and accept offers of tea or food; reciprocate politeness even if you must decline.
Safety
Tipping in Kohat
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; leave small change for tea stalls, 10% in nicer restaurants if service is good, and a small tip for taxi drivers or guides.
Cash (Pakistani rupees) is the primary payment method, especially for markets and small eateries; larger hotels may accept cards but always carry cash for daily expenses.
ATMs are available in the city center but may be less frequent in rural areas—withdraw sufficient cash ahead of remote trips and inform your bank of travel plans if using cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summers are hot and dry with daytime temperatures often high—plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and carry water, sun protection and light clothing.
Occasional summer storms can bring sudden rain; roads may become muddy in rural areas and some short local tracks might be slippery—check conditions before driving off-road.
A pleasant time to visit with moderate temperatures and clearer skies—good for sightseeing, hikes and photography.
Winters are cool to chilly, especially at night; layering is necessary and mornings can be foggy—ideal for enjoying hearty local dishes and indoor cultural experiences.
Kohat at Night
Hiking in Kohat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short ridge walks around the historic fort offering panoramic city views and easy, accessible routes for most visitors.
Gentle walking routes around the reservoir suitable for birdwatching, picnics and sunset photography.
Network of informal trails linking nearby villages and agricultural terraces —best explored with a local guide for directions and cultural context.
Airports
How to reach Kohat by plane.
The nearest major commercial airport serving domestic and some international flights; reachable by road via bus or private taxi and often used as the gateway to Kohat.
A larger international airport with wider flight options; it is farther away but connected by highway—travel to Kohat requires a several-hour drive or domestic connection to Peshawar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Pashtuns form the largest ethnic group, speaking Pashto and maintaining strong tribal and cultural traditions.
Smaller communities speak Hindko and Urdu, often in trade and administrative roles, contributing to a mixed linguistic landscape.
Small religious minority communities and migrants live in the area—public life is predominantly influenced by Sunni Muslim customs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally—played in streets, schools and organized clubs; local matches draw enthusiastic crowds.
Widely played in schools and informal community teams, especially among youth.
Traditional contact sport with regional popularity, often played at local festivals and sports gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kohat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with meat dishes—order vegetable curries, dal (lentils), raita and breads; confirm with restaurant staff as some sauces are made using meat stock.
Most restaurants and meat are halal by default in Kohat; if you have specific requirements, ask staff for clarification—Muslim-majority customs make halal food widely available.
Cross-contamination with wheat (in breads) and dairy (in many dishes) is common; communicate allergies clearly and, if possible, bring a translation card in Urdu or Pashto to explain restrictions.