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

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Adventure at Tanda Dam
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Kohat Fort and Ridge

Historic fort and surrounding hilltops offer panoramic views of the city, layered rooftops and nearby agricultural plains—best at golden hour.

Central Bazaar and Market Lanes

Bustling market alleys filled with colors, textiles, spices and daily commerce—excellent for street photography and candid portraits with permission.

Tanda Dam and Reservoir Area

Water reflections, birdlife and adjacent greenery provide tranquil landscape shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Rural Villages and Hill Tracks

Nearby villages, terraced fields and ridgeline tracks showcase traditional architecture, pastoral life and panoramic natural vistas.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kohat

Kohat’s cuisine reflects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flavors—hearty, meat-forward dishes with robust spices, flatbreads and strong tea. Street food and small family-run eateries (dhabas) serve the most authentic tastes, while markets offer fresh produce and spices. Expect generous portions, freshly baked breads, and grilled kebabs alongside rice-based pulaos and slow-cooked curries. Hospitality is central: sharing food and accepting offers to dine with locals is common and appreciated.

Kohat Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Chapli Kebab

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!

Peshawari Karahi / Mutton Karahi

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.

Pulao with Raita

Fragrant rice cooked with meat and mild spices, often served with a cooling yogurt raita—available at many family-run restaurants.

Paratha and Chai

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

Central Bazaar

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.

Vegetable and Spice Markets

Small clustered markets where locals buy produce and regional spices—good places to sample seasonal fruit and buy spices to take home.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kohat has a semi-arid climate with hot summers, a brief rainy season, and mild to cool winters. Temperature swings between day and night are notable outside the summer months. Annual precipitation is limited and seasonal, so spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for travel and outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

Use traditional greetings (Assalamualaikum) and show respect to elders—modest dress for both men and women is appreciated, especially near religious sites.

Photography Sensitivity

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women; some areas may be conservative about images—respect refusals.

Hospitality Customs

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 Guide

Safety

Kohat is generally safe for visitors who respect local customs and stay aware of surroundings; however, political dynamics in the region can change, and security advisories may affect travel. Keep updated with local news, register with your embassy if recommended, avoid demonstrations and sensitive areas, and use reputable transport. Carry identification, avoid flashy displays of valuables, and follow local guidance on permitted areas and photography limits.

Tipping in Kohat

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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 and Banking

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...

Summer

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.

Monsoon / Late Summer

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.

Autumn

A pleasant time to visit with moderate temperatures and clearer skies—good for sightseeing, hikes and photography.

Winter

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.

Nightlife Guide

Kohat at Night

Kohat’s nightlife is low-key and family-oriented—tea stalls, small cafes and rooftop spots are the main evening venues. There are no large clubs; late evenings are best spent at local eateries or relaxed gatherings. After sunset activity focuses on socializing, dining and market stalls rather than entertainment venues.

Hiking in Kohat

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kohat Fort Ridgeline Walks

Short ridge walks around the historic fort offering panoramic city views and easy, accessible routes for most visitors.

Tanda Dam Shoreline Trails

Gentle walking routes around the reservoir suitable for birdwatching, picnics and sunset photography.

Local Hill Tracks and Village Paths

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.

Peshawar International Airport (Bacha Khan)

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.

Islamabad International Airport

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Kohat is moderately walkable in compact areas like the central bazaar and around the fort, but distances between attractions and hill sites often require vehicles. Streets in older districts can be narrow and crowded, so walking is best for short, purposeful trips and market exploration.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Pashtun Majority

Pashtuns form the largest ethnic group, speaking Pashto and maintaining strong tribal and cultural traditions.

Hindko and Urdu Speakers

Smaller communities speak Hindko and Urdu, often in trade and administrative roles, contributing to a mixed linguistic landscape.

Religious Minorities

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.

Cricket

The most popular sport regionally—played in streets, schools and organized clubs; local matches draw enthusiastic crowds.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played in schools and informal community teams, especially among youth.

Kabaddi

Traditional contact sport with regional popularity, often played at local festivals and sports gatherings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Kohat is generally lighter than in major Pakistani cities but can be congested in market areas during peak hours. Road quality on main routes is acceptable; rural tracks may be rough. Public transportation includes shared minibuses, local buses and rickshaws—taxis and private cars are common for intercity travel. Plan for slower travel times when moving between town and hill areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kohat.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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.

Halal and Religious Dietary Needs

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.

Food Allergies

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Kohat has public and private healthcare facilities for routine and emergency needs, but advanced medical care may require transfer to larger cities (Peshawar or Islamabad). Travelers should carry necessary medications, have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, and know the nearest hospital locations. Pharmacies are common in town for basic supplies.

Discover Pakistan

Read more in our Pakistan 2025 Travel Guide.

Pakistan Travel Guide