The Charsadda chappal is the handmade leather sandal that most Pakistanis mean when they say "Peshawari chappal", and the town of Charsadda, about 30 km from Peshawar, is where a large share of them are made. Around 800 small workshops produce roughly 8,000 pairs a day by Dawn's conservative estimate, so buying here means buying near the source. If you would rather not travel, the same chappals are sold in Peshawar and online, and this guide covers all three routes.
It sits alongside our guide to the Peshawari chappal, which covers the Peshawar shops. Here the focus is on why Charsadda's version is famous, which styles to look for and how to shop sensibly given the security advice for the district.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Charsadda, about 29 to 30 km north-east of Peshawar |
| Scale | About 800 small units, about 8,000 pairs a day (Dawn, 2024) |
| Styles | Round toe, T-shape, single, double and triple "gear", panjidar, slippers |
| Online prices | Roughly PKR 4,500 to 6,000 for standard pairs in retailer listings |
| Eid | Busiest buying season at the chappal bazaar |
| UK advice | Against all travel to Charsadda district |
Why is the Charsadda chappal famous?
Historians quoted in the Pakistani press say chappal-making in the region goes back a long way, with the modern trade taking shape in the first decades of the 20th century. Dawn names craftsmen of that period, Hassan Gul Ustad among them, who gave the sandal its modern form and turned a craft into an industry. Before then the khussa, locally called panrhay, was the common footwear in Charsadda until the 19th century.
Today the town is known for the quality of its leather work and for scale. Dawn reported in 2024 that about 8,000 people work directly in the industry, including many women who stitch soles at home, and that Charsadda chappals are sold across Pakistan and exported to the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. An earlier Dawn report said a container of them had been shipped to Saudi Arabia because of rising demand there.
What styles will you find?
The shops sort their stock by toe shape and strap arrangement:
- Round toe: the most traditional shape, worn with shalwar kameez.
- T-shape: a squarer, more modern toe, often sold alongside the round one.
- Single, double and triple gear: a local term for the layers of the sole, with more layers meaning a thicker and heavier sandal.
- Panjidar: a style with a distinct front, listed among the popular varieties.
- Slippers and sandals: the casual closed-back options.
Materials range from hard leather to soft suede, and many shops offer a soft or "medicated" insole. An earlier Dawn report mentioned chrome leather, known for its natural shine. Colours are mostly black, brown and tan, with some navy and burgundy in retailer ranges.
What do they cost?
Prices vary widely by where you buy, and we found no single recent official price list.
- Online retailers (2025 to 2026 listings): roughly PKR 4,500 to PKR 6,000 for standard pairs, with premium styles up to about PKR 10,000.
- In Charsadda's own bazaar (2024): Dawn found retail shops asking about PKR 1,000 to 1,500 a pair around Eid, against PKR 3,000 to 5,000 for the same sandals in showrooms in other cities.
The second figure is from 2024 and prices have risen since, so treat it as a floor, not a quote. The gap shows why people travel to the source, and also why online listings run higher. Always ask what the sole and leather are, and compare two or three shops.
Where can you buy one?
In Charsadda. There is a chappal bazaar in the town, which becomes crowded in the days before Eid ul Fitr, when buyers come from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. Shops are small and mostly sell direct from their own workshops.
In Peshawar. Namak Mandi in the old city sells Charsadda-style pairs from established shops. Our Peshawar shopping guide covers what else to look for there.
Online. Several Peshawar and Charsadda makers deliver across Pakistan and abroad. This is the sensible option for most readers given the security advice, though you cannot try the pair first. Check the return policy and measure your foot in centimetres against the seller's size chart.
Is it safe to go to Charsadda to shop?
The UK government advises against all travel to Charsadda district, and travelling against it can void insurance for overseas visitors. Charsadda has seen militant attacks in past years, and in 2026 attacks on police have continued across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including at Kohat in September. Pakistanis from the area and from Peshawar shop there regularly.
If you go, check local news and police advice on the day, avoid the Eid crowds, go in daylight and keep your visit short. If you are not from the area, buying in Peshawar or online is the lower-risk option. Our guide to Peshawar's safety sets out the wider picture, and our places to visit in Charsadda page covers the town's other sights.
Is it worth the trip?
For a single pair, no: online or Peshawar is easier and the saving is small once you count the travel. The trip makes sense for a bulk purchase, such as gifts for a wedding, or if you want to see a working chappal workshop, and you have a local contact who can take you. For the wider idea of what to buy in the province, see our experiences page.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Charsadda famous for chappals?
It has about 800 small units making roughly 8,000 pairs a day, a craft that took modern form in the early 20th century and now exports to the Gulf.
Is a Charsadda chappal the same as a Peshawari chappal?
They are closely related. Charsadda is a major production centre, and Charsadda is also a named style, with round-toe and T-shape variants.
How much does a Charsadda chappal cost?
Online listings in 2025 to 2026 run about PKR 4,500 to 6,000 for standard pairs. Local bazaar prices were far lower in 2024, so ask in person.
When is the best time to buy?
The shops are busiest before Eid ul Fitr, so for better service and safer crowds, buy outside that week.
Can I order a Charsadda chappal online?
Yes. Several makers deliver across Pakistan and internationally. Check the size chart and the return policy first.
