Shahi Bagh, "the royal garden", is one of the oldest and largest gardens in Peshawar, in the Faqirabad area on the Peshawar to Charsadda side of the city. It dates to the Mughal period, was developed further under the Durrani rulers, and shrank badly over the last century before a restoration in recent years brought back lawns, fountains and a jogging track. It suits a slow morning or late afternoon walk, not a major sightseeing stop.
This guide covers what the garden is, what you will find there, the timings and fee information we could and could not confirm, and whether it is worth your time.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Faqirabad, Peshawar, near the cricket stadium |
| Built | Mughal era, developed under the Durranis |
| Listed hours | About 8 am to 7 pm on visitor listings (not confirmed officially) |
| Entry fee | We could not find a confirmed current fee |
| Best for | Walks, families, a quiet hour in the morning |
| Nearby | Arbab Niaz (Imran Khan) Cricket Stadium |
What is Shahi Bagh?
Shahi Bagh was laid out by the Mughals and later maintained by the Durrani rulers. The British envoy Mountstuart Elphinstone, who visited Peshawar in 1809, praised its natural beauty in his account of the kingdom of Kabul. It was originally about 800 kanal (roughly 100 acres) of lawns, fountains and old trees, and for generations it was a place for political meetings and literary and social gatherings.
Over time, marriage halls, offices, sports grounds and parking ate into it. Today the cricket stadium, Government College Peshawar, the Gymkhana cricket ground, a football stadium and a tennis club all sit on land that was part of the old garden. Our guide to the stadium covers the ground next door.
What has been restored
A first renovation with USAID support was completed in 2009. In 2012 the Peshawar High Court ordered illegally built structures removed after public complaints. More recently the provincial government's Peshawar Revival Plan cleared encroached land, roughly 120 kanal in the first phase, and the restored garden is described as covering over 200 kanal.
According to a report from the state news agency APP, the garden now has:
- Marble-lined fountains
- A soft jogging track about 2 km long
- Gym equipment
- Children's play areas
- A ladies' park
The women's section was created after a court order removed a wedding hall from the site, and reports describe women visiting from morning to evening, often in groups for breakfast.
Do not expect the garden of Elphinstone's time. It is a city park with the outline and some of the atmosphere of the old one, and the historical value is in knowing what it once was.
Timings and entry fee
Visitor listings give the hours as roughly 8 am to 7 pm daily. We could not confirm this with a government source, so treat it as a guide and ask at the gate. We also could not find a confirmed entry fee for the restored garden. The amount, and any separate rules for the ladies' park, are best checked on the day.
Best time to go
Go early in the morning or in the last hours before sunset. Peshawar is very hot in summer, and a shaded park with few benches is not a comfortable place at midday from May to September. The garden is most pleasant from October to March, when the days are mild. Our guide to the seasons in Peshawar has the detail.
How to get there
The garden lies behind Firdous Bazaar in Faqirabad, off the Peshawar to Charsadda road, close to the cricket stadium. Drivers from the cantonment or the old city can take a taxi or ride-hailing car and ask for Shahi Bagh or Arbab Niaz Stadium. The stadium is the easier landmark for most drivers.
Is it safe to visit?
Peshawar has had serious security problems, including major attacks on police in 2026, and the UK government advises against all travel to the city. Foreign-passport holders should check their own government's advice, because travelling against it can void insurance.
Pakistani families do use the city's parks, and Shahi Bagh is an everyday local space. Check local news and current police advice before setting out, keep to daylight, and avoid public gatherings such as political rallies. Our Peshawar safety guide has more.
Who is it for?
Shahi Bagh suits families who want a green open space, walkers and joggers, and women who want a section of their own. It is less suited to travellers on a short trip who want Peshawar's headline sights. If you have one day, spend it on the old city and the museum first. For other outings see our experiences page and the list of places to visit in Peshawar.
Frequently asked questions
What is Shahi Bagh in Peshawar?
A Mughal-era garden in the Faqirabad area of Peshawar, developed under the Durranis and now a public park managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
What are Shahi Bagh's timings?
Visitor listings give about 8 am to 7 pm daily. We could not confirm this officially, so ask at the gate.
Is there an entry fee at Shahi Bagh?
We could not find a confirmed current fee. Carry a little cash and check at the entrance.
Is Shahi Bagh good for women and families?
Reports describe a dedicated ladies' park and children's play areas. Many women visit in groups during the day.
Is Shahi Bagh next to Arbab Niaz Stadium?
Yes. It is close to the cricket stadium, which was originally called Shahi Bagh Stadium.
