KHYBER: Landi Kotal and Jamrud tehsils of Khyber tribal district are attracting visitors, especially holidaymakers, from Peshawar and adjoining areas in large numbers amid complaints about a lack of tourist facilities.

The Ghar Ouba picnic spot in Ali Masjid as well as the Landi Kotal Bazaar, known for the traditional mutton karahi and seekh tikka, are the major tourist attractions, especially for youth. People use vehicles, rickshaws, motorcycles and even bicycles to visit the historical Khyber Pass while exploring the scenic places.

During Eid days, the people thronged the Ghar Ouba picnic area, sat by the clear and cool waters of the Ali Masjid natural spring and ordered meaty food, especially barbeque mutton and chapli kebab, at nearby restaurants. Some of them cooked food by themselves.

Haji Dadeen and Haji Akhtar restaurants were among the most frequented eateries in Landi Kotal Bazaar, with mutton karahi, pattay dany (barbecue lamb liver wrapped in fats) and seekh tikka, being the favourite food.

Complain about lack of facilities

Owners of the two restaurants and fast food outlets acknowledged high sales due to the “onslaught” of outsiders during Eid days.

Most visitors belonged to Peshawar and surrounding areas, saying they find it easy to reach Khyber in the daytime and return in the evening without being interrupted at any point during their journey along the Khyber Pass.

Rehan Khan and Mohammad Haroon of Kurram tribal district told Dawn that their first daylong visit to Landi Kotal and surrounding areas was a pleasant experience as they enjoyed the local food and were impressed with the hospitality of residents.

Their friend, Salar Khan, complained about a lack of tourist facilities saying they didn’t find any resting place or toilets, and small snack kiosks along the 35km road from Peshawar to Landi Kotal.

“For newcomers like us, there should be facilitation centres and frequent guidance from local police in order to make our visits enjoyable and trouble free,” he insisted.

Young cyclist Bilal Khan and seven other bikers said their dream was fulfilled as they paddled the entire hilly strip of Khyber Pass and went back to Peshawar with no sense of insecurity.

Bilal Khan said while most tourists travel to the historical pass by other comfortable transport, they opted for bicycles to “experience the rugged nature of the mountainous terrain and stay close to history”.

Most young travellers were seen making videos and being photographed at the sites of their liking.

Resident Saqib Afridi said the sudden rise in the number of visitors to Khyber Pass would help improve the image of the otherwise restricted tribal region.

He complained that police in Peshawar and other cities treated tribesmen with a scorn and mistrusted their identity during visits or stay.

“Our frequent interaction with tourists on such occasions can help improve our image with a hope of improving the local economy and offering additional employment opportunities to locals. These areas have huge tourism potential,” he said.

A frequent traveller to scenic places, Mr Afridi believed that official care of basic tourist infrastructure could attract more outsiders to the iconic beauty of Khyber Pass.

He said that social media was a major factor in promoting and showcasing the historical importance of the “majestic Khyber” among the outsiders and attracting a large number of visitors.

Young social activist Salman Khan said tourist activities should be restricted to historical and scenic spots and that outsiders shouldn’t intrude into the private residential facilities.

“Tourists should respect our customs and traditions,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2026