Charsadda (Pushkalavati) is the ancient capital of Gandhara. It was inhabited from 600 BC to 200 AD. The Kushans moved the capital to present-day Peshawar, closer to the strategically vital Khyber Pass.

Alexander's army, under General Hephaestion, took the city after a thirty days siege in 327 BC.

Charsadda is about 30km from Peshawar, across the Kabul River.

Not much remains today, other than a large mound, and Charsadda is now a peaceful rural community.

Pic: Camels grazing at Charsadda

Camels grazing at Charsadda

Takht i Bahi was developed as a Buddhist monastery between 1st and 7th centuries AD.

The ruins are in reasonable condition. Cold drinks are available at the top, after a walk up from the road.

Other ruins are visible in the area, and the park is well maintained and well worth visiting.

Pic: Takt-i-Bahi

Takt-i-Bahi

From the top of the rocky hill, you are rewarded with a superb view over the plains to Peshawar and north to Swat.

Pic: View from the top of Takht-i-Bahi

View from the top of Takht-i-Bahi