Pakistan is a fun country that's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to make sure your adventure is incredible and affordable. Dive into average costs for hotels, food, activities, sightseeing, and transportation. We'll cover all the essentials for a wallet-friendly trip.
How much does it cost to travel to Pakistan?
You should plan to spend around $61 (P₨16,994) per day on your vacation in Pakistan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $22 (P₨6,136) on meals
- $7.62 (P₨2,127) on local transportation
- $48 (P₨13,273) on hotels
A one week trip to Pakistan for two people costs, on average, $852 (P₨237,916). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Pakistan expensive to visit?
Pakistan is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Asia, Pakistan is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Uzbekistan, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Maldives.
Pakistan offers a great mix of sights and accommodations, making it a destination that works for travelers of all budgets and preferences. In Islamabad and Lahore, budget options like hostels are available, but if you're after something more luxurious, there are plenty of high-end hotels, as well as mid-range spots for families and couples.
It's true that Pakistan can be expensive, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can help you make the most of your money.
On average, budget travelers spend $25 (P₨6,825) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $61 (P₨16,994) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $149 (P₨41,362) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Pakistan.
For more details, see Is Pakistan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Pakistan?
The average Pakistan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Pakistan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Pakistan cost?
Pakistan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9.55
(P₨2,667)
|
$24
(P₨6,637)
|
$58
(P₨16,132)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3.22
(P₨900)
|
$7.62
(P₨2,127)
|
$16
(P₨4,513)
|
|
Food 2
|
$9.52
(P₨2,659)
|
$22
(P₨6,136)
|
$43
(P₨12,102)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$2.43
(P₨678)
|
$5.56
(P₨1,553)
|
$11
(P₨2,991)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-2
(P₨225-675)
|
$2-6
(P₨527-1,582)
|
$4-12
(P₨1,092-3,275)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having a realistic perspective on your travel budget is very important. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers, most people are not prepared for the discomfort and lack of amenities that come with traveling on a shoestring budget. Consider what you really love about travel and thinkg about your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer more comfortable hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Do you want to visit the major sights and attractions? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Many travelers hear that exploring Pakistan can be done for $25 a day, but if you want to keep some comforts, expect to pay a lot more.
Backpackers might find a way to travel around on that tight budget, but that usually means dorm stays in hostels, eating at budget-friendly restaurants or fast food places, using public transport or walking, and focusing on free attractions.
Fortunately, Pakistan has a significant number of hostels, especially in Islamabad and Lahore.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to Pakistan will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $61 per person, per day.
Pakistan has tons of hotels and vacation rentals available. If you're traveling with a group or family, sharing accommodations with a partner, friend, or your family will cut back on the daily per-person budget. Popular family-friendly destinations like Lahore offer hotels and restaurants that cater specifically to kids. For a family-friendly stay, consider The Nishat Hotel in Lahore or Royaute Luxury - Suites & Hotel Lahore in Lahore. You can discover more family and couples options in our hotel guide for Pakistan here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $149 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include Islamabad and Lahore. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Premium Pakistan Tour - Highlights - offered by Gypsy Traces and Tours.
Accommodation Budget in Pakistan
The variety of accommodation prices in Pakistan can be surprising. Some areas and hotels are much more expensive than others, and prices soar during peak season. You'll save more if you visit in the off-season or book in advance.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Pakistan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $48 (P₨13,273). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $24 (P₨6,637) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Pakistan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Pakistan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $7.62 (P₨2,127) per person, per day, on local transportation in Pakistan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Pakistan is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$7.62
P₨2,127
Food Budget in Pakistan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Pakistan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Pakistan is $22 (P₨6,136) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$22
P₨6,136
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pakistan is around $22 (P₨6136) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $44. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Pakistan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $18
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Cuisine of Pakistan largely revolves around kebabs served with rice or flatbreads. Kebabs are cooked meat dishes that can vary with different kinds of beef, lamb, and chicken all seasoned with herbs and spices. There are also a variety of flatbreads, usually referred to as naan, which are commonly used to pick up and eat liquid foods as utensils are not commonly used during meals in Pakistan. Other popular Pakistani specialties include a whole roasted chicken called charga, a seasoned chicken and rice dish called biryani, a spicy barbequed chicken called chicken tikka, a thick stew-like mix of meat, lentils, and wheat grains called haleem, and a thick gravy made from local spices and either chicken or beef called nihari. A vegetarian soup called daal is also common as are black and green teas. Flavored with cardamom and a lot of sugar, tea is referred to as chai in Pakistan.
Transportation
A visit to Pakistan requires a visa for most nationalities. Some can be obtained on arrival; however, to be safe it is best to apply for a visa in advance.
By air, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are the main gateways into Pakistan. Jinnah International Airport in Karachi is served by many international airlines, including Air Arabia, Air China, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Cathy Pacific, Etihad, Emirates, Flydubai, GMG Airlines, Gulf, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Iran Air, Iraqi Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Thai Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore also operates a large number of airlines as does Benazir Bhutto International Airport, which serves the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the province of Punjab.
There are also train links from Pakistan to India and Iran, as well as roadways like the Grand Trunk Road and the Silk Road, which are widely used for traveling long distance.
Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.
Many hotels have breakfast included in the room rate, while some charge for it separately. The cost and quality of breakfast can differ from hotel to hotel. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you choose whether to enjoy the hotel buffet or opt for a more affordable option at a nearby bakery or café.
Opt to carry a water bottle with you instead of splurging on drinks all the time. It's a choice that benefits the environment too.
If you're organizing a tour, take the time to find out which meals are included ahead of time. Having to pay for some of your meals can increase your total expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Pakistan, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience for $110 details
- Street Food Tour of Karachi for $199 details
- Half-Day Karachi Burns Road Private Victoria Ride with Dinner for $100 details
- Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City for $85 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Pakistan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Pakistan typically cost an average of $5.56 (P₨1,553) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$5.56
P₨1,553
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Pakistan. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour for $120 details
- 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Lahore for $300 details
- 2-Perfect Days in Lahore with a Local Tour Guide for $300 details
- Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore for $110 details
Nightlife Budget in Pakistan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $3.78 (P₨1,055) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Pakistan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$3.78
P₨1,055
Nightlife can be fun, but trimming your drink expenses can make a big difference in your travel savings.
Traveling in Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan
Located in South-Central Asia along the Arabian Sea, Pakistan is a large country characterized by a varied landscape and as the historic home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which is among the oldest in the world. It is bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, China, and India on the west, north, and east with the Arabian Sea on its southern boundary.
At a Glance
Pakistan is divided into eight distinct regions: Azad Kashmir, Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are both Pakistani-controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Both are located in a highly disputed territory and are self-governing. They are, however, home to some of the most beautiful scenery, especially Gilgit-Baltistan which features some of the world's highest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Himalaya, and the Hindu Kush. These mountain landscapes make the region particularly attractive to mountaineers, trekkers, and tourists.
Balochistan is the largest and most remote region with Quetta as the main stopping point for travelers passing through, while the Federally Administered Tribal Areas is mostly off-limits to foreigners as authorities have little control over the area. Visitors should also be careful if visiting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province). A safer place to visit is Islamabad Capital Territory, which encompasses the capital city Islamabad, the Margalla Hills, and the ancient ruins of Taxila. Punjab is also well-frequented, the most populous and agriculturally fertile region in the country and home to many historical shrines and mosques. And finally, there is Sindh, where most people flock to the city of Karachi or the ancient ruins of Moenjodaro.
With a vast range of landscapes from deserts, mountains, and beaches to both ancient and modern cities, Pakistan has a variety of activities to match. It is a world class destination for trekking and hiking, while opportunities for horseback riding and cycling are a big draw as well. In the more populated areas, visitors can also explore historic monuments to their heart's content or shop in a massive range of markets and bazaars.
Read more: Is it safe for women to travel in Pakistan? Check out this terrific advice from a blogger who traveled all around the country.
Top Tourist Attractions
Natural Scenery: With so many different landscapes, Pakistan is a treasure trove for stunning scenery. While the mountain peaks and glaciers offer incredible views and trekking opportunities. There are also a number of valleys just as beautiful. Hunza Valley, for example, is supposedly the setting for James Hilton's Shangri-La, and the valley lives up to that reputation. Other unique spots for natural scenery include the Thar desert in Sindh and the Cholistan desert in the Punjab, as well as many beautiful beaches located between Karachi and Gwadar along Makran coastal highway.
Historical Sites: Due to its ancient history, Pakistan is also home to many important historic locations. Some of the most famous include the archaeological sites of Taxila, Moenjodaro, Thatta, and Harappa - some of which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cultural Landmarks: Many visitors are also drawn to Pakistan's important cultural sites, some of which include of the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and the Shah Faisal Masjid Mosque in Islamabad. A strict dress code must be adhered to when entering the Badshahi Mosque, while the Faisal Mosque with its white minarets can only be viewed by visitors from the outside. The Lahore Fort is also very popular, a massive structure and UNESCO site where the Mughals built their imperial quarters, followed by the Sikhs. It also houses a museum dedicated to the Sikh period of the 18th century.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.