Pakistan is one of the more affordable countries in Asia, but what you spend depends heavily on where you sleep and how you get around. This Pakistan travel cost guide gives approximate daily budgets, typical prices for rooms, food, transport and activities, and the costs people forget. Last checked: October 2026. These are indicative ranges from 2026 hotel sites, budget guides and operators. Prices change with season and fuel costs, so check current rates before you book.
Quick answer: how much does a trip to Pakistan cost?
Budget travellers commonly spend about USD 20 to 40 a day, mid-range travellers about USD 50 to 100, and comfort or luxury travellers USD 150 or more, per person and not counting international flights. Some backpackers manage on less by using dorms and shared transport. The biggest swings come from northern lodging in peak summer, private vehicles and domestic flights.
Pakistan travel cost quick facts
| Travel style | Typical daily budget | What it usually covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | About USD 20 to 40 | Guesthouse, local meals, shared transport |
| Mid-range | About USD 50 to 100 | Private room in a decent hotel, mixed restaurants, taxis or ride-hailing |
| Comfort or luxury | USD 150 and above | Upmarket hotels, private vehicle with driver, guided days, flights |
For a rough one-week total, multiply by seven: about USD 140 to 280 for a budget week and about USD 350 to 700 for mid-range, before international airfare.
Accommodation costs
| Type | Approximate range, per night |
|---|---|
| Budget room, Islamabad or Lahore | PKR 2,500 to 6,000 |
| Guesthouse, Hunza | PKR 1,500 to 3,500 |
| Basic room, Skardu | From about PKR 2,500 to 3,000 |
| Mid-range hotel, cities | PKR 8,000 to 20,000 |
| Mid-range hotel, Hunza | PKR 8,000 to 18,000 |
| Luxury or heritage stay | PKR 30,000 and above |
Northern lodges fill and rise in price in peak summer, so book ahead for June to August. See our guides to hotels in Lahore, Islamabad, Hunza and Skardu.
Food costs
Food is cheap at every level. Budget travellers often spend about PKR 1,500 to 3,500 a day on three modest meals, and mid-range travellers about PKR 4,000 to 8,000. Street food and local dhabas cost far less than hotel restaurants. Carry water and snacks in remote areas, where choices are limited and prices are higher.
Transport costs
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Flight, Islamabad to Skardu, one way | About PKR 12,000 to 40,000 |
| Coach, Islamabad or Rawalpindi to Skardu | From about PKR 5,200 |
| Private car with driver, Islamabad to Skardu, one way | About PKR 45,000 to 65,000 per car, usually 2 days |
| Hired car, Skardu to Hunza | About PKR 35,000 to 55,000 per car |
| Rickshaw or ride-hailing in cities | Varies by distance; agree or check the fare first |
Jeep hire is charged per vehicle, so splitting it among five or six people cuts the cost per person sharply. Read our guides to domestic flights and public transport for more.
Sightseeing and activity costs
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Fairy Meadows jeep from Raikot Bridge, round trip | About PKR 16,000 to 20,000 per jeep (5 to 6 people) |
| Deosai full-day jeep from Skardu | About PKR 15,000 to 20,000 per jeep |
| Jeep to Saif-ul-Malook from Naran | About PKR 3,000 to 7,000 round trip, private |
| Malam Jabba chairlift | About PKR 1,500 to 2,900 |
| Lahore Fort, foreign visitors | Reported about PKR 500 to 1,500; confirm at the ticket window |
| Wagah border ceremony | Free |
Costs people forget
- Visa fee. It varies by nationality. See our e-Visa guide.
- Travel insurance. See the travel insurance guide.
- Guides and permits for treks. See hiring a guide and trekking permits.
- SIM card. See the SIM card guide.
- ATM and exchange fees. See our ATM and cash guide and currency exchange guide.
- Peak-season premiums in the north, and tips for guides and drivers.
Money-saving tips
- Eat at local dhabas instead of tourist restaurants.
- Share jeeps and rooms to split per-vehicle and per-room costs.
- Book northern accommodation early for June to August.
- Check ride-hailing fares before agreeing a rickshaw price.
- Travel in the shoulder seasons, when northern prices ease.
Pakistan travel cost FAQs
How much does a week in Pakistan cost?
Roughly USD 140 to 280 for a budget week and USD 350 to 700 for mid-range, excluding international flights. Private vehicles and flights raise this.
Is Pakistan cheap to travel?
Compared with many countries, yes, especially for food and local transport. Northern lodging in peak season and private jeeps are the main exceptions.
Can I travel Pakistan on USD 20 a day?
Some budget travellers do, with guesthouses, local food and shared transport. It needs more time and less comfort than a mid-range trip.
What is the biggest cost in northern Pakistan?
Transport and lodging. A flight or two-day car hire, plus jeep days and peak-season rooms, add up more than food does.
Should I carry cash?
Yes. Cities have ATMs, but the north has far fewer working machines, so withdraw before you go.
Final thoughts on Pakistan travel costs
Decide your style first, then check the big items: where you sleep, how you reach the north, and which jeep days you want. Treat every figure here as a guide and confirm current prices with hotels and operators before you pay.