Pakistan is a hidden gem for budget travelers, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and incredible hospitality—all without breaking the bank. With smart planning, you can explore this beautiful country for just $20 a day (or even less!). Here’s a detailed guide to traveling cheaply in Pakistan.
1. Affordable Accommodation ($3–$8/Day)
Pakistan has plenty of budget-friendly lodging options:
Hostels & Guesthouses
- Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad: Dorms start at $3–$5/night (e.g., Backpackers’ Hostel Lahore, Islamabad Backpackers).
- Gilgit-Baltistan & Hunza: Guesthouses cost $5–$10/night (e.g., Madina Guest House in Hunza).
Couchsurfing & Homestays
- Couchsurfing is popular in major cities (free stays with locals).
- Village homestays in northern areas (~$5–$8, including meals).
Mosques & Sikh Gurdwaras
- Many mosques offer free or cheap lodging for travelers (e.g., Badshahi Mosque in Lahore).
- Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) provide free food and shelter.
2. Cheap Transportation ($2–$5/Day)
Local Buses & Metro
- Lahore Metro Bus: $0.20–$0.50 per ride.
- Wagah Border Bus (Lahore-Amritsar): $1–$2.
Shared Taxis & Rickshaws
- Auto-rickshaws: Short rides for $0.50–$1.
- Shared taxis (Chingchi): $0.30–$1 for city travel.
Long-Distance Travel
- Daewoo Express Bus (Lahore-Islamabad): $5–$8.
- Economy Train (e.g., Karachi-Lahore): $8–$15 (but slow).
3. Food on a Budget ($3–$6/Day)
Pakistani street food is delicious and super cheap:
- Breakfast: Chana Puri (chickpea curry with fried bread) – $0.50.
- Lunch: Daal & Roti (lentils & flatbread) – $1–$2.
- Dinner: Chicken Karahi (spicy curry) – $2–$3.
- Snacks: Samosa ($0.10), Pakora ($0.20), Lassi ($0.30).
Pro Tip: Eat at local dhabas (roadside eateries) instead of touristy restaurants.
4. Free & Low-Cost Activities
Free Attractions
- Badshahi Mosque & Lahore Fort (Lahore) – Free or $1–$2 entry.
- Faisal Mosque (Islamabad) – Free.
- Hunza Valley views – No entry fee for most spots.
Budget-Friendly Experiences
- Hiking in Fairy Meadows – $2–$5 for guides.
- Chitral Kalash Valley – Free cultural exploration.
- Karachi Beaches – Free (Clifton, Hawks Bay).
5. Money-Saving Tips
✅ Travel in a group – Split costs for taxis & guesthouses.
✅ Bargain politely – Prices are often negotiable.
✅ Use local SIMs (Jazz/Zong) – Cheap mobile data (~$1/GB).
✅ Avoid peak season (June–Aug) – Prices rise in northern areas.
✅ Carry a water bottle – Refills are free at mosques & restaurants.
Sample $20/Day Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: $5
- Food: $5
- Transport: $5
- Activities: $5
Final Thoughts
Pakistan is one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world, with breathtaking mountains, historic cities, and warm hospitality. By staying in hostels, eating street food, and using public transport, you can easily explore this country on $20 a day—or even less if you’re frugal!
