Pakistan remains one of the better-value destinations in South Asia for budget travellers, with transport, food and basic accommodation all considerably cheaper than neighbouring countries — provided you know where to look.
Transport
Intercity buses (Daewoo, Faisal Movers and similar operators) are comfortable, air-conditioned and inexpensive for travel between major cities. For the mountain north, shared jeeps and vans (Hiace) between towns cost a fraction of hiring a private vehicle, if you don't mind a tighter schedule and less flexibility.
Accommodation
Budget guesthouses in the north typically run Rs 2,500–6,000 a night, while city hotels in Lahore or Karachi can be found from around Rs 4,000–6,000 for a clean, basic room. Prices roughly double or triple in peak season (June–August in the north), so travelling in shoulder season stretches your budget significantly further.
Food
Eating at local dhabas (roadside restaurants) rather than hotel restaurants cuts food costs dramatically — a full meal can cost Rs 300–600 at a local spot versus Rs 1,500+ at a tourist-oriented restaurant, often with better food.
Daily Budget Estimate
A realistic daily budget for a backpacker, including a budget room, local transport and food, runs roughly Rs 4,000–7,000 per day outside peak season in the north, and somewhat less in the major cities. Factor in extra for jeep hire if you're visiting remote valleys, as this is usually the single biggest cost on a northern itinerary.
