How to Travel on a Budget in Pakistan
With a little ingenuity, you may discover many of Pakistan’s fascinating adventures and cultural gems on a tight budget. There is something for everyone, including historical sites, picturesque locations, and unusual indoor activities.
Here’s how to make the most of your time without going over budget, whether you’re feeling like spending a relaxing weekend at home or exploring the outdoors.
1. Visit a Historical Site for the Day
Pakistan has a wealth of historical places that are accessible, even for those on a tight budget. One of the greatest ways to escape the grind and learn about the nation’s history is to spend a day at a monument.
- Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque: These famous locations are next to one another in Lahore. The place is lively and serene, with low admission costs, making it ideal for a day vacation with loved ones.
- Taxila: For people living close to Islamabad, Taxila provides an enthralling look into past societies. Within a short drive of the capital, you may visit historical artefacts, Buddhist ruins, and museum exhibitions.
Numerous historical sites provide free or inexpensive admission, and you can reduce your trip expenses by using local transit choices like buses or carpooling. Remember to pack your camera so you may document the beautiful scenery and fascinating buildings.
2. Enjoy a night of gaming with loved ones or friends
Putting together a game night might be an inexpensive way to spend the weekend if you’re feeling competitive. Entertainment options include card games, board games, and even some online games.
- Board games: Traditional games like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Ludo are always in style.
- Card Games: Easy games like Rummy, Uno, and Bluff may be a lot of fun.
- Online Games: If you want to have some fun, you could try out some unusual online gaming sites. However, since there isn’t a Gamstop exclusion policy in Pakistan, there’s no need to look for ways to get around it.
Without requiring a complex setup or a large financial outlay, game nights provide an opportunity to unwind, interact, and enjoy time with friends or family.
3. Take Advantage of Free Nature Therapy on the Hiking Trails
Pakistan has a lot of beautiful hiking paths that are free to use if you enjoy the great outdoors. Although the stunning scenery of northern Pakistan is well-known, there are excellent trekking opportunities close to towns like Islamabad and Lahore.
- Islamabad’s Trail 5: This trail, which is ideal for novice to intermediate hikers, is situated in the foothills of the Margalla Hills. With lots of vegetation and a number of picturesque vantage points along the road, it is free to enter.
- Mushkpuri Top in Nathia Gali: This beautiful trek, which is close to Murree, is ideal for hikers looking for a more strenuous experience. You will be rewarded with amazing vistas of the mountains after the several-hour climb.
To maximize your day, don’t forget to bring your own water and snacks, put on comfy shoes, and get up early. Hiking is an excellent sport for your health and well-being in addition to being economical.
4. Learn About Local Cultural Centers and Museums
Spending the weekend touring museums and cultural institutions may be a lot of fun. They provide insights into Pakistan’s rich history, art, and culture and are frequently reasonably priced.
- The Pakistan Museum of Natural History in Islamabad is a knowledge gold mine with displays on the nation’s plants, animals, and minerals.
- Islamicabad’s Lok Virsa Museum: Lok Virsa, which is devoted to Pakistani culture, features crafts, music, traditional attire, and relics. With low admission costs, it’s a fantastic cultural day out.
You can explore the richness of Pakistani history, acquire new insights, and maybe even help out local craftspeople if there is a gift shop by spending a day at a museum.
5. Savor Adventures with Street Food
In Pakistan, a low-cost weekend wouldn’t be complete without trying some street cuisine! Food vendors abound in Pakistani cities, providing mouthwatering dishes at reasonable costs. Treating your taste buds to regional flavours doesn’t require a large budget.
- Karachi: You must try the spicy biryani, chana chaat, and bun kebabs. Boat Basin and Burns Road are well known for their mouthwatering street food options.
- Lahore: From golgappas to Lahori chargha, Gawalmandi and Lakshmi Chowk are well-known for their delectable food.
- Islamabad: For those looking for real Pakistani street food, Melody Food Park and Pindi Saddar are great choices.
Enjoying fresh flavours that reflect the nation’s culinary heritage, interacting with people, and getting a close-up look at a city’s culture are all made possible by street food.
6. Arrange an Economical Road Trip
Travelling by car is a cost-effective approach to seeing new places. Get together with friends, divide the cost of gas, and travel the nation to discover picturesque roads, quaint towns, and undiscovered treasures. Typical routes consist of:
- Lahore to Murree: The route from Lahore to Murree is brief yet picturesque, with many rest breaks along the way and stunning views. The weather in Murree is renowned for being nice, particularly during the summer months.
- Karachi to Hingol National Park: This day-long road trip from Karachi to Hingol National Park takes you to one of the most stunning natural areas in Pakistan. There is much to discover, including beaches, rock formations, and the Makran Coastal Highway.
To make the trip fun and affordable, prepare snacks, stock up on necessities, and compose a fun soundtrack.
7. Set Up a Camp Under the Sky
Camping is an inexpensive method to get a close-up look at nature if you’re feeling adventurous. There are numerous locations in Pakistan where you may set up a tent, gaze at the stars, and spend a quiet evening away from the lights of the city.
- Fairy Meadows: renowned for being one of the most picturesque camping locations, it provides a breathtaking view of Nanga Parbat. The hike to the base camp is necessary, but the experience is worthwhile.
- Ratti Gali Lake: This glacial lake, which is encircled by colourful meadows, is situated in Azad Kashmir. For campers seeking a peaceful getaway, it’s ideal.
On a budget, camping allows you to experience nature, detach from daily life, and make priceless memories.
8. Go to a Local Bazaar to Find Distinctive Items
You may get a taste of Pakistan’s varied culture by spending a fun weekend exploring local markets and bazaars. Affordable goods, like as traditional attire and handicrafts, are readily available.
- Anarkali Bazaar (Lahore): One of Pakistan’s oldest marketplaces, Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore is well-known for its lively stores that offer handicrafts, jewellery, and clothing.
- Zainab Market (Karachi): A fantastic place to find reasonably priced apparel and accessories is Zainab Market in Karachi. Everything from souvenirs to clothing of export quality is available.
In addition to discovering amazing deals, shopping at local markets allows you to support small companies and take in the bustle of Pakistani bazaars.
9. Organize a Marathon of Movies with Friends
Organizing a movie marathon can be an enjoyable and cost-effective way to spend the weekend for people who would rather stay in. Get some munchies, decide on a theme, and invite friends over for a relaxing day of binge-watching.
- Select a Theme: Look at foreign thrillers or the greatest Pakistani films ever made.
- Create a Comfortable Viewing Space: Create a miniature home theatre by adding blankets, couches, and low lighting.
- Snack Ideas: Without requiring a complex setup, popcorn, samosas, and chai make the ideal movie snacks.
With the extra convenience of remaining in, this indoor sport may be just as fun as going out and is reasonably priced.
10. Take Advantage of Global Virtual Experiences
Try virtual tours and activities if you want to travel abroad without ever leaving your house. Virtual tours are available at a lot of museums, zoos, and historical sites worldwide, so you may visit from the comfort of your home.
- Louvre Museum (France): Virtual tours of well-known exhibits, such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, are available at the Louvre Museum in France.
- National Aquarium (USA): Take a virtual tour to learn about marine life and underwater environments.
- Taj Mahal (India): You may explore this stunning site up close and discover more about its architecture and history with several virtual tours.
This activity adds an educational twist to your weekend by allowing you to discover international landmarks without having to pay for airfare.
11. Enroll in an Online Course or Workshop
Developing a new talent is always a fantastic way to make the most of your time. Online workshops can help you learn a new talent or develop an existing one, whether it’s cooking, art, or language instruction.
- Cooking Class: Sample international cuisine or learn how to prepare traditional Pakistani recipes.
- Art Workshop: Free art lessons for novices can be found on websites such as Skillshare and YouTube.
- Language Class: Free classes in a variety of languages are available through Duolingo and other language apps.
Learning something new can be worthwhile and give you a talent that you can use long after the weekend is over.
12. Arrange a Homemade Spa Day
Self-care is crucial, and you may unwind and treat yourself without going to an expensive spa. A do-it-yourself spa day at home can be equally revitalizing and reasonably priced.
- Face Masks and Scrubs: Treat your skin with natural products like honey, yoghurt, and turmeric.
- Foot Soak: Warm water and a few drops of essential oil can be used to make a simple foot soak that works wonders.
- Calm Music: Use soothing music or sounds of nature to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Rejuvenating and rejuvenating yourself with a home spa day will ensure that you’re prepared to take on the next week.
There is enough variety in these activities to make for a fun weekend without going over budget. You can make budget-friendly memories by selecting alternatives that strike a mix between leisure, exploration, and a dash of adventure.
In Pakistan, there are several easily accessible ways to spend the weekend, ranging from cosy stay-at-home arrangements to local excursions and cultural experiences.
The Bottom Line
These activities demonstrate that a memorable weekend doesn’t have to be expensive, whether you’re taking virtual tours, cooking up new dishes, or touring the city.
Of course, there are solutions available that you can think about for fun if you ever feel like twisting internet entertainment. Just keep in mind that it’s all about striking a balance and taking advantage of what Pakistan has to offer.