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Updated January 2023
It’s a great feeling to be bitten by the travel bug, but it can also be pricey. Globetrotting is the fantasy of a lot of people. They may be discouraged from making it a reality, unfortunately, because travel is always perceived to be costly. How will you see the world in your budget without burning a hole? Is flying on a budget possible?
Travelling cheap can be pretty challenging. Fortunately, we’ve done the work for you by putting together a handy list of must-visit countries from Pakistan if you are looking to travel on a budget.
Please note that we have gathered this information from multiple sources and prices are accurate at the time of writing.
Thailand
World-renowned destination – Thailand, when it comes to tourist attraction, there are very few countries that can match up to Thailand. It is your go-to place if you are looking for a cheap country to travel from Pakistan!
How to reach?: Round-trip fare to Thailand from Pakistan is around PKR 122,056.
Where to stay?: It will cost you around PKR 3,000 per night to stay at a decent hotel.
What to do?: Local Shopping, Floating Market Tour, Elephant Tourism, Medical Tourism
What to see?: Bangkok, Phuket, Santikhiri, Tarutao.
What to eat?: Tom Yung Goong(spicy shrimp soup), som tum (spicy green papaya salad), Tom Kha Kai (chicken in coconut soup), Gaeng Daeng (red curry)
Suggested Duration: A week would be good!
Tourism during COVID-19: After months of strict restrictions and closing borders, the tropical havens of Thailand are welcoming fully vaccinated travellers from Pakistan, even allowing them to bypass quarantine. Non-essential businesses and attractions in low-risk areas are open under social distancing and capacity limitations.
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX PKR 90,000
Turkey
Turkey- the fairytale land with ornate chapels and green hills, turquoise lagoons and beaches, lively resorts and quaint little villages is once again welcoming Pakistani travellers back into the country.
How to reach?: Multiple flights from Pakistan to Turkey are available every day, and a round trip could cost you around PKR 66,000.
Where to stay?: You can get a decent hotel for around PKR 4,000 per night.
What to do?: Heritage Tours, Religious Visits, Art and Culture Tours.
What to see?: Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya), Ephesus, Cappadocia, Topkapı Palace and the white cascade travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
What to eat?: PKR 1,500 to PKR 2,500, depending on the place you choose to dine.
Suggested duration: 5 days
COVID-19 rules: All travellers must submit a Turkey Entrance Form and present a PCR test taken in the last 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken in the last 48 hours. Fully vaccinated and recovered patients are exempt.
TOTAL EXPENSE: UNDER PKR 95,000
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, the island nation in the Indian Ocean, might be a small country, but it is home to spectacular beaches where you can do everything under the bright warm sun, such as surfing, swimming, snorkelling and more, not to mention the amazing seafood.
How to reach?: Multiple flights are available from Pakistan to Sri Lanka and it could cost you just PKR 113,000.
Where to stay?: You can get a decent hotel around PKR 2,000 to PKR 5,000. Reduce your cost by staying at hostels at just PKR 1,500 per night.
What to do?: Heritage Tours, Religious Visits, Art and Culture Tours, Water Adventure Sports, Wildlife Tours, Plantation.
What to see?: Colombo, Kandy, Yapahuwa Kurunegala, Galle, Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Sabaragamuwa, Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya, Matara, Kataragama.
What to eat?: PKR 750 – PKR 2,000 depending on the place you choose to dine. Thambili, the juice from King Coconut, is very refreshing and a must-try.
Suggested duration: 6-7 days
COVID-19 rules: The island country has started welcoming travellers from all countries as long as they have a valid tourist visa. Vaccinated tourists are free to visit approved tourist sites without having to quarantine. COVID-19 PCR tests or Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) are no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers or for children below the age of 12 years prior to their departure into Sri Lanka.
TOTAL EXPENSE: UNDER PKR 100,000
Egypt
Egypt is a land of wonder defined by captivating desert landscapes, towering pyramids, and the enchanting Nile river among many others.
How to reach?: Round-trip fare to Egypt from Pakistan is around PKR 80,000.
Where to stay?: It will cost you around PKR 2,500 per night to stay at a decent hotel.
What to do?: Local Shopping, Market Tour, Sightseeing, Desert safari, River cruising.
What to see?: Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Nile cruising.
What to eat?: Arabian delights such as falafel and shawarma are must-haves. Meals are available from PKR 1,500 to PKR 2,500.
Suggested duration: A week would be good!
COVID-19 rules: Passengers who do not have a valid vaccination certificate need to take a COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours before flying to Egypt.
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. PKR 100,000
Malaysia
How to reach?: Round-trip to Malaysia is around PKR 100,000.
Where to stay?: Dormitory at PKR 1,600 per night; Hotel at PKR 4000-7000 per night.
What to do?: Go trekking in Taman Negara National Park, Explore Culture of Kota Bharu, Observe the orangutans in Sepilok.
What to see?: Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Sunbathe at Langkawi, Tunku Abdul Rahman National park, Getaway to Genting Highlands
What to eat?: Taste the local flavor with Nasi Kandar, Bakuteh, Sang Har noodles, Satay.
Suggested Duration: 4 to 5 Days
Tourism during COVID-19: Malaysia will reopen its borders from 1 April 2022 and allow entry without quarantine for visitors vaccinated against COVID-19.
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. PKR 120,000
Nepal
This Himalayan country promises mountains, spirituality, and scenic beauty. Many Pakistanis choose Nepal because, unlike other countries, you do not need a visa here.
How to reach: The round-trip flight from Pakistan to Nepal could cost approx. PKR 70,000 if booked in advance.
Where to stay?: A decent hostel room will cost you anywhere between PKR 2,000 to 4,000.
What to do?: A range of options is at your disposal wildlife sanctuary, temples, and monasteries. Trekking in the World’s Highest Peak—Mt.Everest Base Camp—is a must-do.
What to see?: For a wildlife enthusiast Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. For people with a spiritual bent, Pashupatinath, Dakshinkali temple, Shechen Monastery, Lumbini, Boudhanath Stupa, Siddha Gufa, Hanuman Dhoka. Devi Fall and old market at Pokhara as some add-ons.
What to eat?: The Nepali national meal is “daal bhaat tarkari” (spiced lentils poured over boiled rice, and served with tarkari). Meals range anywhere from PKR 500- 1,000, depending on the cuisine and place you select. OR2K in Kathmandu or Krishna’s kitchen in Pokhara are some places to try.
Suggested Duration: 5 Days and 6 Nights
Tourism during COVID-19: A full dose of vaccine certificate and negative RT-PCR test result is needed to enter Nepal. Unvaccinated travellers will need a valid reason for not being vaccinated.
TOTAL EXPENSE: LESS THAN PKR 120,000
Maldives
A famous archipelago in the Indian Ocean- known for idyllic, laid-back, luxury vacations, Maldives has ambitious plans of vaccinating visitors once its resident population is immunized.
How to reach?: The round trip to Maldives from Pakistan can cost PKR 115,000 onwards.
Where to stay?: Decent hotels will cost around anywhere PKR 9,000. if you go for homestays it will be around PKR 2,000- 2,400.
What to do?: Cultural Tours, Local Sightseeing, Himalayan Tour, Treks, Adventure Sports & Activities, Religious Tours and wildlife tours. The Drametse Mask Dance with colorful costumes depicting demons, heroes, gods, and animals should not be missed as it is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
What to see? Trashigang, Haa Valley, Trongsa, Dochula Pass, Rinpung Dzong, Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha Dzong.
What to eat? For a normal 2 course meal, you will spend PKR 200 to PKR 800 per person.
Suggested duration: 6 day 5 nights
Tourism during COVID-19: As of now, the scattered country is receiving travellers, without asking those vaccinated to quarantine.
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. PKR 150,000
Vietnam
One of the best places for backpackers all around the world, this is also one of the cheapest countries to travel from Pakistan. With ample natural beauty, its rich heritage and history you are bound to return with a soul satisfied.
How to reach?: The round-trip flights to Vietnam from Pakistan is around PKR 90,000.
Where to stay?: You can avail of a decent hotel for about PKR 3,000-6,000 per night.
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