There’s a moment every traveler dreams of, the first glimpse of a snow-dusted peak piercing the clouds, the hush of the alpine wind in a place so remote you can hear your heartbeat. For me, that moment came on a sun-drenched morning as I stepped out of a Jeep in Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan. Towering above me was Rakaposhi, majestic and silent. It had taken nearly 24 hours of road travel, four local buses, two nights of shared guesthouses, and a whole lot of patience to get there.
But you know what? Every rupee was worth it.
When I planned my trip to Gilgit-Baltistan, one of the most common questions I faced online and from friends was: How much does it cost to travel to Northern Pakistan? So here it is. A no-fluff, real-world breakdown of the Gilgit-Baltistan travel budget, complete with price ranges, tips, and a few misadventures along the way.
Transportation Costs: Getting There and Getting Around
Getting to Gilgit-Baltistan isn’t like catching a quick train to a nearby city—it’s a journey in itself.
Travel from Islamabad to Gilgit/Skardu
By Road (Bus/Van)
NATCO and Faisal Movers operate comfortable bus services from Rawalpindi to Gilgit or Skardu.
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Budget: PKR 3,500 – 5,500 (per person, one way)
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Duration: 18–24 hours
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Tip: Book VIP coaches for extra legroom and comfort.
By Air
Flights from Islamabad to Gilgit or Skardu take about one hour.
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Cost: PKR 14,000 – 25,000 (one way)
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Note: Flights are highly weather-dependent, especially in winter months. Always have a backup plan.
Local Transportation within Gilgit-Baltistan
Shared Vans and Jeeps
These are the primary mode of local travel.
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Cost: PKR 300 – 1,500 per trip, depending on distance
Private Jeep Rentals
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Shared with group: PKR 1,500 – 2,500 per person per day
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Private hire: PKR 8,000 – 15,000 per day
Motorbike Rentals (Hunza and Skardu)
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Daily rental: PKR 2,000 – 3,500
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Fuel extra
Tip: Budget travelers should opt for shared rides, especially on routes to Deosai, Fairy Meadows, or Astore. On one leg of my journey, I even shared a ride with a local potato farmer going my way. It saved money and led to some great conversation.
Accommodation Expenses: Where to Sleep in the North
From cozy guesthouses in valleys to luxurious resorts perched above rivers, Gilgit-Baltistan has options for every budget.
Budget Options
Local guesthouses and family-run lodges are ideal for backpackers and students.
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Price: PKR 1,000 – 2,000 per night
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Includes: Simple bedding, shared bathroom, sometimes breakfast
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Locations: Karimabad, Gupis, Gulmit, Astore
Tip: Book on arrival or through Facebook travel groups. Walk-in rates are often negotiable.
Mid-Range Options
Comfortable hotels with scenic views and attached bathrooms.
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Price: PKR 3,500 – 7,000 per night
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Popular spots: Eagle’s Nest (Hunza), Serena Shigar Fort, Gilgit Serena Hotel
Luxury Options
Boutique resorts and heritage stays with premium services.
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Price: PKR 10,000 – 25,000 per night
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Includes: Private balcony, guided tours, multi-course meals
Seasonal variation is significant. I traveled in mid-September and got a PKR 4,000 room that costs double in July. Booking in shoulder seasons helps reduce costs.
Food and Dining: What It Costs to Eat in Gilgit-Baltistan
Dining in Gilgit-Baltistan is both affordable and flavorful. Local cuisine is hearty, often centered on bread, meat, lentils, and seasonal produce.
Local Eateries and Street Food
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Meals cost: PKR 150 – 400
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Dishes: Aloo paratha, daal chawal, chapshuro
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Tip: Always ask if the food is freshly cooked. In small villages, pre-cooked items are common.
Mid-Range Restaurants
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Cost: PKR 500 – 1,200 per person
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Try: Yak karahi in Hunza, trout curry in Phander
Hotel Dining or Tourist-Oriented Cafes
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Cost: PKR 1,500 – 3,000 per person
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Often includes more Western-style dishes but not always better in taste
Many guesthouses offer free breakfast or allow access to a kitchen. I often made quick meals using instant noodles and eggs bought from local shops, which saved money and time.
Activity and Tour Costs: Adventures in the North
Gilgit-Baltistan is an adventurer’s paradise—whether you prefer treks, lakes, history, or high-altitude meadows.
Hiking and National Parks
Entry Fees
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Deosai National Park: PKR 400 for locals, PKR 1,000 for foreigners
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Khunjerab National Park: PKR 500 for locals, PKR 1,500 for foreigners
Trekking Costs
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Guided treks (e.g., Fairy Meadows, Rush Lake): PKR 5,000 – 20,000
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Includes: Porter, meals, camping gear (in multi-day packages)
Jeep Excursions and Boating
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Jeep to Deosai Plains or Rama Lake: PKR 3,000 – 6,000 per day (shared available)
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Attabad Lake boat ride: PKR 1,000 – 2,000 for 15–30 minutes
Tip: Always compare rates between two or three operators. During my trip to Skardu, I saved PKR 2,000 just by asking around instead of booking through the first shop.
Miscellaneous Expenses: Small Costs Add Up
SIM Cards and Internet
SCOM SIM (most reliable in GB):
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SIM card: PKR 500
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5 GB internet package: PKR 300
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Note: Expect weak or no signal in remote valleys like Basho or Minimarg.
Shopping and Souvenirs
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Wool shawls and caps: PKR 1,000 – 3,000
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Dried fruit and nuts: PKR 500 – 1,500 per kg
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Gemstones: Variable—buy only from reliable vendors
Travel Gear and Emergencies
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Raincoat or jacket in local markets: PKR 2,000 – 5,000
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First aid items, cold medicine: PKR 200 – 800
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Permit for restricted areas (if applicable): Variable or coordinated via tour operators
Lesson learned: I forgot a power bank once and couldn’t charge my phone for two days. Since then, I always carry two with me.
Full Budget Breakdown: Cost of Traveling in Northern Pakistan
Based on my experience and verified 2023 prices, here’s a realistic estimate for a 10–14 day trip:
| Category | Budget Travel | Mid-Range Travel | Luxury Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | PKR 7,000 – 15,000 | PKR 20,000 – 35,000 | PKR 50,000+ |
| Accommodation | PKR 12,000 – 25,000 | PKR 40,000 – 80,000 | PKR 100,000+ |
| Food & Dining | PKR 5,000 – 10,000 | PKR 15,000 – 20,000 | PKR 35,000+ |
| Activities & Tours | PKR 5,000 – 15,000 | PKR 20,000 – 40,000 | PKR 50,000+ |
| Miscellaneous | PKR 3,000 – 6,000 | PKR 10,000+ | PKR 15,000+ |
| Total Estimated | PKR 32,000 – 71,000 | PKR 105,000 – 185,000 | PKR 250,000+ |
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Spend Wisely
Traveling through Gilgit-Baltistan is a life-changing experience. Whether you’re soaking in the serenity of Phander Lake, exploring the historic Shigar Fort, or camping under a starry sky in Deosai, this region gives back more than you spend.
And you don’t need to be wealthy to experience it. You just need to be prepared, informed, and flexible.
The true value of your journey won’t be measured in rupees, but in the moments that stay with you long after you’ve left the mountains behind.
