Which place is cheaper, Pokhara or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Pokhara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Pokhara can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Islamabad or Pokhara?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
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Islamabad Prices
Pakistan PricesPokhara Prices
Nepal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $51Pokhara $23
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $51, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $23. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Islamabad and Pokhara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Pokhara $3.70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Pokhara $7.40
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Pokhara
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Pokhara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Pokhara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.49Pokhara $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Karachi Airport Transfer, Airport Pick and Drop, Rent a Car KHI: $60
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $295
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Kathmandu: $250
- Transfer to Lower Mustang (Jomsom): $205
- Kusma Swing Jumping Experience with Transfer: $150
- Paragliding Experience with Hotel Transfers: $139
- From 4-Day Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $130
- Paragliding and Rafting Adventure with Transfers: $129
- Private Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu: $120
- Pokhara to Kathmandu Transfer by Private Car: $99
- "Exclusive Private Transfer: Pokhara to Chitwan in a Luxury car": $85
- Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara by Car, Jeep & Hiace: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Pokhara?
Prices for flights to both Pokhara and Islamabad change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayIslamabad $25Pokhara $13
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
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Dinner for Two$4.25
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Dessert (for 2)$2.84
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Pastries$1.42
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Dinner$6.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
- 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
- Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
- Thakali food Cooking Class in Pokhara: $50
- 2 hours Momo cooking class in Pokhara: $60
- Nepali Cooking Class in Pokhara with a Local Family: $60
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.25Pokhara $6.87
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad and Rawalpindi Sightseeing Tour: $70
- Islamabad City Tour : $72
- Full Day Islamabad & Taxila Tour: $78
- Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour : $80
- Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
- Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Offbeat, Private City Tour Islamabad: $91
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Private Trekking Tour to Australian Camp & Dhampus: $99
- Pokhara To Kathmandu Private Tour with Luxuries Car and Jeep: $100
- “Pokhara in a Day: Guided Tour of Natural Wonders & Sacred Sites": $75
- "Pokhara Day Bus Sightseeing 8 points": $20
- "Pokhara Pumdikot Tour: Eagle Eye Views of Stunning Pokhara": $29
- "Private Jeep Adventure: Scenic Drive to Dharapani from Pokhara": $200
- "Sunrise and Scenic Day Hike in A Perfect Adventure: $84
- 1-Day Private Dhampus Trekking Tour: $67
- 110 Meters Bungee Jumping Tour in Pokhara: $105
- 2 Day Private Panchase Trek Tour from Pokhara: $140
- 2 Iconic Suspension Bridge Tour in Pokhara: $29
- 2 Night 3 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara: $240
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.82Pokhara $6.20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Pokhara, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Islamabad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamabad than you might in Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Pokhara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Pokhara?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Pokhara, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.