Hunza and Skardu,
located in the province of Gilgit Baltistan, in Pakistan, are among the most
beautiful travel destinations for local and international tourists. The region
is famous for its snow covered mighty peaks, roaring rivers, turquoise lakes,
vast emerald plains, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls and sparkling springs.
Both places are just a heaven for travellers because of the ethereal beauty,
endless adventure, tranquility and peace and lots more features.
On account of the
soaring prices, most of the trips end up costing a high amount, and people are
often afraid of planning a trip due to the high room rents, expensive
restaurants and other daily necessities. But the true story is a little bit
different. If you do some research on a bit more affordable and pocket friendly
hotels and guest houses, and you plan your trip more wisely , you can enjoy the
trip to Hunza and Skardu costing only 3000 Rs daily, per person. The solution
is to prefer homestays and guesthouses instead of premium hotels, eating on
local dhabas instead of fine-done restaurants and travel smartly.
In this guide, we
will explore how to plan a cost effective trip to Hunza and Skardu in 2026. A
haphazard and unplanned trip often ends up in overspending but if we plan where
to stay, what to eat and how to budget, you can enjoy this wonderful trip to heavenly
places on earth, while staying economical. By the end of this guide, you can
plan a trip to any northern area of Pakistan on a good budget.
Why Hunza and Skardu Are Great for Budget Travel in 2026
Hunza and Skardu, are
often called the crown jewels of Gilgit Baltistan. Both these places offer some
of the most viral tourist attractions, for example Altit & Baltit Fort,
Attabad Lake, Passu cones and Kariabad in Hunza, on the other hand Deosai National
Park, Shigar Fort, Nanga Parbat and lots more in Skardu.
As tourism is
expanding day by day in Pakistan, both these tourist spots offer a variety of
options for tourists. There are some very premium and expensive resorts,
restaurants and hotels but the place also has affordable local transport,
economical guest houses and hostels, low cost activities like sightseeing,
hiking, walking and enjoying nature. These budget friendly options, make Skardu
and Hunza, a place to visit without burdening your bank balance.
These areas have very
delicious cultural and local food, so you don't have to rely on costly
restaurants for a tasty meal. You can have chai , paratha, dal , chawal, pulao,
chapshuro, noodles and traditional stew and curries, in small dhabas and food
stalls at reasonable rates. This significantly reduces your daily living cost
in both areas and also enhances your travel experience as you relish the
cultural and traditional food.
One more key, which
further reduces your cost, is that the whole area and region has breathtaking
views and enchanting, rugged and untouched scenery to behold. One doesn't have
to spend a lot on some extra and expensive activities, but only a walk through
a village, a hike through a nearby mountain, a coffee a river or lake, a visit
to local bazaar and exploring the culture can turn your whole trip into a trip
to remember for a lifetime. I truly believe that luxurious hotels, fine-dine
restaurants, and shopping are the activities which you can also enjoy in the
hustle bustle of your own cities but the trip to such a mesmerizing place is
meant to steep in the sublime beauty of nature. Enjoying nature will cost you
nothing, but make some priceless and mesmerizing recollections.
Is It Really Possible to Stay Under Rs. 3,000 Per Day?
There are some very
useful tips and tricks to stay under Rs. 3000 per day in your trip to Hunza and
Skardu as follow:
- Local Guesthouses, homestays and hostels: The accommodation
is the priciest thing while travelling, while choosing the local guest houses,
homestays and hostel if your travelling single, can really reduce your cost as
all these option can cost you around 1500 Rs. —- 3000 Rs. per night.
- Room sharing: Room-sharing is also
a tip to reduce your daily living cost in Hunza and Skardu, if two, three or
four people share a room, it further brings down the per person cost.
- Two Meals per day: A whole and healthy
breakfast like chai,paratha and omelet will cost almost 200Rs.---300Rs. Per
person, if you choose local dhabas and a dinner will cost approximately
400Rs.---600 Rs. per person. Rest of the day you can munch on more reasonable
yet healthy options like charred corns (bhutta), instant noodles, fruits and
snacks which will approximately cost you 300Rs. — 400 Rs. per person. The above
given budget is only applicable if you choose local food stalls and
restaurants.
The above given
budget is for the peak summer season, but if you want more reasonable travel ,
you can travel in off season, which further drops the accommodation rates and
makes a more realistic travel budget.
This means that if
you carefully plan a trip, you can travel to Skardu and Hunza on a budget of
2100Rs —- 3000Rs. Per person for a day, which makes it clear that mostly people
can visit these wonderful places, it's not necessary to have a huge bank balance
to explore the serene beauty of Skardu and Hunza.
Best Budget Accommodation in Hunza
Hunza has many
affordable places to stay, surrounded by beautiful science landscapes and grey
and snow capped mountains. You book the room or multiple rooms, if you book
timely and contact the owner directly.
1. Mountain Breeze Hunza:
Mountain Breeze Hunza is located in Karimabad, which is the most
popular area in Hunza. This hotel has easy access to several restaurants and
markets. Queen Victoria
Monument and Ganesh Village are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty
can be seen at Attabad Lake and Pasu Glacier.
The
Mountain Breeze Hunza comes with facilities like room service, tv, parking,
restaurant, laundry, geyser, heater, 24 hour security that help cater a
happening yet relaxing stay. It offers a picturasque mountain retreat with
breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace where travelers can relax after
exploring nearby natural wonders. A standard double bed room costs here from
2500 Rs. — 3000 Rs.
2. Gulmit Tourist Inn:
Located on the legendary Silk Route with the
magnificent view of the Karakorum mountain range, Gulmit Tourist Inn is the
best place for the leisure traveler and nature lovers. Gulmit is the gateway of
the Upper-Hunza Valley and an ideal stopover for visiting Khunjrab Pass
(Pak-China Border). Gulmit Tourist Inn offers a choice of lodging facility from
its Deluxe Rooms to Pamiri Suite for individuals, families, student trips and
adventure seekers. Every room has a breathtaking view of the surrounding
valley, snow-capped peaks and landscape.
The
Gulmit Tourist Inn has 16 rooms and the price range is 2000 to 2500 PKR, rooms
are equipped with a TV, room service, and a daily room cleaning facility. Each Bedroom is adequately
furnished and tastefully designed. The rooms are spacious and come with large
beds and comfortable bedding.
3. Diamond Hotel & Resort Duiker:
Diamond Hotel and
Resort Duiker is a mid range hotel located at Eagle's Nest Road Duiker
Karimabad, Hunza,
The naturally vibrant location of Gilgit Baltistan.
The property has a wonderful scenic view and surrounded by lush green gardens,
it's really a tranquil retreat from urban hustle and bustle.
The Diamond Hotel & Resort Duiker has 15
rooms and the price range is 2000 PKR, rooms are equipped with a TV, room
service, and a daily room cleaning facility. Each Bedroom is adequately
furnished and tastefully designed. The rooms are spacious and come with large
beds and comfortable bedding.
4. Four Seasons Family Guest House:
Located
in Karimabad, Four Seasons Family Guest House is in the mountains. Ganish
Village and Sacred Rocks at Hunza are local landmarks. The Four Seasons Family
Guest House comes with facilities like room service, tv, parking, restaurant,
laundry, geyser, heater, 24 hour security that help cater a happening yet
relaxing stay. The room costs here from 1500 — 1800 PKR.
Other
than that, you can find more accommodation options, like separate rooms,
homestays and hostels for singles, but these options will not be available for
online booking or on google, you can find them on facebook or by contacting any
local or after your arrival. Above options are given to show the variety of
price range with adequate living facilities and furniture, but you can find
multiple options like that, for your stay, and you choose according to your
preferences.
What to Eat in Hunza on a Budget
The alluring and charming Hunza valley also offers delicious and flavourful heritage when it comes to food. The people of Hunza have their own unique traditional cuisines that can only be experienced there. The speciality of their food is in the flavour of local and organic homegrown fruit and veggies fed by the streams from the nearby glaciers. Here we will explore some of the delicacies of Hunza which are full of taste and flavour but light on pocket.
- Chapshuro: Chapshuro is a crustless Hunza pie that’s filled with ground meat, spices, onions, and other goodies. It's often called “Hunza Pizza” . Chapshuros are shaped like half-circles and are stuffed with piping-hot minced beef, mutton or traditionally: yak meat. This stuffed bread is slowly baked in an oven or tandoor and you can have authentic chapshuro at small local food stalls, which will cost you 400 to 700 PKR. Your visit to Hunza is incomplete without devouring this cuisine.
- Gyaling: Gyaling and gral both refer to the same Hunza food: a thin, stretchy wheat bread that looks like a bunch of pancakes. This dish is typically served in a stack and is dipped in the much-loved ingredient of apricot oil and/or butter from local cows. Gyaling is typically eaten with breakfast and is always served with Hunza-style namkeen (salty) or herbal chai.
- Hoi Lo Garma: Hoi Lo Garma is a traditional Hunza Valley dish. The dish is a thick, warming combination of barley or wheat dough pieces, leafy green vegetables (traditionally dried or fresh), and rich local butter or ghee, cooked together into a hearty, filling soup-stew that sits somewhere between pasta in broth and a grain porridge. It is comfort food in the most literal, physical sense of that phrase. You can easily get a bowl of it for one person for 300 to 500 PKR.
- Chai Pakora and Potato fries: As per the cold and pleasant weather, chai and coffee stalls are common in Hunza with a variety of snacks like pakora and fried potato chips, which cost from 250 to 350 PKR.
- Chai Paratha and eggs: Chai paratha and eggs are highly selling breakfast options in all northern tourist destinations, as it keeps you full and also low-price and easily available. You can buy a combo of chai paratha and egg in 300 to 600 pkr.
- Dry Fruits and Seasonal Apricots: Hunza is famous for apricots and dry fruits. Buying small portions from local markets can be a smart way to snack without paying café prices. It also gives you a taste of the local produce that the region is known for.
I have explored a
good number of options for the readers, which make them realize that they plan
a trip to Hunza, which hotels they can book, what food they can have and they
can dive in the breathtaking beauty of Hunza, while staying on a budget. Now we
will discuss how to make the trip to Skardu a budget friendly one.
Best Budget Areas to Stay in Skardu
Skardu, located in the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, cold deserts, alpine lakes, and rich Balti culture. Accommodation is one of the biggest factors affecting the Skardu trip cost. The region offers a wide variety of options, and your choice here can significantly influence your overall budget. Budget accommodations are widely available and suitable for travelers who prioritize cost over luxury. Below are some cheap accommodation options in Skardu:
- Fialong Hotel Skardu: Fialong Hotel Skardu in Skardu offers family rooms with private bathrooms, mountain views, and modern amenities. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.This stylish place is close to must-see destinations like Sadpara lake, Deosai plans, forest park. The on-site restaurant serves brunch, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktails. A standard double bed room here costs from 2000 to 2500 Pkr.
- The Yak Motel: Located 9 km from Skardu Airport, the hotel is situated on Hameedgarh main road, opposite PTDC Skardu. Reception staff speak English, Punjabi, and Urdu. The Yak Motel in Skardu offers family rooms with private bathrooms, mountain and city views, and free toiletries. Each room includes a shower, slippers, carpeted floors, and a wardrobe. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, paid airport shuttle service, and room service. Free on-site private parking is available, along with interconnected rooms and tiled floors. The room rent starts here from 3000 pkr.
- Highlander Inn Skardu: The hotel is near National Bank Skardu. Highly rated by guests, it provides easy access to local attractions. Highlander Inn Skardu in Skardu offers family rooms with private bathrooms, mountain, city, and river views. Each room includes a work desk, free toiletries, and complimentary WiFi. A standard room here costs 2500 to 3000 Pkr.
These
are the few options which you can book under 3000 Pkr per day. Hotels for solo
travelers and backpackers can be booked for as low as 1000 pkr per day.
Furthermore you can also book homestays and guesthouses through local guides or
through facebook. Now comes the second most important and second most pricey
thing while travelling, which is food.
What to Eat in Skardu on Budget:
The northern Pakistani area of Skardu is famous for its lush green scenery and wide food culture. So, its significant geography and cultural heritage highly influence food in Skardu, comprising a diversity of regional specialties and cultural foods that offer an original sense of the region. Here are some of Skardu’s most popular and economical foods.
- Mamtu: Mamtu is one of the most loved dishes in Skardu. These are steamed meat dumplings stuffed with finely minced beef or mutton, onions, garlic, and spices — wrapped in soft wheat dough.Served with red chili sauce and yogurt, Mamtu is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.You’ll find small stalls and dhabas across Skardu bazaar that serve Mamtu fresh and hot and in 15 to 40 pkr per piece.
- Balay: A healthy and satisfactory noodle stock, Balay is especially famous in cold weather. Lamian noodles, yak or chicken meat, and diverse regional ingredients are utilized to make the broth. The flavored cream soup offers heat and affection. Balay is a basic food in Skardu.
- Balti Curry with Pilao Rice: Balti curry with rice is a staple food of the area, which is a complete meal and keeps you full also found at local food stalls easily. Balti curry is usually a stir fried curry with basic spices and chicken or lamb meat served with fragrant pilao rice. You can have one person serving in 400 to 500 pkr.
- Butter Tea and Kiseer: Another cost effective evening supper option in Skardu is having their unique ,yet rich in nutrients, salty tea made with butter, yak milk and a little bit of salt. You can have this tea with a local buckwheat pancake called kaiser.
Other
than that, you can have a handful of apricots, as Skardu is the largest apricot
producer and you can buy apricots at quite cheap prices. Apricot jam and sweets
are also available at local bakeries which are delicious.
Best Time To Visit For Budget Saving:
The choice of the
right season really affects the budget of your trip, as in peak season , or eid
holidays, hotels and restaurants double their charges and masses of tourists
make you experience a disaster. From June to August, both Hunza and Skardu are very
busy. Hotels fill quickly, and room prices often rise. This is the best season
for weather and accessibility, but not always the best for saving money.
So it's best to
travel from April to May and September to October. Due to the off season, there
are less tourists and more space in hotels and you can enjoy a money saving
trip. The weather is still pleasant, the views are beautiful. Fewer crowds also
mean a more relaxed experience.
Final Thoughts
Hunza and Skardu
prove that some of the best travel experiences in Pakistan do not need to be
expensive. With the right choices, you can stay in scenic guesthouses, eat
delicious local food, explore breathtaking landscapes, and still keep your
accommodation and food budget under Rs. 3,000 per day.
The secret is simple:
choose budget stays over luxury hotels, eat local meals instead of
tourist-priced dishes, and travel with a smart, flexible plan. In return, you
will get more than just a cheap trip. You will get a richer and more authentic
experience of northern Pakistan.
For anyone planning a budget trip in 2026, Hunza and Skardu remain two of the best destinations in the country. They are beautiful, memorable, and still accessible for travelers who want adventure without overspending.