Monday, February 11, 2019

A Valentine Gateway: Low-cost Accommodation Options to Celebrate with your Valentine

As a result of increasing tourism in northern Pakistan, the number of low-cost accommodation options for travelers, such as apartments, cottages, and villas (as opposed to regular hotels which are more expensive), is increasing significantly. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the return on investment of these options ranges between 15 to 18% per year; their resale value increases by approximately 22% every three years.















If you are considering traveling to the following destinations with your valentine or even later this year, or investing in property there, factor in the following:

·        Bhurban. Located between Kashmir Road and Murree Road, Bhurban is a picturesque town that is a 45-mnute drive from Islamabad. Attractions include Ayubia National Park, an expansive golf course and hiking trails. Apartments are increasingly available for short-term rentals; facilities include swimming pools and complimentary WiFi.
Rental range (per night) – Apartments: $ 70 to $ 100
Purchasing price range – Apartments (450 – 800 sq ft): $ 120,000 to $ 180,000

·        Pir Sohawa. Located 17 kilometers from Islamabad, Pir Sohawa overlooks Daman-e-Koh Park, a popular vantage point 3,600 feet above sea level. Options include apartments, cottages, and villas. In addition to fine-dining restaurants, they provide facilities such as gyms, spas and swimming pools as well as corporate lounges and conference rooms for business travel. Activities include high-rope courses as well as hiking and walking trails.
Rental range (per night) – Apartments: $ 20 to 50; cottages: $ 30 to 60; Villas: $ 70t o 90.
Purchase Price Range – Apartments: (1,300 to 1,500 sq ft) $ 50,000 to 70,000; cottages: (300 to 500 sq yds) $ 150,000 to 180,000; villas (800 to 1,000 sq yds) $ 270,000 to 300,000

·        Skardu. Located at an altitude of 7,500 feet, Skardy is enchantingly beautiful; it is a one-hour flight from Islamabad. There are several accommodation options there, the majority of which overlook the majestic Kachura Lake. These include luxurious suites in resorts and cottages; facilities include swimming pools, spas, and fine-dining restaurants.
Rental range (per night) – Cottage: $ 30 to 50; Suite: $ 70 to 100
Purchase price range – Cottages (250 to 350 sq yards) $ 170,000 to 220,000; Suite: (500 to 800 sq yards) $ 280,000 – 570,000