A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Dewa Sanzan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

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.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $65. 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 Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Dewa Sanzan $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Dewa Sanzan $56
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Dewa Sanzan? 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.

Hotels in Islamabad


Hotels in Dewa Sanzan


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 Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Dewa Sanzan $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamabad $15
    Dewa Sanzan $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Dewa Sanzan $9.23

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
  • From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour : $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Dewa Sanzan $7.27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Dewa Sanzan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dewa Sanzan than you might in Islamabad.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Islamabad or Dewa Sanzan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamabad or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Dewa Sanzan. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Dewa Sanzan. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails.

In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. Islamabad is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Islamabad

Islamabad Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)


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