A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

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.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $9.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):


  • Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two
    $3.59

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
  • Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140

Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $63
  • Two Cable Car Passes
    $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Islamabad or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamabad or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?

Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).

Islamabad is a little warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?

Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Islamabad

Islamabad Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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