Anyone know what I could expect to spend on some large rugs in Islamabad or lahore? I am looking for something about 8x10 or 5x8 nice quality wool rugs. Any recommendations as to where I should shop?
Also, how much would it cost to take it back with me on the plane.
How much should I budget for small furniture like folding table, camel saddle footstools, etc.? I know that prices have gone up a lot since I was last there.
Re: carpets/rugs from pakistan
In Lahore you can expect to pay about $50000 rupees for a very nice 8x10 carpet. Of course some are more expensive. But this one was average priced and very well made. There is a carpet district area in Lahore but I don't know what it is called because my husband went there himself. You can ask any shop keeper in Anarkali. There are also a couple of shops near panorama centre which know and this is where we asked about it.
The store will pack the carpet up into a square which is about half the size of a regular suitcase. They will cover it 3-4 times with plastic and then a very thick cover. So you can send it the way you usually send your luggage. But keep in mind that this counts as your one luggage piece. This is what we did and it arrived in good shape.
Make sure you do a lot of research there to understand the types of dyes used, learn about the knots (ie. double) and also what threat they use (ie silk or wool).
Don't know much about the foot stools and stuff. I would say budget about $20,000 rupees for knick knacks.
Good luck.