How to Travel Skardu from Islamabad: By Air vs. Road (Full Guide)

The journey to Skardu is half the adventure. Whether you soar over the Karakoram peaks on a 1-hour flight or wind slowly through some of the world's most dramatic mountain roads on an 18–24 hour drive, both routes are extraordinary. Here's how to choose the right one for your Skardu travel.

Option 1: Flying to Skardu (Islamabad to Skardu)

The Experience

The flight from Islamabad to Skardu is one of the most spectacular short flights in the world. On a clear day, you fly directly over Nanga Parbat (8,126m), and the Karakoram peaks fill every window.

Airlines

• PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) operates Skardu flights
• Airblue also operates Skardu flights

Flight Duration

Approximately 1 hour

Ticket Price

Live fares change constantly, but a safer current planning range is:

PKR 30,000–35,000+ one way

Examples from current fare listings:

• Airblue: around PKR 34,330 one way
• PIA: currently surfaced on fare search sites at varying rates depending on date and demand

Note: Prices rise sharply in peak summer and can change day to day.

⚠️ Key Warning: Weather Cancellations

The Skardu flight is famously subject to weather cancellations. Because the approach requires visual navigation around mountain peaks, even moderate cloud cover can ground the plane. Always have a backup plan — either a flexible itinerary or a ready road travel option.

Tip: Book morning flights. Afternoons often see more clouds forming around the peaks.

Option 2: Road Trip from Islamabad to Skardu

The Experience

The road journey from Islamabad to Skardu is one of the greatest road trips in Asia. The route follows the Karakoram Highway (KKH) — built along the ancient Silk Road — before branching off toward Skardu.

Route

Islamabad → Abbottabad → Besham → Chilas → Gilgit → Skardu

Total Distance

~650 km

Travel Time

18–24 hours (typically done over 2 days, with an overnight stay in Chilas or Gilgit)

Cost

• Private car/4x4: PKR 35,000–70,000 one way
• Public bus/NATCO: PKR 3,000–6,000 one way

Road Journey Highlights

• Karakoram Highway: Dramatic gorges and river crossings
• Nanga Parbat Viewpoint (Raikot): The "Killer Mountain" in full view
• Chilas: Ancient rock carvings from early travelers
• Gilgit City: A cultural hub worth a short stop

Our Recommendation

Fly if: Your time is limited, you're okay with possible delays, and you want to reach Skardu quickly.

Drive if: You have 2–3 extra days, enjoy road trips, or want to experience the Karakoram Highway and explore Gilgit/Hunza along the way.

Our Skardu tour packages can arrange both options for you — just tell us your preference and we'll handle everything.