There are two ways to reach Skardu from Islamabad: a one-hour flight, or a 16-to-20-hour drive up the Karakoram Highway usually split across two days. Skardu, at 2,500m in Gilgit-Baltistan, is the gateway to K2, the Baltoro Glacier and almost every great trek in the Pakistani Karakoram. Flying is fast and spectacular but weather-dependent; the road is long but unforgettable. Here is how each works, and how we plan around them.
By air: Islamabad to Skardu
The quickest way in. Daily flights connect Islamabad (ISB) with Skardu (KDU), operated mainly by PIA and Airblue, taking roughly one hour. On a clear day the flight is a highlight in itself — the aircraft tracks past Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the world’s ninth-highest peak, close enough to fill the window.
The catch is the weather. Skardu sits in a mountain bowl, and flights only operate in clear conditions — cancellations and delays are common, sometimes for a day or two at a stretch, especially outside summer. The golden rule: never book a flight to Skardu on the same day as a tight onward connection. We always build buffer days into expedition itineraries so a grounded flight does not cost you the trek. Book early, too; seats sell out in peak season. Fares vary by season and airline, so we confirm current pricing when you plan your trip.
By road: the Karakoram Highway
The overland route is one of the world’s great drives, following the Karakoram Highway — the legendary road carved along the Indus through the meeting point of the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush. Expect roughly 16 to 20 hours of driving over about 600km, almost always split across two days with an overnight stop, commonly at Chilas.
There are two main approaches:
- The Karakoram Highway proper: Islamabad → Hazara Expressway → Besham → Dassu → Chilas → Jaglot → Skardu. Open year-round, the standard route.
- The Naran & Babusar Pass route: Islamabad → Balakot → Kaghan → Naran → Babusar Pass → Chilas → Skardu. More scenic, but the Babusar Pass is only open roughly mid-June to mid-October; it is snowed shut the rest of the year.
The road is long and the mountain sections demand a careful driver, which is why we use experienced local drivers and well-maintained 4×4 vehicles. Many travellers fly one way and drive the other to get the best of both.
Air vs road: which should you choose?
| By air | By road | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | ~1 hour | 16–20 hours, usually 2 days |
| Reliability | Weather-dependent; can cancel | Reliable in season; long |
| Scenery | Spectacular (Nanga Parbat) | Continuous, immersive |
| Best for | Saving time and energy | Buffer-proof travel, seeing the KKH |
Our usual advice for expedition clients: fly in if you can, to save time and arrive fresh, but keep a buffer day in Skardu in case the flight is delayed. If your dates are tight and weather looks unsettled, the road is the dependable fallback.
From Skardu to the trailheads
Reaching Skardu is only the first leg. From there, the great treks still need a rough mountain drive:
- To Askole (trailhead for K2 Base Camp and the Baltoro): a 4×4 jeep journey of roughly 7–9 hours over a dramatic, unpaved road.
- To Hushe (for the Gondogoro La exit, K6/K7 and Thalay La): a long jeep drive up the Hushe valley.
We handle all of this — private transport, drivers and timing — as part of your package.
Getting to Islamabad first
International travellers fly into Islamabad International Airport (ISB), well connected to the Gulf, Europe and Asia. From there you pick up the flight or drive to Skardu. We can meet you in Islamabad and handle everything onward.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Islamabad to Skardu?
About one hour. Flights are operated mainly by PIA and Airblue and run daily, but only in clear weather, so delays and cancellations are common — always keep a buffer day.
How long does it take to drive from Islamabad to Skardu?
Roughly 16 to 20 hours over about 600km of the Karakoram Highway, almost always split across two days with an overnight stop, usually at Chilas.
Is the Skardu flight reliable?
It is fast and scenic but weather-dependent. Skardu sits in a mountain bowl and flights only operate in clear conditions, so cancellations happen, especially outside summer. Never schedule a tight onward connection on the same day, and build in a buffer day.
When is the Babusar Pass road to Skardu open?
The Naran-Babusar Pass route is generally open from around mid-June to mid-October. Outside that window the pass is closed by snow and travellers use the main Karakoram Highway via Besham and Chilas, which is open year-round.
How do I get from Skardu to K2 Base Camp?
From Skardu it is a 7-to-9-hour 4×4 jeep drive to Askole, the trailhead, then the trek begins on foot up the Baltoro Glacier. See our K2 Base Camp Trek guide for the full route.
Plan your trip to Skardu
We handle the whole chain — meeting you in Islamabad, the Skardu flight or drive, buffer days, and the jeep to the trailhead — so all you do is arrive and walk. Read our K2 Base Camp Trek guide or browse the best treks in Pakistan, then WhatsApp us with your dates and we will plan the route in.
