Islamabad is the natural gateway to Skardu — the shortest distance of any major city, and where the vast majority of our travelers begin their trip.
Flying
A short, spectacular flight (weather permitting) with aerial views of Nanga Parbat on clear days. This is the fastest option, saving roughly two full travel days each way compared to driving, though flights can be delayed or cancelled in poor weather since Skardu requires visual approach.
Driving
The full Karakoram Highway road trip — via Chilas, following the Indus gorge — takes roughly 2 days of driving each way, but is one of the most scenic road journeys in the world, passing Nanga Parbat viewpoints throughout.
Which to choose
- Trip under a week: Fly both ways
- Trip of 9+ days: Consider driving at least one direction
- Want maximum reliability: Road transport has fewer cancellations than flights, even though it takes longer
Our 7-Day Skardu Road Trip, 9-Day Skardu Tour from Islamabad by Road, and 5-Day Skardu Air Package cover this route at every pace and travel mode, since it’s by far our most-booked departure city.