Islamabad to Skardu and Gilgit by air

You can visit Gilgit-Baltistan via By-air and it would be the most enjoyable, comfortable, and time-saving way to reach the region. 

How long does it take to reach there from Islamabad? 

From Islamabad, it takes 45 minutes to reach Gilgit or Skardu. PIA would operate between Islamabad and [Gilgit, Skardu], in the past but now almost from all major cities of Pakistan flights are operational to Skardu and Gilgit. Especially, Skardu Airport has become the busiest airport in Pakistan in recent days. 

PIA now operates from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, and Sialkot to Skardu. Also recently Skardu Airport has been upgraded to international standard and direct flights from abroad are expected soon. 

Only PIA (Pakistan International Airline) operates among these cities, no other airline is allowed to operate yet. 

PIA Boeing 737-300 at the Skardu airport 

The best journey ever

We all know by air journey is always comfortable and less time consuming but sometimes it could be boring to fly in the plane when down there is nothing to look at. For instance, if you are flying over the sea, the only thing you could have a look at will be the water. But flying to Gilgit and Skardu would be one of the most adventurous journeys of the world. 

The reason is, you would be able to witness the world's three mightiest mountain ranges, Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindukush. You would be having a look at the world's highest mountains Nanga Parbat and K-2. Valleys densely packed with glaciers and the gleaming icy summits of the rocky towering mountains would be a kind of experience you would never forget in life. 

Some useful tips

If you are visiting for the first time you wouldn't be aware of the difficulties to catch a flight bound to Gilgit and Skardu. It is not that easy to get on board for these cities because the first reason is; only PIA operates among these cities and there are fewer chances of getting a ticket from any airline you want to journey with. 

The second reason is; the flights are weather-bound i.e. the plane will take off only if the weather is clear in the two cities otherwise you will have to wait for days in Islamabad. 

Especially if it is the summertime, like June to September it would be difficult to get a ticket at the eleventh hour, so be aware of advance booking otherwise you could face difficulty.  

How many airports are there in Gilgit-Baltistan? 

In Gilgit-Baltistan, there are 3 airports; Gilgit, Skardu, and Chilas. Chilas has been used only for military purposes but Gilgit and Skardu airports are open to commercial purposes as well. 

Skardu airport is the second largest airport in Pakistan in terms of the area and the length of the runway. 

Skardu airport is also used by the Pakistan Air Force as the Forward Operating Base for defensive purposes and training of military pilots.