Where to fly into
- Islamabad (ISB) is the gateway for everything in the north: Hunza, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Chitral and every trek we run.
- Lahore (LHE) suits journeys in the south, including Shrines of the South and the Cholistan desert.
- Karachi (KHI) has the most international connections but is a long way from the mountains.
International airlines
From Europe, North America and much of Asia, the simplest routes to Islamabad are one stop connections through the Gulf or Istanbul.
- Qatar Airways, through Doha
- Emirates, through Dubai
- Etihad Airways, through Abu Dhabi
- Turkish Airlines, through Istanbul
Other carriers serve Islamabad as well, and routes and schedules change from season to season. Check current timetables before you settle on dates.
Domestic flights to the mountains
Flights run from Islamabad to Skardu and to Gilgit, each taking about an hour. Pakistan International Airlines is the main operator on both. These are among the most spectacular scheduled flights anywhere, passing close to Nanga Parbat on a clear day.
They are also weather dependent and are cancelled often. Read Flight Cancellations & Travel Disruptions before you book your flight home.
Getting there, place by place
From our destination guides. Select a place to read the full story.
- K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek
- Fly Islamabad to Skardu (weather permitting) or drive two days via the Karakoram Highway. Jeep to Askole, then trek.
- Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat Base Camp
- Drive Islamabad to Raikot Bridge via Naran and Babusar Top in summer, or the Karakoram Highway. Local jeep to Tattu, then hike
- Skardu Travel Guide
- Daily flights from Islamabad (weather permitting) or about two days by road via the Karakoram Highway and Jaglot
- Shogran, Siri Paye & Makra Peak
- Drive Islamabad to Balakot and Kiwai (about 5 to 6 hours), then up to Shogran. Local jeeps to Siri and Paye
- Musa ka Musalla Trek
- Drive from Islamabad to Mansehra and Shinkiari (about 3 hours), or to Balakot for the alternative route
- Neelum Valley Travel Guide
- Drive from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad (about 3 to 4 hours), then follow the Neelum road north
- Ganga Choti Trek from Sudhan Gali
- Drive from Islamabad to Bagh and Sudhan Gali, roughly 5 to 6 hours
- Paragliding at Khanpur Lake
- About 1 to 2 hours by road from Islamabad via the Taxila side
- Swaik Lake, Kallar Kahar
- M-2 motorway to the Kallar Kahar interchange, then local roads and a short walk
- Swat & Kalam Travel Guide
- Drive from Islamabad to Mingora via the Swat Motorway (about 3 to 4 hours), then on to Kalam
- Nathia Gali & Mukshpuri Hike
- Drive from Islamabad via Murree or Abbottabad, about 2.5 to 3 hours
- Ratti Gali Lake in Winter
- Drive to Dowarian in upper Neelum Valley, then certified jeep and hike to the lake
- Chilam Joshi Festival
- Drive from Islamabad via the Swat Motorway, Dir and the Lowari Tunnel to Chitral, then to the valleys. Seasonal flights to Chitral may operate
Booking advice
- Arrive a day early. Land in Islamabad at least one full day before your trip begins. It absorbs a delayed connection and a lost bag, and it helps with jet lag.
- Leave a buffer at the end. Do not book your international flight home for the day you are due back from the mountains.
- Buy a changeable ticket. The small extra cost is worth it in a country where mountain weather sets the timetable.
- Check domestic baggage limits. They are lower than international allowances. Pack your duffel to the smaller figure.
- Send us your flight details. We plan your arrival and the first day around them.
General guidance for planning. Rules, schedules and conditions change, so confirm the details that matter with official sources and with your XPITUDE planner before you book.