How to Reach Skardu: Flights, the Road via Jaglot, and Journey Costs
Reaching Skardu is half the adventure. The town sits deep in Baltistan, and until recently the journey was a test of endurance. That has changed: direct flights now land at Skardu's international airport, and the rebuilt Jaglot-Skardu road has cut the drive to a fraction of what it once was.
This guide lays out your three real options for getting to Skardu in 2026 (flying, the direct road via Jaglot, or the longer scenic route via Gilgit), with times, costs, and honest advice on which to pick. For what to do once you arrive, see our Skardu & Deosai travel guide.
The short answer: your three options
| Option | Time (one way) | Cost per person | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (Islamabad to Skardu) | ~1 hour in the air | PKR 8,000–25,000 | Short trips, comfort, winter travel |
| Road via Jaglot (direct) | 16–20 hours by car, 20–24 by bus | PKR 3,000–6,000 (bus) | Budget travelers, scenery lovers |
| Road via Gilgit (scenic long way) | 20+ hours by bus, longer by road segments | PKR 5,000–9,000 (bus) | Combining Hunza and Skardu in one trip |
By air: the one-hour option
Skardu's airport has grown fast. PIA flies direct from Islamabad to Skardu in about an hour, and Airblue also operates the route. In 2023 the airport was upgraded to international status, and limited direct international services have followed, though most foreign travelers still connect through Islamabad or Lahore.
What it costs: One-way fares typically run PKR 8,000–25,000 depending on how early you book and the season. Peak summer and autumn seats go fast.
The catch: Mountain weather cancels Skardu flights regularly, especially in winter. Build a buffer day into your plan, and prefer morning flights, which are less likely to be cancelled than afternoon ones. If your flight is cancelled, NATCO and other operators run the road route as the backup.
Good to know: The flight itself is a highlight. On a clear day you get a window-seat view of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram ranges, one of the most scenic domestic hops in the world.
By road via Jaglot: the direct route (N-15)
This is the standard road route and the biggest reason Skardu is easier to reach than it used to be. The Jaglot-Skardu road (N-15, about 164 km) was rebuilt in recent years, turning a notorious full-day bone-shaker into a drive of roughly 5–8 hours.
The route: Most travelers start from Islamabad or Rawalpindi, drive the Karakoram Highway to Jaglot (near Gilgit), then turn east onto the Skardu road. The full journey is roughly 630–650 km depending on your starting point.
By bus: NATCO runs the most reliable public service from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Skardu, with overnight coaches. Expect 20–24 hours total and fares around PKR 3,000–6,000. It is long, but it is how most budget travelers and many locals get there.
By private car or hired vehicle: A private car with driver for the full Islamabad–Skardu run is negotiable and runs into the tens of thousands of rupees depending on the vehicle; self-drivers split fuel, which is the cheapest option for groups of three or four.
Summer shortcut via Deosai: From roughly June to September, a shorter route runs from the Astore/Chilas side over the Deosai Plains into Skardu. It is spectacular and shorter in distance, but it is strictly seasonal: the pass closes with the first heavy snow, so do not plan on it outside summer.
By road via Gilgit: the scenic long way
If your trip combines Hunza and Skardu, you will likely travel between Gilgit and Skardu, and that leg takes about 5–7 hours by road (roughly 175–200 km). The full Islamabad–Gilgit–Skardu journey by bus is 20+ hours, so this option only makes sense as part of a combined northern areas itinerary.
When it works: You fly or drive to Gilgit/Hunza first, spend a few days there, then cross to Skardu. Coasters and private cars run the Gilgit–Skardu road regularly, and the scenery along the Indus gorge is worth the extra time.
When it does not: If Skardu is your only destination, the Jaglot route is shorter and cheaper. Do not route via Gilgit just for the novelty.
Journey costs at a glance
| Leg | Mode | Approx. cost (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad to Skardu | Flight | PKR 8,000–25,000 |
| Islamabad to Skardu | NATCO bus (via Jaglot) | PKR 3,000–6,000 |
| Islamabad to Skardu | Private car with driver | PKR 30,000–50,000 (vehicle, negotiable) |
| Gilgit to Skardu | Coaster/private car | PKR 2,000–4,000 per seat, more for private hire |
| Flight cancelled | Backup road option | Same as road costs above |
Return journeys double these figures. Group tour packages from Islamabad commonly advertise 5–7 day Skardu trips around PKR 20,000–25,000 per person on group sharing, which can be good value, but check exactly what is included: transport, hotels, and dinners vary a lot between operators.
Choosing air vs road: a quick decision guide
Fly if: you are short on time (a week or less), traveling in winter, or the road journey sounds miserable. One hour beats 24, and in winter it may be the only comfortable option.
Take the road if: budget matters, you enjoy mountain driving, or your dates are flexible. The road is also your safety net when flights cancel.
One practical note: If you fly one way and take the road the other, take the road on the way back. That way a cancelled flight does not strand you at home missing half your trip.
Tips before you go
1. Book flights early and flexibly. Fares swing hard, and mountain-weather cancellations are part of the deal. Early booking halves the price and morning flights cancel less.
2. Prepare for altitude. Skardu sits around 2,228 meters. Most people feel fine, but take it easy on day one and drink water.
3. Motion sickness is real. The Jaglot road winds along gorges and switchbacks. If you are prone, pack what you need; buses rarely stop for it.
4. Check winter closures. The Deosai route shuts with snow, and landslides or snow can temporarily close the Jaglot road too. Confirm conditions a day or two before departure in winter.
5. Keep cash handy. ATMs exist in Skardu town but can run dry; the road route has long stretches with no banking at all.
6. Do not trust "shortest route" claims blindly. Some drivers pitch the Deosai road year-round. It is not passable in winter, so verify before agreeing.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours is the Islamabad to Skardu drive?
Roughly 16–20 hours by private car, usually split over two days; the rebuilt 164 km Jaglot–Skardu section alone takes 5–8 hours. By public bus, expect 20–24 hours from Rawalpindi/Islamabad including the KKH leg.
Are there direct flights to Skardu?
Yes. PIA and Airblue fly direct from Islamabad in about an hour. Skardu is an international airport, but direct international flights remain limited and seasonal, so most travelers connect domestically.
Is the Jaglot-Skardu road open in winter?
Generally yes. It is the year-round road to Skardu, but heavy snow or landslides can close it temporarily. Check conditions before departing in December–February. The Deosai route is closed all winter.
Is it safe to drive to Skardu?
The rebuilt Jaglot road is in far better condition than the old track, and thousands of vehicles use it weekly in season. Still, it is a mountain road: hire an experienced driver if you are not used to gorge roads, and avoid night driving.
Can I combine Skardu with Hunza in one trip?
Easily, and many travelers do. Gilgit–Skardu is 5–7 hours by road, so a 10–14 day itinerary covering both is the classic northern areas trip. See our Plan Your Trip page for route ideas.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Fares, schedules, and road conditions are approximate and move with season, fuel costs, and weather. Confirm current details when booking.