Lahore to Skardu – Complete Travel Guide
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) started direct flights from Lahore to Skardu on April 7, 2021. The first flight took off with 153 passengers, marking a new and easy way to reach the beautiful Skardu Valley. Since then, PIA runs one or two flights per week on this route.
Ticket prices depend on the day and time of travel. It’s always a good idea to compare prices on different travel websites before booking, so you can find the lowest fare. Both Lahore and Skardu have one main airport, and you can choose between direct or connecting flights.
The distance between Lahore and Skardu is about 1100 km, and a flight takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, if you plan to travel by road, the journey can take two full days. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your time, budget, and interest in sightseeing.
Lahore to Skardu by Air
If you travel by air, you can reach Skardu in just over an hour — saving time for sightseeing once you arrive. Skardu is full of breathtaking locations, including Upper Kachura Lake, Lower Kachura Lake, Manthoka Waterfall, Deosai Plains, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Fort, and Shangrila Resort.
Flying to Skardu also gives you one of the most stunning aerial views in Pakistan. As the plane descends, you can see Nanga Parbat on the right and K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, on the left. Nanga Parbat stands tall at 8,126 meters, making it the ninth-highest peak in the world.
Soon after takeoff from Lahore, passengers can also enjoy the view of the Himalayan Mountains, the Indus River, and the Karakoram Highway running alongside it. The scenery is unforgettable.
However, flight fares are generally higher than road travel. The cost also varies by day. It’s often cheaper to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays, and booking 1 to 3 months in advance can help you get a better price. Multi-stop flights are usually cheaper than direct ones too.
One important thing to remember — flights to Skardu can be delayed or canceled because of sudden weather changes. The mountains around Skardu often affect visibility, so it’s always smart to have a backup plan if you’re flying.
Lahore to Skardu by Road
Traveling by road from Lahore to Skardu is an adventure in itself. You’ll pass through mountains, valleys, and rivers along the way. There are two main routes to reach Skardu from other parts of Pakistan.
The first route goes through Naran and Kaghan Valley via Babusar Top, which connects Kaghan to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Babusar Top sits at an altitude of 4,173 meters and offers incredible views but can be dangerous in bad weather.
The second and more common route is through the Karakoram Highway (N-35), also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. This road connects Punjab to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Starting from Lahore, you’ll drive on the Motorway to Mansehra, a peaceful city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where you can stop for food or prayers. From there, the road continues through Besham, Dassu, Chilas, and Juglot. The journey time depends on how many breaks you take.
One of the highlights on this route is the Alam Bridge, which connects Gilgit to Baltistan. Built in 1978 by Chinese and Pakistani engineers, the 300-meter bridge stands over the Gilgit River and offers amazing views. After crossing it, you’ll officially enter the Skardu region.
From there, you’ll pass through small villages like DamboDass, Staq, and Rondu, each surrounded by natural beauty. You can also enjoy traditional food at local roadside spots before finally reaching Skardu city.
Once you arrive, it’s best to have your hotel booked in advance. Some popular options include Shangrila Resort, PTDC Motel, and Mashabrum Hotel.
The main benefit of a road trip from Lahore to Skardu is the scenic experience — every turn reveals a new view of mountains, rivers, or green valleys. However, the roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully. Always keep your CNIC with you, as there are multiple police check posts on the way.
Whether you choose to fly or go by road, traveling from Lahore to Skardu is an unforgettable experience. By air, it’s quick and full of mountain views. By road, it’s long but filled with adventure. The choice depends on your time, comfort, and how much of the journey you want to explore.
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Contact us to visit Skardu and explore beautiful places like Manthoka Waterfall, Shigar Fort, and Deosai Plains with us.