Flights to Gilgit, PIA Islamabad to Gilgit ticket price, Hotels

Today's Flights to Gilgit-Baltistan

There are an estimated 07 flights in a week and roughly 32 flights departing from Gilgit every month

Best Hotels in Gilgit Skardu for Tourists – Affordable, Luxury & Family Options

Flights from Lahore, Karachi to Gilgit

Direct flights from Lahore and Karachi to Gilgit are currently unavailable. PIA flights first pick tourists from Karachi and Lahore, then fly to Islamabad direct flight to Gilgit airport

What is the Gilgit Flight fare from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi

✈️ → Gilgit Flight Fares

Gilgit Flight Fare from Islamabad, approx. is PKR 23,859–33,000 for round-trips in low season, one-way $98–$120/-
Flight Fare from Lahore (LHE) to Gilgit (GIL) approx. is priced around US$87–94, based on July–August dates
Flight Fare From Karachi (KHI) to Gilgit (GIL) Round-trip starting approx. is priced around US$253-US$399, based on July–August dates

Today's the best Gilgit Flight Deals

What is the flight duration to Gilgit

Islamabad → Gilgit Direct (ATR) 1 hour 15 minutes
Lahore → Gilgit Via ISB/KHI ~3–4 hours total
Karachi → Gilgit Via ISB ~4–5 hours

What is the best Booking Time for Gilgit Flights

The best common booking time for Gilgit is on Friday and early morning flights (7:00am/11:00 am)

✈️ What aircraft does PIA use to fly to the Gilgit airport

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) uses ATR-42/72 turboprop aircraft on the Gilgit route

✈️ Flight-Specific Guidance to Gilgit

Gilgit flights are often canceled due to inclement weather—storms, heavy snow, or dense fog, can disrupt travel, especially in winter or monsoon seasons
Daily weather outlooks released by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) indicate whether flight operations are normal or “partially affected.” Always verify the forecast before departure
Alternate Routes Some travellers suggest flying to Skardu (KDU) instead—larger runway, AirBlue and PIA A320s available, then road transfer to Gilgit or Hunza
Monitor weather forecasts and aim for mid-morning flights.
If you are traveling to Gilgit from Lahore or Karachi, then you must compare the routing via Skardu.

✈️ 2. Aircraft type & safety records to fly Gilgit

Runway constraints: Gilgit Airport has a short, high‑altitude runway (~1,646 m), which limits it to smaller turboprops. ATR 42s are specifically designed for such conditions
Operational preference: Official PIA announcements confirm they use ATR 42‑500 aircraft on this route
Fleet numbers: As of May 2025, PIA’s fleet includes three ATR 42‑500 models, each with about 48 seats.
Aircraft: ATR 42‑500 (twin‑engine turboprop)
Seats: 48
Flight time: 75 minutes
Why it’s used: Precisely fits runway & altitude limitations.

🧭 3. Preparing for Mountain Flying

Book return flights in advance

Given frequent cancellations and limited seats, secure your round-trip tickets early
Opt for better odds through the Skardu alternative. Flights to Skardu are generally more reliable and have a lower cancellation risk. You can then drive to Gilgit from Skardu if needed

Hotels in Gilgit Near Tourist Attractions

🧭 4. What is the best time to travel Gilgit

🌸 In Spring (April to early June) – Best for Blossom & Mild Weather, Ideal temperatures (~10–25°C). Enjoy Cherry, apricot, and almond blossoms (April), and Snow-capped mountains with green valleys, which is the most visually stunning time in Gilgit–Baltistan. Great for nature photography and light trekking.
☀️ Summer (June to August) is the best for Trekking & Adventure. Day temperatures: ~20–30°C; nights remain cool. Clear skies and access to all remote valleys (e.g., Hunza, Ghizer, Astore). Peak trekking season (Rakaposhi Base Camp, Fairy Meadows, Naltar). Perfect for hiking, road trips, and mountain exploration. But the Drawback is More tourists, higher flight and hotel prices
🍁 Autumn (September to October) – Best for Fall Foliage & Fewer Crowds. Crisp air, clear skies, great for photography. Dramatic foliage colors in Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu. Less crowded, cooler but comfortable, stunning natural colors. The drawback is that some trekking routes begin to close after October
❄️ Winter (November to March) Best for Snow & Off-season Solitude. Winter festivals and culture. Snowy peaks, frozen lakes, and unique winter scenery. The drawback is that Many roads and treks are closed. Risk of flight cancellations due to weather (especially at Gilgit Airport)