Islamabad to Gilgit flight path: ISB to GIL

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Islamabad to Gilgit. The right side offers the classic Nanga Parbat viewing angle plus continuous dramatic mountain terrain from takeoff through landing, while the left side, though scenic, lacks a comparable single iconic landmark.

During takeoff from Islamabad International Airport (ISB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Islamabad and turning north toward Gilgit, the right side gives passengers a view over the Margalla Hills and the folded foothills of the Himalayan front ranges, which quickly build into serious mountain terrain. The left side shows the flatter Potohar plateau and Islamabad's outskirts, which is comparatively unremarkable. Notable sights include: Margalla Hills, Islamabad's Rawal Lake, Potohar plateau foothills, early glimpses of the Himalayan front range.

When landing at Gilgit (GIL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Gilgit, the aircraft threads the Indus River gorge with Nanga Parbat's massive ice-clad bulk visible to the southeast, a landmark unmatched by anything on the opposite side. The right side also captures the dramatic confluence of the Karakoram and Himalaya ranges as the plane descends into the valley. Notable sights include: Nanga Parbat (8,126m), Indus River gorge, Karakoram range peaks, Gilgit River valley.

The flight from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) to Gilgit (GIL) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 185 miles (297 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

Himalayan foothills transitioning into the Karakoram range, the Indus River gorge, and the massif of Nanga Parbat visible to the east of the flight path