Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Islamabad to Gilgit. Left-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the Margalla Hills during departure and the Hunza River gorge with Rakaposhi during arrival. The midpoint flight path over the Karakoram range offers less distinctive window views from either side, but the landing approach is the highlight of this route.

During takeoff from Chaklala (ISB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Chaklala typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Margalla Hills immediately north of Islamabad during initial climb, and the Potwar Plateau extending eastward. Left side faces the Rawalpindi urban area and offers less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Margalla Hills (northern ridge), Potwar Plateau (extending east), Rawal Lake (visible as a small water body southeast of airport), Islamabad city grid (geometric street pattern below).

When landing at Gilgit (GIL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gilgit airport (Zia International) typically uses runway 14/32, with approaches from the south or southwest. Left-side seats during descent into Gilgit provide direct views of the Karakoram Highway corridor, the Hunza River valley, and the dramatic peaks surrounding the airport. Right side faces the Gilgit River and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Hunza River valley (narrow gorge with visible water course), Karakoram Highway (road threading through valley), Rakaposhi peak (6,852m, dominant snow-covered summit to the north), Gilgit city (small settlement in valley floor).

The flight from Chaklala (ISB) to Gilgit (GIL) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight climbs northward from Islamabad over the Potwar Plateau, then enters the Karakoram range. Notable features include the Poonch River valley (visible as a drainage system), the transition from lower foothills to high alpine terrain, and multiple parallel ridges of the Karakoram system running northwest-southeast. The terrain becomes increasingly mountainous with visible snow patches on higher peaks as the aircraft approaches Gilgit. The Indus River valley becomes visible in the final approach phase, though it remains a thin feature from cruising altitude.