Lahore to Skardu flight path: LHE to KDU

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lahore to Skardu. The left side wins on both the approach into Skardu, where Nanga Parbat dominates the view, and takeoff, where Lahore's cityscape offers a small bonus. The right side has respectable Karakoram scenery during the approach but lacks a comparable landmark.

During takeoff from Allama Iqbal International (LHE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing out from LHE, a north-facing departure gives a brief look at Lahore's old city core and the Ravi River off to the west before the Punjab plains take over on both sides. It's a modest edge, since the rest of the climb is flat farmland regardless of side. Notable sights include: Ravi River, Lahore's old city/Badshahi Mosque area, patchwork Punjab farmland.

When landing at Skardu International Airport (KDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into Skardu, flying up the Indus valley toward runway 32, the massive bulk of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) sits off to the southwest, clearly visible on the left side of the aircraft in the final 20-30 minutes. The right side shows steep Karakoram valley walls too, but without a standout named peak this dramatic. Notable sights include: Nanga Parbat massif, Indus River gorge, Karakoram range valley walls, Skardu/Shigar valley confluence.

The flight from Allama Iqbal International (LHE) to Skardu International Airport (KDU) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 272 miles (437 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

The route crosses the Punjab plains before climbing into the foothills of the western Himalaya and Karakoram, roughly following the Indus River corridor, with Nanga Parbat visible as the aircraft nears Skardu.