Skardu International Airport — Skardu, Pakistan

Skardu International Airport, coded KDU, sits in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, surrounded by some of the highest mountains on Earth, including peaks of the Karakoram range visible from arriving flights. The route from Islamabad to Skardu is frequently cited among aviation enthusiasts for its scenery, offering passengers a close look at Nanga Parbat on clear days. KDU functions as the main gateway for mountaineering expeditions heading toward K2, the world's second-highest peak, along with trekkers exploring the Baltoro Glacier and other high-altitude routes in the surrounding valleys. High elevation and challenging mountain winds have historically limited operations to daylight hours with favorable weather, and flights are occasionally delayed or cancelled when visibility drops in the surrounding high mountain peaks and narrow valley approach.