Gilgit-Baltistan · Pakistan
Gilgit–Skardu Road
S-1Gilgit to Skardu
Blasted into the vertical walls of the Indus gorge, this nerve-racking drive is the sole road link between Skardu and the outside world.
Highway S-1 follows the Indus gorge for 167 km between Gilgit and Skardu, the gateway to K2. Blasted into vertical cliff faces with sheer drops to the river, it was paved by 2021 but still closes for landslides. It is the only major route connecting Baltistan with the rest of Pakistan.
Scenery
GorgeMountainValley
Best seasons
SpringSummerAutumn
In these collections
In these guides
Gilgit–Skardu Road on the map128.0 mi · point to point
GilgitStart · Gilgit-Baltistan
SkarduEnd · Gilgit-Baltistan
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Corners182bends
Tightness6of 10
Max gradient13%≈ 1-in-8
Hairpins3bends over 150°
Climb4,322 mapproximate · DEM-limited
Summit2,261.7 mapproximate · DEM-limited
Corners
busiest around mile 106Elevation
approximateunder 4%4–8%over 8%1,282 – 2,261.7 mPoints of interest2 stops
- View on Nanga ParbatViewpoint28 mi in
- Nanga Parbat ViewpointViewpoint28 mi in
Hazards
- Landslides
- Narrow road
- Sheer drops to the Indus
- Rockfall
- No barriers
Sources
“It was carved directly into the cliffs of the Indus River, creating a narrow path where two vehicles can barely cross each other.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Gilgit–Skardu Road: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Gilgit–Skardu Road?
Gilgit–Skardu Road runs 128.0 miles (206 km) and takes about 4 h 29 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Gilgit–Skardu Road to drive?
We rate it demanding: 182 corners including 3 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 13%, and a tightness of 6 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Gilgit–Skardu Road?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.
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Gilgit–Skardu Road
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