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ASB → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Ashgabat International Airport (Ashkhabad) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled view of the majestic Tien Shan mountain range, including massive glaciers and the iconic Issyk-Kul Lake.
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Kopet Dag Range
The rugged mountains forming the border between Turkmenistan and Iran immediately after takeoff.
Issyk-Kul Lake
One of the world's largest alpine lakes, appearing as a deep blue jewel surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Khan Tengri & Jengish Chokusu
Spectacular views of the highest peaks in the Tien Shan range, often covered in permanent snow and ice.
Central Tianshan Glaciers
A bird's-eye view of massive river-like glaciers carving through high-altitude valleys.
Bogda Peak
The 5,445-meter sacred peak that dominates the skyline as you descend into Ürümqi.
This is the premier side for photography. The Tianshan range remains visible for a significant portion of the flight. For the best lighting, a morning flight will illuminate the northern faces of the mountains. During the winter, the contrast between the white peaks and the brown basin floor is breathtaking. Ensure you have a clear window, as the mountain details are incredibly fine.
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Karakum Desert
The vast 'Black Sands' of Turkmenistan, featuring unique dune formations and isolated oases.
Tashkent Skyline
Occasional views of the Uzbek capital and the surrounding Chirchiq River valley.
Kazakh Steppe
The transition from desert to the expansive, rolling grasslands of southern Kazakhstan.
Ürümqi Industrial Belt
The rapid urban and industrial development on the northern side of the Tianshan mountains.
Sit here if you prefer a view of the vast Central Asian plains and the Dzungarian Basin. On clear days, the distant Altai Mountains may be visible on the northern horizon. Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze distorting the desert horizon.
Get eSIMs for Turkmenistan
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 2,518 km (1,565 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 21 min
Departure: ASB (37.986801, 58.361)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: International
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