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AUH destination photo
CTU destination photo

AUHCTU

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers unparalleled views of the southern Himalayas and the dramatic descent into the lush Sichuan Basin, often providing glimpses of the world's highest peaks depending on the specific flight path.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏙️

UAE Coastline

A stunning aerial view of the Dubai and Sharjah skylines shortly after taking off from Abu Dhabi.

🏜️

Balochistan Terrain

The intricate, eroded canyons and ridges of the Makran region in southern Pakistan.

🏔️

The Himalayas

Breathtaking views of the southern Himalayan range, often including massive snow-capped peaks in the distance.

🌊

Yarlung Tsangpo River

The winding path of the Brahmaputra's upper reaches as it cuts through the Tibetan landscape.

🎋

Sichuan Basin

The dramatic transition from high-altitude glaciers to the misty, green plains of Sichuan during descent.

The right side is the premier choice for mountain lovers. If the flight is during the day, you will have front-row seats to the majestic Himalayas. To capture the best photos of the mountains, choose a seat behind the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. During the final hour of flight, watch for the rapid change in elevation as you drop into the Sichuan Basin.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Iranian Coastline

Clear views of the rugged northern shores of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz shortly after departure.

🏔️

Zagros Mountains

The striking folded limestone ridges of the northern Zagros range stretching across Iran.

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Dasht-e Kavir

The vast salt deserts of the Iranian plateau featuring unique geological patterns and salt crusts.

❄️

Kunlun Mountains

Dramatic views of one of the longest mountain chains in Asia, forming the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

💧

High Altitude Lakes

Glimpses of isolated turquoise lakes like Siling Co or Namtso scattered across the northern Tibetan landscape.

The left side is best for observing the vast, desolate beauty of the Iranian deserts and the northern extent of the Tibetan Plateau. For night flights, this side avoids the glare of the sun during early morning arrivals in Chengdu. Look out for the stark contrast between the arid Iranian plains and the snow-capped Kunlun range.

Top Activities in Chengdu
Route Information

Distance: 4,872 km (3,027 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 44 min

Departure: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)

Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)

Route Type: International

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