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BPX → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Qamdo Bangda Airport (Bangda) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point of the massive Mount Gongga (Minya Konka) and the high-altitude glaciers of the southern Hengduan Mountains.
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Mount Gongga (Minya Konka)
At 7,556m, it is the highest peak in Sichuan and offers a breathtaking sight during clear weather.
Jinsha River Gorge
Stunning views of the upper Yangtze River snaking through deep mountain corridors.
High Plateau Glaciers
Ancient ice formations and turquoise glacial lakes visible on the higher southern massifs.
Zheduo Mountain Pass
A famous geographic gateway between the high plateau and the western Sichuan mountains.
Chengdu Approach
Aerial views of the sprawling Chengdu metropolitan area as the plane descends into the basin.
The right side is the prime choice for seeing Mount Gongga. It typically appears approximately 30 to 45 minutes after takeoff. To avoid the intense glare of the high-altitude sun, flights scheduled in the early morning or late afternoon are ideal. Ensure your window is clean, as the mountain peaks often appear just above the wing line.
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Northern Hengduan Peaks
A continuous expanse of jagged, snow-capped ranges stretching toward the horizon.
Nu River Canyons
Deeply incised river valleys that have carved through the Tibetan Plateau over millennia.
Qamdo High-Altitude Settlements
Sparse clusters of traditional Tibetan architecture visible shortly after takeoff from Bangda.
Sichuan Basin Inversion
The dramatic transition as the high-altitude air meets the thick clouds often covering the basin.
The left side provides excellent lighting for northern photography during morning flights. Keep your eyes peeled for the sharp contrast between the arid plateau floors and the permanent snowfields on the north-facing slopes.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 655 km (407 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 6 min
Departure: BPX (30.553600311279297, 97.1082992553711)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: Domestic
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