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CTU → KHG
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Kashgar Airport (Kashi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the most dramatic high-altitude landscapes in the world, including the towering Kunlun Mountains and the majestic entry into the Pamir Plateau.
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Minshan Range
Rising sharply from the Sichuan Basin, these snow-capped peaks mark the start of the Tibetan Plateau's ascent.
Kunlun Glaciers
Aerial views of massive glacial systems and peaks exceeding 6,000 meters along the southern edge of the flight path.
Yellow River Headwaters
The intricate network of alpine lakes and meandering streams that form the source of the Great Yellow River.
Pamir Mountains
On the final approach to Kashgar, the 'Roof of the World' dominates the horizon to the southwest with jagged, ice-clad summits.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare while capturing the best shadows on the Kunlun peaks. The transition from the green Sichuan hills to the white alpine desert occurs within the first hour. Keep your camera ready as you pass near the Muztagh Ata massif during the descent into Kashgar.
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Qaidam Basin
A high-altitude desert basin featuring salt lakes and unique yardang landforms visible to the north.
Altun Mountains
The rugged northern boundary of the plateau, showing stark tectonic ridges and colorful mineral deposits.
Taklamakan Desert
As the plane turns toward Kashi, see the edge of the world's second-largest shifting sand desert with its iconic longitudinal dunes.
Kashgar Oasis
The dramatic contrast of lush green farmland appearing suddenly amidst the surrounding tan desert sands.
The right side is superior for observing the geological vastness of the Tarim Basin. For afternoon flights, the sun will be behind you, providing perfect lighting for the orange hues of the Taklamakan dunes. Look for the distant Tianshan range to the far north during mid-flight if visibility is high.
Book Hotels in KashiDistance: 2,716 km (1,688 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 37 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: KHG (39.5429000854, 76.0199966431)
Route Type: Domestic
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