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CTU → LZY
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Nyingchi Airport (Nyingchi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side (Port) is widely considered the superior side for this route as it offers direct views of the 'King of Sichuan Mountains,' Gongga Shan, and the legendary Namcha Barwa during the final descent into the Nyingchi valley.
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Gongga Mountain
Witness the 7,556m 'King of Sichuan' shortly after takeoff; it is the highest peak in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.
Hailuogou Glacier
Spot the massive low-altitude glaciers cascading down the steep eastern slopes of the Minya Konka massif.
Namcha Barwa
As you descend into Nyingchi, look for this 7,782m giant, often ranked as China's most beautiful mountain.
Yarlung Tsangpo River
Follow the winding turquoise path of one of the world's highest rivers as it carves through the Himalayan range.
Mount Yala
A prominent, pyramid-shaped sacred snow mountain visible in the Garze region during the mid-flight segment.
Secure a window seat away from the wing for unobstructed views of the high peaks. Most flights to Nyingchi depart early in the morning (around 6:00-8:00 AM) to avoid afternoon turbulence; this timing provides excellent side-lighting for photography of the snow-capped summits. In spring (March-April), look for the pink haze of wild peach blossoms in the valleys below as you approach the airport.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaMount Siguniang
Early in the flight, see the 'Four Sisters' peaks, with the highest Yaomei Peak reaching 6,250m.
Hengduan Mountains
Marvel at the dramatic north-south oriented ridges and deep canyons that define the edge of the plateau.
Danba Watchtowers
On clear days, spot the ancient stone towers and traditional Tibetan villages nestled in the deep Dadu River valley.
Gyala Peri
This 7,294m peak stands directly across the canyon from Namcha Barwa and is best viewed from the right side during the approach.
Sichuan Basin Edge
Observe the sharp geographical boundary where the flat, misty Sichuan basin suddenly thrusts upward into 5,000m peaks.
The right side offers a better perspective of the vastness of the Tibetan plateau's internal ranges. During winter, this side receives more direct sunlight, making the cabin warmer. Pay attention to the descent phase; the pilot must perform complex maneuvers through narrow valleys to land at LZY, providing a 'thrill ride' view of the mountain walls very close to the wingtips.
Book Hotels in NyingchiDistance: 937 km (582 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: LZY (29.303300857543945, 94.33529663085938)
Route Type: Domestic
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