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FRU → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Manas International Airport (Bishkek) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers unparalleled views of the heart of the Tian Shan mountains, including the massive alpine Lake Issyk-Kul and the highest peaks in the entire range.
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Issyk-Kul Lake
The world's second-largest alpine lake, famous for its deep blue water that never freezes, even in harsh winters.
Terskey Alatau
Dramatic, glaciated peaks lining the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, reaching elevations over 5,000 meters.
Jengish Chokusu
Also known as Victory Peak, this is the highest point in the Tian Shan at 7,439m, visible on the horizon.
Khan Tengri
A stunning marble pyramid peak that is one of the most beautiful and iconic summits in Central Asia.
Tarim Basin Edge
As the flight nears Urumqi, look south to see the transition where the mountains meet the Taklamakan Desert.
This is the essential side for this route. Request a window seat away from the wing to capture the scale of Issyk-Kul. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the northern faces of the high peaks, providing excellent contrast for photography. In winter, the snow cover across the entire Tian Shan range is breathtaking.
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Bishkek Cityscape
Aerial view of the Kyrgyz capital and the green sprawl of the Chu Valley immediately after takeoff.
Trans-Ili Alatau
The northernmost branch of the Tian Shan, showing rugged ridges that separate Kyrgyzstan from Kazakhstan.
Kazakh Steppe
To the far north, the vast and flat horizon of the Central Asian steppe begins where the mountains end.
Urumqi Industrial Belt
The approach into URC reveals massive solar farms and industrial infrastructure characteristic of the Xinjiang region.
Sit on the left if you prefer looking toward the vastness of the northern plains. Afternoon flights are better on this side to avoid the direct southern sun glare, though the landscape is generally less dramatic than the south.
Get eSIMs for Kyrgyzstan
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,052 km (654 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: FRU (43.0612983704, 74.4776000977)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: International
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