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GXH → LXA
Which side of the plane to sit from Gannan Xiahe Airport (Xiahe city) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (Lhasa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of the high-altitude wilderness, including the massive glaciated peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha range and the sacred turquoise waters of Namtso Lake.
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Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains
Breathtaking views of glaciated peaks exceeding 7,000 meters that dominate the northern horizon of Lhasa.
Namtso Lake
On a clear day, the striking blue waters of one of the world's highest saltwater lakes are visible against the white peaks.
Changtang Wilderness
The vast, uninhabited high-altitude desert of northern Tibet, showing the extreme scale of the plateau.
Qinghai-Tibet Railway
The thin line of the 'Sky Road' railway can often be seen snaking through the mountain passes below.
Tanggula Range
The massive, sprawling mountain pass area that marks the geographical heart of the Tibetan Plateau.
The right side is essential for seeing Namtso Lake, which usually appears 20 to 30 minutes before landing. Choose a window seat away from the wing to fully appreciate the sheer verticality of the Nyenchen Tanglha range. Flying during the winter months offers the highest probability of cloud-free views of the snow-capped interior peaks.
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Yellow River Headwaters
The intricate meandering wetlands of the early Yellow River visible shortly after departing the Gannan region.
Amne Machin Range
A glimpse of the sacred glaciated massif, one of the most prominent mountain ranges in the eastern Kunlun system.
Bayan Har Mountains
The rugged terrain that serves as the watershed between the Yellow and Yangtze river basins.
Yarlung Tsangpo Valley
Dramatic braided river channels and sand dunes that characterize the descent into the Lhasa area.
Eastern Himalayan Foothills
Endless layers of snow-capped ridges stretching toward the southeastern horizon during the final cruise phase.
Sit on the left to capture the transition from the lush alpine meadows of Gannan to the arid, high-altitude river valleys. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the Amne Machin range, as the sun illuminates the eastern slopes. During the descent into LXA, look for the ancient monastic sites nestled in the valley folds.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,263 km (785 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 41 min
Departure: GXH (34.8105, 102.6447)
Arrival: LXA (29.2978000641, 90.9119033813)
Route Type: Domestic
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