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HGU → LAE
Which side of the plane to sit from Mount Hagen Kagamuga Airport (Mount Hagen) to Nadzab Airport (Nadzab)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of Papua New Guinea's rugged interior, specifically featuring Mount Wilhelm, the highest peak in the country and Oceania.
Mount Wilhelm
Witness the iconic 4,509m peak of PNG's highest mountain, often capped with mist or occasionally a dusting of frost.
Bismarck Range
A continuous wall of jagged, forest-clad mountains that define the northern edge of the Highlands.
Ramu Valley
Distant views of the vast, flat lowlands and the snaking Ramu River far to the north of the mountain ranges.
Saruwaged Range
Towering peaks that rise sharply above the clouds as the flight nears the Huon Peninsula.
Book an early morning flight (before 09:00) for the best chance to see the summit of Mount Wilhelm before it is obscured by tropical cloud build-up. A seat in the forward section of the cabin will provide the clearest view away from the engine exhaust and wing structure.
Wahgi Valley
The lush, high-altitude agricultural heartland of PNG, dotted with coffee plantations and traditional villages.
Kubor Range
Impressive limestone ridges and craggy peaks that flank the southern side of the flight path.
Kratke Range
A remote and wild mountain system characterized by deep V-shaped valleys and dense primary rainforest.
Markham River
The massive, braided river system that the plane follows during the final descent into Nadzab Airport.
The right side is excellent for observing the intricate braided patterns of the Markham River during the approach to LAE. Be aware that the afternoon sun can be quite intense on this side of the aircraft, so keep the window shade handy if you are flying later in the day.
Distance: 281 km (175 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 28 min
Departure: HGU (-5.826789855957031, 144.29600524902344)
Arrival: LAE (-6.569803, 146.725977)
Route Type: Domestic
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