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IKT → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Irkutsk Airport (Irkutsk) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a more diverse landscape, featuring the winding Irkut River, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, and a more direct view of the Gobi Desert's unique geology and the Great Wall approach into Beijing.
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Irkut River Valley
Meandering river loops and dense Siberian forests immediately following takeoff.
Ulaanbaatar Aerial
The dense urban center of Mongolia's capital nestled between the sacred Bogd Khan Mountain.
Gobi Desert Dunes
Stunning views of the arid plateau, featuring stark rock formations and sandy expanses.
The Great Wall
Look closely for the serpent-like structures of the Ming dynasty wall along the mountain ridges north of Beijing.
Yin Mountains
Rugged, dark mountain ranges that define the border of the North China Plain.
This side is superior for photography, especially during late afternoon flights when the sun highlights the textures of the Gobi Desert. During the approach into PEK, keep your eyes peeled on the mountain ridges for the Great Wall; use a high shutter speed as the plane descends rapidly.
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Southern Lake Baikal
Distant views of the deepest lake in the world as you climb away from Irkutsk.
Buryatia Mountains
The snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Sayan range stretching toward the Mongolian border.
Mongolian Steppe
Vast, undulating grasslands that change from deep green to gold depending on the season.
Miyun Reservoir
A massive blue landmark signaling the final descent into the Beijing area.
Sit on this side for morning flights to experience the sunrise over the Siberian wilderness. It offers a more serene view of the transition from the Russian taiga to the Mongolian grasslands, but views can be obscured by haze near the Chinese border.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,644 km (1,022 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 12 min
Departure: IKT (52.268001556396, 104.38899993896)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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