Loading map...
ISB → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from New Islamabad International Airport (Islamabad) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the world's highest concentration of 8,000-meter peaks, including the legendary K2 and the massive Nanga Parbat.
Search flights from ISB to URC
Nanga Parbat
The world's 9th highest mountain, an isolated mass of rock and ice known as the 'Killer Mountain'.
K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen)
The second highest peak on Earth, visible in the distance within the Karakoram Range.
Baltoro Glacier
One of the longest non-polar glaciers, appearing as a massive river of ice between the peaks.
Karakoram Highway
The thin ribbon of the world's highest paved road snaking through deep, vertical valleys.
Gasherbrum Massif
A group of remote 8,000m peaks forming a wall of ice on the horizon.
This is arguably the most scenic window seat in the world. Request a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of K2 and the Karakoram giants. The best time for this flight is mid-morning when the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the mountains. Bring a camera with a good zoom lens, as the highest peaks like K2 are slightly distant but clearly visible on a clear day. Seasonal clarity is best in late autumn or early spring.
Book Hotels in UrumqiHindu Kush Range
Dramatic views of the rugged mountain system stretching across the Afghan-Pakistan border.
The Pamir Plateau
The 'Roof of the World' with its vast, high-altitude plateaus and frozen lakes.
Kashgar Oasis
The ancient Silk Road hub visible as a green patch amidst the arid surroundings near the border.
Taklamakan Desert
The western edge of one of the world's largest shifting sand deserts.
Western Tianshan
Snowy ridges of the 'Celestial Mountains' appearing as you approach Urumqi.
Sit on the left for better views of the Pamir mountains and the historical city of Kashgar. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the sun's glare, as the sun will be on the right side of the aircraft for most of the northward journey. Watch for the sharp transition from the green valleys of Pakistan to the stark, arid landscapes of the Tarim Basin.
Get eSIMs for Pakistan
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,708 km (1,061 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 17 min
Departure: ISB (33.560713, 72.851613)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.