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KMG → DIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming) to Diqing Airport (Shangri-La)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular, close-up views of the 5,000-meter snow peaks, including the iconic Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains, alongside the deep canyons of the Jinsha River.
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Jinsha River Canyons
The upper reaches of the Yangtze River carving deep, dramatic trenches through the rugged terrain.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Breathtaking views of the 5,596m Shanzidou peak and its permanent glaciers near Lijiang.
Haba Snow Mountain
A symmetrical snow-capped peak sitting directly across from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the deepest canyons in the world, visible as a narrow slit between the two massive snow peaks.
Glacial Moraines
Visible evidence of ancient glacial movements on the high slopes during the approach to Shangri-La.
The right side is essential for peak baggers. Book an early morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to avoid the afternoon clouds that often shroud the snow peaks. The highlight occurs approximately 15-20 minutes before landing. Avoid seats over the wing to ensure clear views of the deep river gorges.
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Dianchi Lake
A vast freshwater lake visible shortly after taking off from Kunming, known as the Pearl of the Plateau.
Erhai Lake
The famous ear-shaped lake of Dali, flanked by traditional villages and dramatic shorelines.
Cangshan Mountain Range
Nineteen majestic peaks that rise sharply from the western shore of Erhai Lake.
Hengduan Alpine Forests
Dense, high-altitude coniferous forests and complex mountain folds characteristic of Western Yunnan.
Shangri-La Plateau
The transition into the high-altitude meadows and rolling hills of the Tibetan plateau.
Sit on the left to capture the serene beauty of Dali and Erhai Lake. Mid-morning flights are best as the sun illuminates the Cangshan range without harsh glare. During the descent, watch for the gradual shift from red earth to high-altitude plateau vegetation.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 441 km (274 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 44 min
Departure: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Arrival: DIG (27.7936, 99.6772)
Route Type: Domestic
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