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KMG → LXA
Which side of the plane to sit from Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (Lhasa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the eastern Himalayas, including the legendary Namjagbarwa peak and the winding Yarlung Tsangpo River as you approach the Tibetan Plateau.
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Mt. Namjagbarwa
One of the world's most beautiful peaks, often visible as a massive pyramid rising above the clouds.
Yarlung Tsangpo River
The braided river channels flow through the valley floor as you approach Lhasa.
Eastern Himalayan Glaciers
Vast ice fields and hanging glaciers visible as the plane crosses the high-altitude border of Tibet.
Cangshan Mountains
Early in the flight, catch views of the dramatic ridges near Dali and Erhai Lake.
For the most dramatic experience, book an early morning flight (before 09:00 AM) to avoid the clouds that frequently gather around Himalayan peaks by midday. Aim for a window seat well clear of the wing—ideally in the rear third of the cabin—to capture the full scale of the mountain ranges without obstruction.
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Three Parallel Rivers
The deep, narrow gorges of the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nujiang rivers cutting through the landscape.
Meili Snow Mountain
The sacred Kawa Garbo peak is often visible in the distance to the North.
Yulong Snow Mountain
The jagged limestone peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near Lijiang.
Alpine Lakes
Numerous small, high-altitude turquoise lakes scattered across the northern plateau terrain.
The right side is exceptional for geography enthusiasts wanting to see the 'Three Parallel Rivers' World Heritage site. Use a polarized filter for photography to cut through the haze and emphasize the deep blues of the high-altitude lakes. This side often provides better lighting during afternoon flights when the sun moves to the south.
Book Hotels in LhasaDistance: 1,276 km (793 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Arrival: LXA (29.2978000641, 90.9119033813)
Route Type: Domestic
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