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KTM → PBH
Which side of the plane to sit from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) to Paro Airport (Thimphu)?
Left Side of the Plane
This is one of the most spectacular flight paths globally, with the left side offering a front-row seat to the highest mountains on Earth, including Mount Everest.
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Mount Everest
The world's highest peak (8,848m) appears roughly 15-20 minutes after takeoff from Kathmandu.
Lhotse and Makalu
Adjacent to Everest, these two 8,000m giants form a massive, continuous wall of ice and rock.
Kanchenjunga
The world's third highest mountain dominates the skyline as the plane crosses into Sikkim/Bhutan airspace.
Glacial Lakes
Numerous high-altitude turquoise lakes, like Tsho Rolpa, are visible nestled between the rugged ridges.
Mount Jomolhari
Known as the 'Bride of Kangchenjunga', this sacred peak marks the final approach into Bhutanese territory.
Ensure you book a window seat on the left (usually 'A' seats). Morning flights are essential, as the Himalayas typically gather cloud cover by midday. The peaks are closest during the first half of the 45-minute flight. Clean your window if possible, as the glare at high altitude is intense.
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Mahabharat Range
The lush, green mid-hills of Nepal provide a beautiful contrast to the deep river valleys below.
Terai Plains
On clear days, the flat agricultural heartland of southern Nepal and northern India is visible in the distance.
River Gorges
Deeply carved river systems like the Arun and Teesta wind through the southern foothills toward the plains.
Paro Valley Entry
During the final descent, the right side provides excellent views of traditional Bhutanese farmhouses and terraced fields.
While you miss the 8,000m peaks, the right side offers better lighting for landscape photography during early morning flights as the sun is behind you. It also provides a better perspective of the hair-raising, low-altitude banking maneuvers required to land at Paro Airport.
Book Hotels in ThimphuDistance: 402 km (250 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 40 min
Departure: KTM (27.6966, 85.3591)
Arrival: PBH (27.4032001495, 89.42459869380001)
Route Type: International
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