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LHW → LXA
Which side of the plane to sit from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (Lhasa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the most iconic landmarks of the Tibetan Plateau, including the vast Kunlun Range and the breathtaking turquoise Namtso Lake during the descent.
Kunlun Mountain Range
Fly parallel to the snow-capped spine of the 'Father of Mountains,' showcasing eternal glaciers and jagged 6,000m+ peaks.
Hoh Xil Wilderness
Look down upon the vast, uninhabited brown and gold plains of the Qiangtang, a UNESCO world heritage site known as 'No Man's Land'.
Namtso Lake
One of Tibet's most sacred and beautiful saltwater lakes, appearing as a brilliant turquoise jewel against the Nyenchen Tanglha mountains.
Tanggula Pass
Cross the high-altitude divide where the air is thin and the terrain is dominated by massive ice caps and frozen rivers.
Mount Geladandong
On clear days, see the highest peak in the Tanggula Mountains and the source of the Yangtze River.
This side is essential for seeing Namtso Lake, which usually appears about 20 minutes before landing. Book a morning flight (departure before 10 AM) to avoid the convective cloud cover that typically forms over the plateau in the afternoon, which can obscure the high mountain peaks and the lake.
Loess Plateau Terraces
Observe the intricate agricultural terracing and yellow silt hills characteristic of the Lanzhou region shortly after takeoff.
Bayan Har Mountains
Cross over the rugged peaks that form the watershed between the Yellow and Yangtze River systems.
Yarlung Tsangpo River
Spectacular views of the braided river channels and massive sand dunes as the plane follows the valley into Lhasa.
Lhasa Valley Settlements
Glimpse traditional Tibetan villages and monasteries nestled in the high-altitude valleys during the final approach.
Choose the left side for the most dramatic views of the river valley during the landing sequence. Morning flights are ideal to see the sun illuminating the southern slopes of the mountains, and keep an eye out for the distinctive braided river patterns which are best seen from this side.
Distance: 1,430 km (889 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 54 min
Departure: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Arrival: LXA (29.2978000641, 90.9119033813)
Route Type: Domestic
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