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LXA → GXH
Which side of the plane to sit from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (Lhasa) to Gannan Xiahe Airport (Xiahe city)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range and the vast, high-altitude lakes of the northern Tibetan Plateau, providing a quintessential 'Roof of the World' experience.
Nyenchen Tanglha Range
Massive snow-capped peaks rising over 7,000 meters, visible shortly after departing Lhasa.
Namtso Lake
One of Tibet's most sacred lakes, appearing as a brilliant turquoise jewel against the high-altitude desert.
Changtang Grasslands
The vast, sparsely populated northern plateau home to nomadic camps and wild Tibetan antelopes.
Yellow River Headwaters
Intricate, meandering blue channels and wetlands that mark the source region of China's Mother River.
Plateau Glaciers
Ancient ice flows and glacial valleys carved into the rugged terrain of the Tanggula Mountains.
Book a window seat on the left side (Seat A) for morning flights to get front-lit views of the Nyenchen Tanglha range. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes after takeoff for the best lake views. Use a high shutter speed to capture the sharp details of the jagged mountain ridges against the thin atmosphere.
Yarlung Tsangpo Valley
Spectacular aerial views of the deep river valley and sand dunes surrounding Lhasa Gonggar Airport.
Amne Machin Range
Sacred peaks of the Golog Tibetans, featuring dramatic rocky spires and year-round snow cover.
Gannan Monasteries
As you descend into Xiahe, look for the golden roofs of Tibetan monasteries nestled in lush green valleys.
Alpine Pastures
Lush summer grazing lands filled with black yak herds as the flight approaches the Gansu border.
High Plateau Clouds
Dramatic cloud formations that sit low over the high-altitude landscape, creating a sense of being on another planet.
The right side (Seat F) is excellent for observing the transition from the high plateau to the greener, rolling hills of Gannan. This side typically experiences less glare in the late afternoon. Look down during the final 15 minutes of the flight to spot the Labrang Monastery's sprawling complex near Xiahe.
Distance: 1,263 km (785 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 41 min
Departure: LXA (29.2978000641, 90.9119033813)
Arrival: GXH (34.8105, 102.6447)
Route Type: Domestic
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