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LXA → MIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (Lhasa) to Mianyang Airport (Mianyang)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the highest peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, including the legendary Namcha Barwa, and the dramatic transition from the Tibetan Plateau to the Sichuan Basin.
Yarlung Tsangpo River
Spectacular views of the winding turquoise river immediately after takeoff from Lhasa.
Namcha Barwa
The 7,782m 'Spear of the Sky' peak, known for its extreme vertical relief above the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.
Gongga Mountain
Also known as Minya Konka, the highest peak in Sichuan is often visible on the southern horizon.
Plateau Edge
The breathtaking descent where the 4,000m plateau drops sharply into the lush green Sichuan Basin.
Cloud Seas
Frequent low-hanging clouds over the Sichuan Basin create a striking contrast against the clear Tibetan sky.
The right side is the premium choice for peak-bagging enthusiasts. Be prepared with your camera immediately after takeoff, as the Yarlung Tsangpo valley views appear within minutes. During summer, look for the 'Green Wall' effect as the dry plateau suddenly turns into humid, verdant mountains near the Sichuan border. The best visibility is usually on early morning flights before clouds build up over the high peaks.
Nyenchen Tanglha Range
Observation of the jagged, snow-capped peaks that form the northern boundary of the Lhasa valley.
Jinsha River Gorges
Deeply incised river valleys of the upper Yangtze cutting through the rugged Hengduan Mountains.
Qamdo Highlands
Dramatic red-soil plateaus and high-altitude alpine terrain unique to Eastern Tibet.
Mianyang Approach
Clear views of the northern Sichuan urban landscape as the plane descends into the basin.
Sit on the left for better lighting during morning flights to avoid direct glare. Watch for the Three Parallel Rivers region roughly mid-flight, where the terrain becomes exceptionally vertical and complex. Use a fast shutter speed to capture the sharp details of the high-altitude glaciers.
Distance: 1,347 km (837 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 48 min
Departure: LXA (29.2978000641, 90.9119033813)
Arrival: MIG (31.4281005859375, 104.74099731445312)
Route Type: Domestic
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