Loading map...
NGQ → LXA
Which side of the plane to sit from Ngari Gunsa Airport (Shiquanhe) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (Lhasa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the most sacred geography in Asia, including the legendary Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, and the majestic Himalayan range bordering Nepal.
Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche)
The world-famous pyramid-shaped peak, sacred to four religions, is clearly visible shortly after takeoff from NGQ.
Lake Manasarovar
The high-altitude freshwater lake sitting at the foot of Kailash, known for its deep blue color.
Lake Rakshastal
The crescent-shaped 'Ghost Lake' neighboring Manasarovar, providing a stark color contrast.
Greater Himalayan Range
An unbroken chain of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks stretching along the southern horizon toward Nepal.
Yarlung Tsangpo River
Aerial views of the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra as it snakes through the arid Tibetan valleys.
Lhasa Valley Descent
Dramatic views of the river confluence and the high-altitude terraced fields as the plane descends into LXA.
Sit on the right for an unparalleled view of Mount Kailash. Since most flights from NGQ depart in the morning, the sun will be to your south/right; bring sunglasses to mitigate glare while photographing the Himalayan peaks. Kailash appears surprisingly early, so be ready within 15 minutes of takeoff.
Gangdise Range
Continuous views of the rugged Trans-Himalayan peaks that form the backbone of the northern plateau.
Zhari Namco
One of Tibet's largest and most stunning turquoise saltwater lakes, visible in the middle section of the flight.
Changtang Wilderness
The high-altitude desert and steppe landscapes, often showing unique geological patterns and braided riverbeds.
Nyenchen Tanglha Peaks
As you approach the Lhasa region, the sharp, snow-covered spires of this northern range dominate the horizon.
High Plateau Cloudscapes
Dramatic cloud formations that often sit low over the 4,500m+ terrain, creating a sense of flying at sea level.
The left side is excellent for seeing the 'Third Pole' landscape. It is generally less prone to glare during morning flights heading east. Keep an eye out for the vast, shimmering blue of Zhari Namco which appears about 30-40 minutes into the flight.
Distance: 1,083 km (673 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: NGQ (32.1, 80.05305555560001)
Arrival: LXA (29.2978000641, 90.9119033813)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.