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URC → AAT
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Altay Air Base (Altay)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the vast Ulungur Lake and the dramatic contrast between the Gurbantünggüt Desert dunes and the rising Altai peaks during the descent.
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Gurbantünggüt Desert
Aerial view of China's second-largest desert, featuring unique longitudinal sand dunes and desert vegetation.
Ulungur Lake
A massive, deep blue endorheic lake that appears as a stark oasis amidst the arid Junggar Basin.
Altai Foothills
The rugged transition from desert floor to the rocky, snow-dusted western edges of the Altai range.
Sunset Horizons
On evening flights, the sun sets directly over the Kazakh border, casting long shadows across the dunes.
Sit on the left for the most consistent landscape variety. For the best photography, aim for a morning flight when the sun is behind you, illuminating the desert floor. During winter, look for the 'ice eye' patterns on Ulungur Lake as it freezes over.
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Ürümqi Urban Sprawl
Immediate views of the dense urban development of Ürümqi and the nearby industrial zones after takeoff.
Irtysh River
The winding 'Golden River' of Xinjiang, visible as a lush green ribbon cutting through the desert landscape.
High Altai Peaks
Distant but clear views of the major snow-capped massifs of the central Altai Mountains to the northeast.
Altay Oases
Structured patches of green agricultural land and irrigation networks that surround the city of Altay.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunrise on early morning departures. Keep your eyes peeled for the Irtysh River during the middle of the flight; its turquoise water contrasts sharply with the yellow sand, especially in autumn when the riverside forests turn bright gold.
Book Hotels in AltayDistance: 430 km (267 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 43 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: AAT (47.7498855591, 88.0858078003)
Route Type: Domestic
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