URC → FRU

Bogda Peak

Visible shortly after takeoff, this 5,445m peak is the highest in the eastern Tianshan and is often capped in permanent snow.

Central Tianshan Glaciers

A continuous chain of jagged, ice-covered ridges and high-altitude glacial valleys that form the spine of the border region.

Lake Issyk-Kul

The world's second-largest alpine lake; its deep blue water never freezes and provides a stunning contrast to the surrounding white peaks.

Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range

Dramatic, sharp-edged mountains that line the southern horizon as the aircraft begins its descent into the Chuy Valley.

Urumqi Metropolitan Area

A birds-eye view of the dense urban layout and industrial zones of Xinjiang's capital immediately after departure.

Junggar Basin Edge

The northern horizon reveals the transition from the Tianshan foothills into the vast, arid plains of the Gurbantunggut Desert.

Ili River Delta

Looking northwest, you can spot the winding blue veins of the Ili River as it flows toward Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan.

Trans-Ili Alatau

On very clear days, the northernmost range of the Tianshan, bordering Almaty, is visible in the distance to the north.