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URC → GYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Baku)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most spectacular and sustained views of the Tianshan mountain range immediately after takeoff, followed by the diverse geological textures of the Central Asian deserts.
Search flights from URC to GYD
Tianshan Mountain Range
Breathtaking views of massive snow-capped peaks and glaciers during the first hour of flight.
Fergana Valley
A vibrant green agricultural oasis that provides a sharp visual contrast to the surrounding arid terrain.
Karakum Desert
The 'Black Sands' of Turkmenistan, featuring unique dune patterns and isolated desert settlements.
Amu Darya River
The winding turquoise waters of one of Central Asia's longest rivers snaking through the landscape.
Kopet Dag Foothills
Rugged mountains forming the border between Turkmenistan and Iran visible in the distance.
Sit on the left for the most dramatic mountain views right after departing Urumqi. For morning flights, the sun will be behind you or to the right, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Tianshan peaks. During the descent into Baku, look for the southern curve of the Absheron Peninsula.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for AzerbaijanDzungarian Basin
The vast, arid northern plains of Xinjiang with stark, multi-colored geological formations.
Aral Sea Remnants
A haunting view of the receding water lines and white salt flats of what was once one of the world's largest lakes.
Ustyurt Plateau
Dramatic white limestone cliffs and deep canyons characterizing the landscape of western Kazakhstan.
Caspian Oil Infrastructure
Offshore platforms and ships dotting the Caspian Sea as the flight nears the Azerbaijani coast.
Baku Cityscape
A clear view of the Flame Towers, the Caspian waterfront, and the modern Baku skyline during final approach.
The right side is superior for observing the environmental impact on the Aral Sea and the industrial scale of the Caspian oil fields. This side usually provides a better view of the Baku city center and the Maiden Tower area if the plane approaches from the east over the sea.
Book Hotels in BakuDistance: 3,081 km (1,914 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 37 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: GYD (40.46749877929688, 50.04669952392578)
Route Type: International
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