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URC → ISB
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to New Islamabad International Airport (Islamabad)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to some of the highest peaks on Earth, including the legendary K2 and the massive Nanga Parbat, as the flight traverses the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges.
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Tianshan Mountains
Dramatic snow-capped peaks visible shortly after departure from Urumqi.
Taklamakan Desert Edge
The vast, shifting sands of the Tarim Basin visible to the far east.
K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen)
The world's second-highest mountain, recognizable by its near-perfect pyramid shape.
Baltoro Glacier
One of the world's longest glaciers outside the polar regions, appearing as a massive frozen river.
Nanga Parbat
The 8,126-meter 'Killer Mountain' marks the western end of the Himalayas near the descent.
Choose a window seat on the left (usually 'A') for morning flights to get the best illumination on the Karakoram giants. The most spectacular mountain views occur roughly 40-60 minutes after takeoff. Keep your camera ready as you pass the Khunjerab Pass area, where the terrain becomes exceptionally rugged.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for PakistanPamir Plateau
The 'Roof of the World' with high-altitude plains and rounded, ancient mountains.
Sarikol Range
The high ridge line that forms the natural border between China and Tajikistan.
Hindu Kush
Sharp, jagged peaks extending westward into Afghanistan and northern Pakistan.
Swat Valley
Lush green alpine scenery and deep river valleys during the initial descent phase.
Margalla Hills
The final set of forested hills surrounding Islamabad as the plane prepares to land.
The right side (usually 'F' or 'L') is excellent for seeing the transition from the high Pamirs into the deep valleys of Northern Pakistan. This side is often better in the late afternoon to avoid direct glare from the sun. Look for the Karakoram Highway snaking through the canyons below during the mid-flight segment.
Book Hotels in IslamabadDistance: 1,708 km (1,061 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 17 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: ISB (33.560713, 72.851613)
Route Type: International
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