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URC → KCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Kuqa Airport (Kuqa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the majestic Bogda Peak and the highest glacial sections of the Tianshan range before transitioning into the vibrant red-rock formations of the Kuqa canyons.
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Bogda Peak
Shortly after takeoff from Urumqi, look east to see the permanent snow cap of this 5,445-meter iconic summit.
Tianshan Glaciers
Witness the high-altitude ice fields and glacial tongues that feed the rivers of the Tarim Basin.
Red Rock Canyons
During the descent into Kuqa, the terrain turns a brilliant rust-red with sharp, eroded cliff faces.
Mountain Runoff Streams
Watch turquoise meltwater streams carving deep paths through the arid foothills.
Kuqa Oasis
The dramatic visual shift from barren desert mountains to the lush green agricultural patches surrounding Kuqa.
Book a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the snow-capped peaks of Bogda and the Tianshan range perfectly. Avoid seats directly over the wing (usually rows 15-25) to ensure a clear view of the deep canyon floor during the final 15 minutes of the flight. In winter, the entire range is covered in pristine white, making for incredible photography.
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Urumqi Cityscape
A comprehensive view of the regional capital's skyline tucked against the northern slopes of the mountains.
Duku Highway
Spot sections of the legendary mountain road snaking through the narrow valleys and steep mountain passes.
Middle Tianshan Folds
Observe the intense geological folding and layered rock strata characteristic of the central Tianshan range.
Tarim Basin Horizon
As the mountains end, the vast, hazy expanse of the Taklamakan Desert begins to stretch toward the horizon.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as it avoids the harsh glare of the southern sun. Keep a close eye out for the Duku Highway; it looks like a tiny thread winding through massive canyons. This side also provides a better perspective of the sheer scale of the Tarim Basin's arid plains as you approach the airport.
Book Hotels in KuqaDistance: 450 km (280 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: KCA (41.677856, 82.872917)
Route Type: Domestic
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