Loading map...
URC → KRY
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Karamay Airport (Karamay)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, providing a striking contrast between snow-capped peaks and the arid Junggar Basin.
Search flights from URC to KRY
Tianshan Northern Slopes
Dramatic views of the massive snow-capped peaks that define the southern boundary of the Junggar Basin.
Manas River Valley
A vital river corridor that supports irrigation and agriculture in an otherwise desert environment.
Shihezi Oasis
A glimpse of the 'Green Pearl of the Gobi,' a highly planned agricultural city with visible forest belts.
Foothill Badlands
Intricate erosion patterns and colorful sediment layers in the lower elevations of the mountain range.
Sit on the left side during morning flights for the best illumination on the Tianshan peaks. On departure from URC, look back slightly to catch the Bogda Peak if the air is clear. During winter, the landscape is entirely covered in white, emphasizing the jagged terrain.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for China
Gurbantünggüt Desert
China's second-largest desert, featuring unique longitudinal sand dunes and hardy desert vegetation.
Karamay Oil Fields
A vast 'forest' of thousands of oil derricks and pumpjacks visible as you approach Karamay Airport.
Vast Farmlands
Large-scale cotton and beet fields arranged in geometric patterns near the Kuytun area.
Junggar Basin Horizon
An endless, flat horizon that showcases the sheer scale of the Xinjiang interior.
The right side is best for observing the industrial marvel of the Karamay oil industry on final descent. Use a polarizing filter if photographing the desert to cut through the haze. Late afternoon flights offer spectacular shadows over the longitudinal dunes.
Book Hotels in KaramayDistance: 264 km (164 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 26 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: KRY (45.46655, 84.9527)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.