UUD → NZH

Selenga River Valley

Visible shortly after departure, the Selenga creates intricate patterns as it meanders through the Buryat landscape toward Lake Baikal.

Khamar-Daban Mountains

Dramatic views of the southern mountain ranges that border the Baikal basin, often featuring snow on the peaks late into spring.

Gusinoye Lake

A prominent freshwater lake south of Ulan-Ude, surrounded by rolling hills and traditional Buryat settlements.

Hulun Lake (Dalai Nuur)

A massive, shimmering body of water that dominates the landscape just before the final approach into Manzhouli.

Manzhouli Skyline

The distinctive Russian-style architecture and the giant Matryoshka Doll Square are often visible during the final banking maneuvers.

Ulan-Ude Cityscape

Aerial views of the Buryatian capital, showing its unique mix of Soviet architecture and Buddhist influences shortly after takeoff.

Yablonovyy Range

The plane traverses this significant mountain chain which acts as the continental divide between the Arctic and Pacific drainage basins.

Trans-Baikal Taiga

Vast stretches of dense coniferous forests that characterize the rugged wilderness of the Zabaykalsky Krai region.

Hulunbuir Steppe

As you cross into China, the landscape flattens into the world-famous high-altitude grasslands of Inner Mongolia.