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XIY → LXA
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (Lhasa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior panorama of the high Himalayan peaks, including distant views of Gongga Shan, and provides the best angle for the dramatic descent into the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley.
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Qinling Mountains
Cross the massive mountain range that serves as the natural boundary between Northern and Southern China.
Mount Gongga
On clear days, the 'King of Sichuan Mountains' (7,556m) can be seen towering to the south.
Hengduan Gorges
Observe the dramatic vertical relief where major rivers have carved deep canyons into the plateau's edge.
Yarlung Tsangpo River
Stunning views of the braided river channels as the flight aligns with the valley for landing.
Book a window seat in the forward or rear sections to avoid wing obstruction. Opt for a morning flight (07:00-10:00) to ensure the sun is behind or beside you, illuminating the peaks perfectly while avoiding the afternoon cloud cover common over the plateau. In winter, the snow coverage on the mountains is most dramatic.
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Tibetan Plateau
A vast expanse of high-altitude alpine meadow and desolate beauty extending toward the horizon.
Tanggula Mountains
Glimpse the rugged, snow-capped peaks that mark the central part of the plateau.
Nyenchen Tanglha
Massive glaciers and peaks over 7,000 meters visible shortly before the final descent into Lhasa.
Lhasa River Valley
Aerial views of the high-altitude agricultural patches and settlements nestled in the mountain shadows.
The right side is excellent for observing the vast, untouched wilderness of Northern Tibet. Keep an eye out for small, turquoise high-altitude lakes that dot the landscape mid-flight. For photography, ensure your lens is close to the window to minimize glare from the high-altitude sun, which can be extremely bright on this side.
Book Hotels in LhasaDistance: 1,776 km (1,104 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: LXA (29.2978000641, 90.9119033813)
Route Type: Domestic
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