The left side benefits from a rare distant Himalayan glimpse near Delhi, then tracks close to the eastern Himalaya/Yunnan highlands and Guangxi's karst hill country during cruise, giving it more varied terrain than the right side's flat plains and open-water stretches over Bangladesh and the South China Sea.
Flown DEL to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Delhi to Hong Kong is 2,328 miles (3,747 km), a flight of about 5 hours 20 minutes.
Eastern Himalaya foothills near the Nepal border, the Yunnan Plateau and Hengduan mountain ridges of southwestern China, and the karst hill country of Guangxi near Guilin before descending toward the Pearl River Delta
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
LEFTClimbing out of Delhi, the north-facing side looks across the Yamuna River threading through the city's dense grid, with the old Delhi Ridge forest patch visible below. On a clear winter day the distant, snow-capped Himalayan foothills can just be made out on the horizon far to the north, something the south-facing side lacks over the flat Haryana plains.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTOn the common northeast-facing approach into Hong Kong (runway 07, used in the winter monsoon season), the south-facing side gets a close look at Lantau Island's mountains and the scattering of outlying islands in the South China Sea just before touchdown. The left side mostly faces open water and the Pearl River estuary with fewer distinct features.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Hong Kong. The left side benefits from a rare distant Himalayan glimpse near Delhi, then tracks close to the eastern Himalaya/Yunnan highlands and Guangxi's karst hill country during cruise, giving it more varied terrain than the right side's flat plains and open-water stretches over Bangladesh and the South China Sea.
What can I see during takeoff from Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
During takeoff from Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing out of Delhi, the north-facing side looks across the Yamuna River threading through the city's dense grid, with the old Delhi Ridge forest patch visible below. On a clear winter day the distant, snow-capped Himalayan foothills can just be made out on the horizon far to the north, something the south-facing side lacks over the flat Haryana plains. Notable sights include: Yamuna River, Delhi urban sprawl, Delhi Ridge forest belt, distant Himalayan foothills (clear days).
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common northeast-facing approach into Hong Kong (runway 07, used in the winter monsoon season), the south-facing side gets a close look at Lantau Island's mountains and the scattering of outlying islands in the South China Sea just before touchdown. The left side mostly faces open water and the Pearl River estuary with fewer distinct features. Notable sights include: Lantau Peak, Sunset Peak, outlying islands (Cheung Chau, Lamma Island), South China Sea.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Hong Kong?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 5 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,328 miles (3,747 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Delhi to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
Eastern Himalaya foothills near the Nepal border, the Yunnan Plateau and Hengduan mountain ridges of southwestern China, and the karst hill country of Guangxi near Guilin before descending toward the Pearl River Delta