The right side wins across all phases: Hong Kong's skyline and harbor at takeoff, a Himalayan-facing cruise track skirting the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and a dramatic approach into Kathmandu with the high Himalaya dominating the horizon.
Flown HKG to KTM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Kathmandu is 1,822 miles (2,932 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Southern China's Yunnan plateau and river gorges, the upper Mekong and Salween valleys, the eastern Himalayan foothills near the Myanmar-Tibet border, and the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau leading into the Kathmandu Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTDepartures from HKG typically climb out over the water before banking toward the mainland, and on the right side passengers get a sweeping view of Hong Kong Island's skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the Lantau Bridge as the aircraft turns northwest toward China. The left side mostly shows open sea and the Pearl River estuary with little definition.
Landing at KTM
RIGHTOn approach into Kathmandu, especially when runway 02 is in use, the aircraft descends from the south with the Kathmandu Valley below and the snow-capped Himalayan wall filling the horizon to the north. Passengers on the right side get a clear, close view of peaks like Langtang and Ganesh Himal as the plane lines up for landing, while the left side faces the valley's southern hills with no major peaks.
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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 Hong Kong International (HKG) to Tribhuvan International (KTM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Kathmandu. The right side wins across all phases: Hong Kong's skyline and harbor at takeoff, a Himalayan-facing cruise track skirting the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and a dramatic approach into Kathmandu with the high Himalaya dominating the horizon.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures from HKG typically climb out over the water before banking toward the mainland, and on the right side passengers get a sweeping view of Hong Kong Island's skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the Lantau Bridge as the aircraft turns northwest toward China. The left side mostly shows open sea and the Pearl River estuary with little definition. Notable sights include: Hong Kong Island skyline, Victoria Harbour, Lantau Island and bridge, Pearl River Delta.
What can I see when landing at Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu?
When landing at Tribhuvan International (KTM), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Kathmandu, especially when runway 02 is in use, the aircraft descends from the south with the Kathmandu Valley below and the snow-capped Himalayan wall filling the horizon to the north. Passengers on the right side get a clear, close view of peaks like Langtang and Ganesh Himal as the plane lines up for landing, while the left side faces the valley's southern hills with no major peaks. Notable sights include: Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Kathmandu Valley terraced hillsides, Bagmati river valley.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Kathmandu?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Tribhuvan International (KTM) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,822 miles (2,932 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Kathmandu flight path pass over?
Southern China's Yunnan plateau and river gorges, the upper Mekong and Salween valleys, the eastern Himalayan foothills near the Myanmar-Tibet border, and the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau leading into the Kathmandu Valley