While the left side offers good views during New York departure, the right side provides the most spectacular scenery during the entire flight—particularly the Himalayan approach into Kathmandu, which is the visual highlight of this route.
Flown JFK to KTM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Kathmandu is 7,529 miles (12,117 km), a flight of about 15 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, then over Europe (including potential views of the Alps if routed via central Europe), continues over the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, crosses the Arabian Sea, and approaches the Indian subcontinent over the Bay of Bengal before reaching the Himalayan foothills. Notable features include the Pyrenees or Alps depending on routing, the Persian Gulf region, and the Indian plains before the final Himalayan approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Atlantic coastline and Long Island Sound as the aircraft climbs northeast out of JFK. You'll see the New York City metropolitan area receding below, with the Hudson River and East River visible in the initial climb.
Landing at KTM
RIGHTRight side provides the most dramatic views during descent into Kathmandu. As the aircraft approaches from the south, the right wing reveals the Himalayan mountain range in full profile, with the Kathmandu Valley visible below. The Mahabharat Range and Siwalik Hills also appear on the right side during the final approach.
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 John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Tribhuvan International (KTM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Kathmandu. While the left side offers good views during New York departure, the right side provides the most spectacular scenery during the entire flight—particularly the Himalayan approach into Kathmandu, which is the visual highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Atlantic coastline and Long Island Sound as the aircraft climbs northeast out of JFK. You'll see the New York City metropolitan area receding below, with the Hudson River and East River visible in the initial climb. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean coastline, Long Island Sound, Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, Hudson River estuary.
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. Right side provides the most dramatic views during descent into Kathmandu. As the aircraft approaches from the south, the right wing reveals the Himalayan mountain range in full profile, with the Kathmandu Valley visible below. The Mahabharat Range and Siwalik Hills also appear on the right side during the final approach. Notable sights include: Himalayan mountain range (including Sagarmatha/Mount Everest region to the northeast), Kathmandu Valley, Mahabharat Range, Siwalik Hills.
How long is the flight from New York to Kathmandu?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Tribhuvan International (KTM) takes about 15 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,529 miles (12,117 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Kathmandu flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, then over Europe (including potential views of the Alps if routed via central Europe), continues over the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, crosses the Arabian Sea, and approaches the Indian subcontinent over the Bay of Bengal before reaching the Himalayan foothills. Notable features include the Pyrenees or Alps depending on routing, the Persian Gulf region, and the Indian plains before the final Himalayan approach.