The takeoff from Kathmandu offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Himalayan peaks, which are the flight's most spectacular natural feature. While Alice Springs descent has desert interest, the Himalayan departure provides superior window-seat value for the majority of the initial flight phase.
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Flight Path
Kathmandu to Alice Springs is 4,808 miles (7,738 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path typically routes southeast over the Bay of Bengal, then across Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos (Mekong River visible in some sections), continuing over Cambodia and Vietnam before heading south over the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean crossing dominates the mid-flight hours with open water. As the aircraft approaches Australia, the Timor Sea and then the Australian coastline become visible. The flight crosses central Australia's interior—the MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs are among the last major topographic features before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KTM
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Kathmandu Valley rim and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the north and northeast, which dominate the departure corridor. Right side faces south toward lower terrain with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at ASP
RIGHTRight side provides views of the MacDonnell Ranges and the Red Centre's distinctive desert terrain as the aircraft descends into Alice Springs from the northwest. Left side faces less visually distinctive terrain during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Alice Springs (ASP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kathmandu to Alice Springs. The takeoff from Kathmandu offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Himalayan peaks, which are the flight's most spectacular natural feature. While Alice Springs descent has desert interest, the Himalayan departure provides superior window-seat value for the majority of the initial flight phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu?
During takeoff from Tribhuvan International (KTM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Kathmandu Valley rim and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the north and northeast, which dominate the departure corridor. Right side faces south toward lower terrain with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Himalayan range (Langtang and Gaurishankar peaks to northeast), Kathmandu Valley floor with city sprawl, Bagmati River valley, forested ridges of the Mahabharat range to the south.
What can I see when landing at Alice Springs in Alice Springs?
When landing at Alice Springs (ASP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the MacDonnell Ranges and the Red Centre's distinctive desert terrain as the aircraft descends into Alice Springs from the northwest. Left side faces less visually distinctive terrain during final approach. Notable sights include: MacDonnell Ranges (West and East), Alice Springs town and airport, spinifex desert and red earth, Todd River valley.
How long is the flight from Kathmandu to Alice Springs?
The flight from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Alice Springs (ASP) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,808 miles (7,738 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kathmandu to Alice Springs flight path pass over?
The flight path typically routes southeast over the Bay of Bengal, then across Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos (Mekong River visible in some sections), continuing over Cambodia and Vietnam before heading south over the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean crossing dominates the mid-flight hours with open water. As the aircraft approaches Australia, the Timor Sea and then the Australian coastline become visible. The flight crosses central Australia's interior—the MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs are among the last major topographic features before landing.