Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery from Kathmandu is more dramatic and visually distinctive than the landing approach. The Himalayan foothills and valley terrain during climb-out offer more varied topography and sharper visual interest than the relatively flat coastal approach to Abu Dhabi.
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Flight Path
Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi is 1,914 miles (3,081 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Thar Desert region of northwestern India and Pakistan, and the Indus River valley. At cruising altitude, you may see the Indus River as a thin line cutting through the desert landscape, and the transition from green agricultural areas in Pakistan to the arid terrain approaching the Arabian Peninsula. The flight passes over Balochistan's mountainous terrain before descending toward the Persian Gulf coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KTM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best views during the initial climb-out from Kathmandu. The aircraft departs to the south or southeast, and right-side windows face toward the Himalayan foothills and the Kathmandu Valley rim. You'll see the surrounding terrain rise steeply as you gain altitude.
Landing at AUH
LEFTLeft-side seats provide superior views during descent into Abu Dhabi. The aircraft approaches from the northwest over the Persian Gulf, and left-side windows face toward the UAE coastline, the Hajar Mountains inland, and the city of Abu Dhabi itself. The descent path offers extended views of the coastal landscape and urban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery from Kathmandu is more dramatic and visually distinctive than the landing approach. The Himalayan foothills and valley terrain during climb-out offer more varied topography and sharper visual interest than the relatively flat coastal approach to Abu Dhabi.
What can I see during takeoff from Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu?
During takeoff from Tribhuvan International (KTM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer the best views during the initial climb-out from Kathmandu. The aircraft departs to the south or southeast, and right-side windows face toward the Himalayan foothills and the Kathmandu Valley rim. You'll see the surrounding terrain rise steeply as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Kathmandu Valley floor with scattered urban development, Shivapuri Lekh ridge to the north, Chandragiri Hills to the south, terraced agricultural slopes of the middle hills.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide superior views during descent into Abu Dhabi. The aircraft approaches from the northwest over the Persian Gulf, and left-side windows face toward the UAE coastline, the Hajar Mountains inland, and the city of Abu Dhabi itself. The descent path offers extended views of the coastal landscape and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf waters, UAE coastal plains and salt flats, Hajar Mountains to the southeast, Abu Dhabi city grid and harbor.
How long is the flight from Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,914 miles (3,081 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Thar Desert region of northwestern India and Pakistan, and the Indus River valley. At cruising altitude, you may see the Indus River as a thin line cutting through the desert landscape, and the transition from green agricultural areas in Pakistan to the arid terrain approaching the Arabian Peninsula. The flight passes over Balochistan's mountainous terrain before descending toward the Persian Gulf coast.