The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a rare glimpse of the Himalayan skyline during departure and a scenic coastal approach over Dubai's man-made islands and skyline on arrival, while the left side offers comparatively flat, unremarkable terrain throughout.
Flight Path
Gangetic plain of northern India, the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, and the arid coastal plains of southern Pakistan before crossing the Arabian Sea toward the Gulf
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KTM
RIGHTDeparting KTM on runway 20, the aircraft climbs south then banks west toward Dubai, giving right-side passengers a clear view north across the Kathmandu Valley toward the Himalayan skyline, including peaks near Langtang and the Annapurna range on very clear days. Left-side passengers mostly see the southern hills and haze over the valley rim with less drama.
Landing at DXB
RIGHTArriving from the northeast, DXB approaches on the 30-side runways in typical wind conditions, curving the aircraft over the Gulf coastline before touchdown. Right-side passengers get a sweeping view of Dubai's coastal skyline, the Palm Jumeirah, and the turquoise Gulf waters, while the left side mostly faces the flat desert interior.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kathmandu to Dubai. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a rare glimpse of the Himalayan skyline during departure and a scenic coastal approach over Dubai's man-made islands and skyline on arrival, while the left side offers comparatively flat, unremarkable terrain throughout.
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. Departing KTM on runway 20, the aircraft climbs south then banks west toward Dubai, giving right-side passengers a clear view north across the Kathmandu Valley toward the Himalayan skyline, including peaks near Langtang and the Annapurna range on very clear days. Left-side passengers mostly see the southern hills and haze over the valley rim with less drama. Notable sights include: Kathmandu Valley, Langtang Himal foothills, distant Annapurna range, Bagmati river valley.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the northeast, DXB approaches on the 30-side runways in typical wind conditions, curving the aircraft over the Gulf coastline before touchdown. Right-side passengers get a sweeping view of Dubai's coastal skyline, the Palm Jumeirah, and the turquoise Gulf waters, while the left side mostly faces the flat desert interior. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina skyline, Burj Khalifa silhouette, Persian Gulf coastline.
How long is the flight from Kathmandu to Dubai?
The flight from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Dubai International (DXB) takes 4h 40m.
What does the Kathmandu to Dubai flight path pass over?
Gangetic plain of northern India, the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, and the arid coastal plains of southern Pakistan before crossing the Arabian Sea toward the Gulf