Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Himalayan foothills and Lhasa Valley scenery during takeoff, which provides more visual variety and distinctive landmarks than the right side's plateau terrain. Although the right side offers better river views during landing, the takeoff experience from the left side is more memorable and scenic overall, and the cruise phase over the eastern Tibetan plateau and into Sichuan basin offers more terrain variation when viewed from the left.
Flown LXA to CKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lhasa to Chongqing is 946 miles (1,523 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the eastern Tibetan plateau, descending gradually from the high plateau (13,000+ feet elevation at Lhasa) toward the Sichuan Basin. Notable features include the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley (visible from the left side during early cruise), the transition zone between the Tibetan plateau and the Sichuan Basin marked by increasingly rugged terrain and river valleys, and the approach to the Yangtze River system as the aircraft descends into Chongqing's airspace. The terrain becomes progressively more dissected by river valleys and less uniformly flat as the flight progresses eastward.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LXA
LEFTLeft side captures the dramatic Himalayan foothills and the Lhasa Valley immediately after departure. The terrain rises steeply to the west and north, creating immediate visual interest during climb-out. Right side faces the Tibetan plateau's open, relatively featureless terrain.
Landing at CKG
RIGHTRight side (north) provides superior views during the approach to Chongqing. The Jialing River and Yangtze River confluence is visible from the north, along with the urban sprawl of Chongqing's northern districts. Left side faces the southern plateau terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during descent.
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 Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA) to Jiangbei (CKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lhasa to Chongqing. Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Himalayan foothills and Lhasa Valley scenery during takeoff, which provides more visual variety and distinctive landmarks than the right side's plateau terrain. Although the right side offers better river views during landing, the takeoff experience from the left side is more memorable and scenic overall, and the cruise phase over the eastern Tibetan plateau and into Sichuan basin offers more terrain variation when viewed from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport in Lhasa?
During takeoff from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the dramatic Himalayan foothills and the Lhasa Valley immediately after departure. The terrain rises steeply to the west and north, creating immediate visual interest during climb-out. Right side faces the Tibetan plateau's open, relatively featureless terrain. Notable sights include: Lhasa city and the Potala Palace complex (visible as white structures in the valley floor), the Kyichu River winding through the Lhasa Valley, Himalayan foothills rising sharply to the west and north.
What can I see when landing at Jiangbei in Chongqing?
When landing at Jiangbei (CKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (north) provides superior views during the approach to Chongqing. The Jialing River and Yangtze River confluence is visible from the north, along with the urban sprawl of Chongqing's northern districts. Left side faces the southern plateau terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during descent. Notable sights include: Jialing River flowing from the north into the Yangtze River, Yangtze River's dramatic eastward bend, Chongqing's urban core and high-rise districts along both riverbanks, the confluence zone where the two rivers meet.
How long is the flight from Lhasa to Chongqing?
The flight from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA) to Jiangbei (CKG) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 946 miles (1,523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lhasa to Chongqing flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the eastern Tibetan plateau, descending gradually from the high plateau (13,000+ feet elevation at Lhasa) toward the Sichuan Basin. Notable features include the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley (visible from the left side during early cruise), the transition zone between the Tibetan plateau and the Sichuan Basin marked by increasingly rugged terrain and river valleys, and the approach to the Yangtze River system as the aircraft descends into Chongqing's airspace. The terrain becomes progressively more dissected by river valleys and less uniformly flat as the flight progresses eastward.