Right-side seats capture the dramatic departure over the Taihang Mountains and maintain views of the high plateau terrain throughout much of the flight path. While left-side seats excel during landing, the takeoff scenery and the extended views of the plateau's western edge favor the right side for the overall journey.
Flown PEK to LXA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Lhasa is 1,630 miles (2,623 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Yangtze River's upper tributaries, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's northern edge, and multiple high-altitude valleys. Notable midpoint features include the transition from the Taihang Mountains to the Qinling Range, the vast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with its sparse settlements and grasslands, and the approach to the Himalayan foothills near Lhasa. The terrain becomes progressively higher and more barren as the aircraft moves southwest, with elevations rising from 3,000 feet near Beijing to over 12,000 feet on the plateau.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Yanqing District mountains and the Great Wall sections northwest of Beijing during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs PEK heading southwest, and right-side passengers will see the terrain rising toward the Taihang Mountains.
Landing at LXA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley and the approach to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and left-side passengers will see the river's distinctive braided pattern and the high plateau terrain surrounding the landing zone.
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 Capital (PEK) to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Lhasa. Right-side seats capture the dramatic departure over the Taihang Mountains and maintain views of the high plateau terrain throughout much of the flight path. While left-side seats excel during landing, the takeoff scenery and the extended views of the plateau's western edge favor the right side for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yanqing District mountains and the Great Wall sections northwest of Beijing during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs PEK heading southwest, and right-side passengers will see the terrain rising toward the Taihang Mountains. Notable sights include: Taihang Mountains (northwest), Great Wall segments near Badaling, Guanting Reservoir, Beijing urban sprawl transitioning to rural terrain.
What can I see when landing at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport in Lhasa?
When landing at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley and the approach to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and left-side passengers will see the river's distinctive braided pattern and the high plateau terrain surrounding the landing zone. Notable sights include: Yarlung Tsangpo River (major river valley), Gonggar County settlements, Himalayan foothills to the south, high-altitude plateau grasslands.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Lhasa?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,630 miles (2,623 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Lhasa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Yangtze River's upper tributaries, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's northern edge, and multiple high-altitude valleys. Notable midpoint features include the transition from the Taihang Mountains to the Qinling Range, the vast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with its sparse settlements and grasslands, and the approach to the Himalayan foothills near Lhasa. The terrain becomes progressively higher and more barren as the aircraft moves southwest, with elevations rising from 3,000 feet near Beijing to over 12,000 feet on the plateau.