The left side captures the most dramatic scenery during both climb-out (Great Wall and Yanqing Mountains) and offers consistent views of the Khangai Mountains along the flight path northward. While landing favours the right, the takeoff and midpoint features make left the superior choice overall.
Flown PEK to UBN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Ulaanbaatar is 714 miles (1,148 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Zhangjiakou region (visible as scattered towns in valleys), then enters the Khangai Mountains system which forms a dramatic north-south ridge complex. The Yinshan Mountains appear as a secondary range to the west around the midpoint. The landscape transitions from forested mountains to open steppe as the aircraft moves north into Mongolia. The Selenge River valley becomes visible roughly 45 minutes before landing, marking entry into the Ulaanbaatar basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Great Wall remnants northwest of Beijing and the Yanqing District mountains as the aircraft climbs northward. The terrain transitions from urban sprawl to dramatic ridgelines that define the Beijing-Zhangjiakou corridor.
Landing at UBN
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views of the Khustain Nuruu Mountains and the Tuul River valley during the descent into Ulaanbaatar. The terrain shows the characteristic rolling steppe and forested ridges that frame Mongolia's capital from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar. The left side captures the most dramatic scenery during both climb-out (Great Wall and Yanqing Mountains) and offers consistent views of the Khangai Mountains along the flight path northward. While landing favours the right, the takeoff and midpoint features make left the superior choice overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Great Wall remnants northwest of Beijing and the Yanqing District mountains as the aircraft climbs northward. The terrain transitions from urban sprawl to dramatic ridgelines that define the Beijing-Zhangjiakou corridor. Notable sights include: Great Wall sections (Badaling area), Yanqing District peaks, Guanting Reservoir, Taihang Mountains western escarpment.
What can I see when landing at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar?
When landing at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views of the Khustain Nuruu Mountains and the Tuul River valley during the descent into Ulaanbaatar. The terrain shows the characteristic rolling steppe and forested ridges that frame Mongolia's capital from the south. Notable sights include: Khustain Nuruu Mountains, Tuul River valley, Bogd Khan Mountain, Ulaanbaatar city sprawl in Selenge Province.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 714 miles (1,148 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Ulaanbaatar flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Zhangjiakou region (visible as scattered towns in valleys), then enters the Khangai Mountains system which forms a dramatic north-south ridge complex. The Yinshan Mountains appear as a secondary range to the west around the midpoint. The landscape transitions from forested mountains to open steppe as the aircraft moves north into Mongolia. The Selenge River valley becomes visible roughly 45 minutes before landing, marking entry into the Ulaanbaatar basin.