Leg 6: Dubai to Islamabad
This flight across Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan was perhaps one of the most surprising. The untamed mountains of the regions poking among the heavy clouds make for some of the most gorgeous sights.
Leg 7: Islamabad to Agra
Another certainly scenic flight across north-western Idia over famous wonders like the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Baha’i Lotus Temple in Delhi, and finally the Taj Mahal.
Leg 8: Agra to Paro
It’s time to head north, over Nepal and its capital Kathmandu, then East alongside the Himalaya to pay homage to Mount Everest. Then, I land in Paro, Bhutan, one of the most challenging airports in the world. Since it’s surrounded by mountains, it’s certainly worthy of that reputation. Luckily, fair weather makes the approach less scary.
Leg 9: Paro to Bangkok
Did I say fair weather? The following day rain and low clouds make the take-off a bit scarier. Yet, the view from above the clouds is gorgeous before the sun meets me again over Myanmar and Thailand.
Leg 10: Bangkok to Siem Reap
The next destination is obvious. From Thailand’s capital, it’s just a short hop to Angkor Wat, the majestic ruins left by the Khmer Empire in Cambodia.
Leg 11: Siem Reap to Hong Kong
My next destination is across the South China sea. I’m welcomed to Hong Kong by a stunning sunset and the millions of lights of the city.
Leg 12: Hong Kong to Taipei
The twelfth leg sees me flying across the pond to Taiwan and its capital Taipei, gracefully crossed by rivers and surrounded by mountains. It’s certainly a majestic sight.
Leg 13: Taipei to Shanghai
Across the sea again and back to China, over Zhejiang to Shanghai, to visit one more massive city with tall skyscrapers reflecting on the Huangpu River.
Leg 14: Shanghai to Seoul
Time to fly to Korea, but massive storm clouds certainly make the flight interesting as I fly over Incheon International Airport to land at the quieter Gimpo airport, which is much closer to the city.
Leg 15: Seoul to Osaka
The next flight is across the Strait of Tsushima to western Japan, heading to Osaka. Once more, I skip the larger Kansai Airport to land at the smaller Itami, right in the middle of the city, enjoying a spectacular approach over Osaka Castle.
Leg 16: Osaka to Tokyo
Being rather biased in favor of Tokyo, this is always one of my favorite flights. I’m welcomed by a gorgeous sight of Mount Fuji before I land at Haneda airport, ready to enjoy my favorite city. Since I haven’t been able to travel for a while, I really miss its atmosphere. The approach to Haneda certainly feels nostalgic.
Leg 17: Tokyo to Sapporo
I always feel melancholic when I leave Tokyo, and apparently this extends to flight simulators. Yet, it’s time to move on to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Unfortunately, the beauty of northern Japan is hidden by a thick cloud blanket, but the approach at dusk makes up for it.
Leg 18: Sapporo to Sokol
The next leg brings me to the remote Russian region of Magadan Oblast, after flying over the Kuril Islands and the Kamchatka peninsula.
Leg 19: Sokol to Anchorage
Time for the big jump across the northern Pacific Ocean to the cold mountains of Alaska. Anchorage is ready to welcome me to America with a gorgeous sunset.
