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AER → TAS
Which side of the plane to sit from Sochi International Airport (Sochi) to Tashkent International Airport (Tashkent)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the highest peaks of the Greater Caucasus, including Mount Elbrus, and provides superior lighting for photography on eastbound morning flights.
Greater Caucasus Range
Sweeping views of the glaciated peaks that form the natural border between Russia and the South Caucasus.
Mount Elbrus
Spot Europe's highest peak standing at 5,642 meters, clearly visible to the north of the flight path.
Caspian Sea Crossing
A vast expanse of deep blue as you transition from the Russian coast toward the Central Asian mainland.
Kyzylkum Desert
The 'Red Sand' desert of Uzbekistan reveals unique geological patterns and vast, arid horizons.
Chatkal Range
The western foothills of the Tien Shan mountains are visible during the final descent into Tashkent.
Choose a seat on the left to avoid direct sunlight on morning departures, which provides the best contrast for the snow-capped Caucasus. Keep your camera ready within the first 30-40 minutes of flight for the mountains. In winter, the landscape is almost entirely white until the Caspian.
Sochi Riviera
Immediate views of the Black Sea coastline and the 2014 Olympic Park facilities after departure.
Southern Caucasus Slopes
Rugged views toward the Georgian border and the southern ridges of the mountain range.
Amu Darya River
Watch for the silver ribbon of this historic river winding through the desert landscapes near the border.
Karakum Desert
The 'Black Sand' desert of Turkmenistan stretches out toward the southern horizon.
Tashkent Approach
An aerial view of the capital city's mixture of Soviet-era planning and modern urban development.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Caspian Sea. During the descent, keep an eye out for the green agricultural zones of the Chirchiq River valley that contrast sharply with the surrounding desert terrain.
Distance: 2,409 km (1,497 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 13 min
Departure: AER (43.449902, 39.9566)
Arrival: TAS (41.257900238000005, 69.2811965942)
Route Type: International
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