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ALA → CIT
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Shymkent Airport (Chimkent)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an incredible panoramic view of the massive Tien Shan mountain ranges, specifically the Trans-Ili Alatau and the Kyrgyz Alatau, which run parallel to the flight path.
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Trans-Ili Alatau
Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers immediately after takeoff from Almaty.
Kyrgyz Alatau Ridge
Continuous sightings of the rugged mountain border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Aksu-Zhabagly Reserve
The oldest nature reserve in Central Asia, featuring deep canyons and diverse alpine landscapes near the end of the flight.
Talas Range
Dramatic high-altitude terrain as the aircraft approaches the Shymkent region.
Book a window seat for a morning flight; the sun will be behind the aircraft or to the south, perfectly illuminating the northern faces of the glaciers. Sit away from the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the deep mountain valleys.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Almaty Cityscape
A wide view of Kazakhstan's largest city and its northern sprawl shortly after departure.
Chu-Ili Mountains
Older, eroded mountain ranges that transition into the vast Kazakh steppe.
Ancient Taraz
Views of the historic Silk Road city and the winding Talas River mid-flight.
Betpak-Dala Fringe
The edge of the 'Hungry Steppe,' showcasing the vastness of the Central Asian plains.
This side is better for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare from the southern sun. It offers a great perspective on the contrast between the fertile foothills and the arid northern plains. Look for the distinct geometric patterns of irrigated agriculture near Shymkent.
Book Hotels in ChimkentDistance: 626 km (389 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: CIT (42.364200592041016, 69.47889709472656)
Route Type: Domestic
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