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ALA → DYU
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Dushanbe Airport (Dushanbe)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the high-altitude Tien Shan mountain range and the dramatic glaciated peaks of the Pamir-Alay system during the descent into Dushanbe.
Trans-Ili Alatau
Immediate views of the snow-capped peaks rising directly south of Almaty right after takeoff.
Kungey Alatau Range
Massive glaciated ridges forming the northern border of Kyrgyzstan with deep, rugged valleys.
Kyrgyz Ala-Too
A continuous chain of 4,000m+ peaks stretching along the horizon as you head toward the Tajik border.
Fan Mountains
Stunning views of the jagged, multi-colored rock formations and high peaks of the western Pamir-Alay.
Varzob River Valley
The deep, steep-walled canyon leading the flight path directly into the Dushanbe basin.
Book a window seat on the left for the morning flight to get the best sun illumination on the mountain faces. The descent into Dushanbe is particularly scenic on this side as the plane weaves through the Gissar Range. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for the most dramatic alpine scenery.
Almaty Cityscape
A wide-angle view of Kazakhstan's largest city nestled against the mountain foothills during departure.
Chuy Valley
The vast, fertile plains separating the Kazakh steppe from the Kyrgyz mountain ranges.
Bishkek Distant View
Depending on the flight path, you can often see the Kyrgyz capital sprawling to the south of the route.
Fergana Valley Fringe
The northern edge of the densely populated and agriculturally rich Fergana basin near the border.
Kairakkum Reservoir
Large body of water known as the 'Tajik Sea' visible on the horizon near the city of Khujand.
The right side is excellent for seeing the transition from the flat Kazakh steppes to the sudden rise of the Tien Shan. It offers a broader perspective of the regional geography and the sprawling irrigation networks of the Chuy and Fergana valleys. Afternoon flights provide softer light on this side, reducing glare for photography.
Distance: 872 km (542 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: DYU (38.5433006287, 68.8249969482)
Route Type: International
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