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ALA → FRU
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Manas International Airport (Bishkek)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers breathtaking, close-up views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range and the northern Tien Shan peaks throughout the entire duration of this short flight.
Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains
Spectacular views of jagged, snow-capped peaks reaching over 4,000 meters right outside your window.
Medeu and Shymbulak
The world-famous high-altitude skating rink and ski resort nestled in the mountains just south of Almaty.
Big Almaty Lake
A stunning turquoise alpine reservoir located high in the Bolshaya Almatinka gorge.
Southern Almaty Skyline
A panoramic view of the city nestled against the massive mountain wall immediately after takeoff.
Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range
As you cross the border, the majestic peaks surrounding the Bishkek basin come into clear view.
Sit on the left side (Seat A) for a front-row seat to the Tien Shan mountains. Since the flight is extremely short (approx. 35-50 minutes), keep your camera ready from the moment of takeoff. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the northern slopes of the mountains perfectly. In winter, the snow coverage is dramatic and extends deep into the valleys.
Kazakh Steppe
The vast, flat expanse of the Central Asian steppe stretching toward the northern horizon.
Kaskelen and Suburbs
The suburban sprawl and agricultural patches to the west of Almaty city center.
Chuy River
The winding river that serves as the natural border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Almaty Industrial Zone
A bird's eye view of the logistics and manufacturing hubs on the northern outskirts of the city.
The right side (Seat F) offers a view of the vast plains and the industrial outskirts of Almaty. While less dramatic than the mountains, it provides a sense of the immense scale of the Kazakh landscape. Look for the Chuy River during the descent to Manas Airport to spot the international border.
Distance: 210 km (130 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 21 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: FRU (43.0612983704, 74.4776000977)
Route Type: International
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