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ALA → GYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Baku)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views, the Right Side is superior for the approach into Baku, providing a majestic panorama of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the unique geography of the Absheron Peninsula.
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Kazakh Steppe
Endless, mesmerizing horizons of the Great Steppe, showing the sheer scale of the Central Asian interior.
North Aral Sea
On clear days, the remnants and restoration projects of the Aral Sea basin can be spotted to the far north.
Greater Caucasus Range
As you approach Azerbaijan, the formidable peaks of the Caucasus provide a jagged northern skyline.
Baku Cityscape
Excellent views of the Flame Towers, the Crescent Bay, and the urban sprawl of the Absheron Peninsula on approach.
Offshore Oil Rigs
The historic 'Oil Rocks' and modern offshore platforms dotting the Caspian Sea near the Azerbaijani coast.
Choose the right side for the 'Grand Entrance' into Baku. As the plane descends over the Caspian, you will see the Greater Caucasus mountains to the north and the entire Absheron Peninsula unfolding. For photography, mid-morning flights offer the best lighting on the mountains without the sun being directly in your field of view.
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Trans-Ili Alatau
Immediate views of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountain range soaring south of Almaty right after takeoff.
Kyzylkum Desert
Vast stretches of the red-sand desert crossing southern Kazakhstan and the border regions of Uzbekistan.
Caspian Shoreline
The southern curve of the Caspian Sea coastline as the aircraft crosses from Central Asia toward the Caucasus.
Sangachal Terminal
One of the world's largest oil and gas terminals visible on the coast just south of Baku during the final descent.
Sit on the left for the most dramatic views of the high peaks immediately after departing Almaty. This side is also better for avoiding direct afternoon sun glare when flying west during the later parts of the day. Look for the glint of the Caspian's southern shallows as you leave the Kazakh coast.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for AzerbaijanDistance: 2,247 km (1,396 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: GYD (40.46749877929688, 50.04669952392578)
Route Type: International
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