ALA → IST

Tian Shan Mountains

Immediately after takeoff, witness the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau range bordering Almaty.

Ustyurt Plateau

View the stark, dramatic canyons and desert landscapes of western Kazakhstan before reaching the Caspian Sea.

Caucasus Range

A stunning panorama of the southern mountain ridges as you cross from the Caspian toward the Black Sea.

Pontic Mountains

The green, rugged mountains of northern Turkey's Black Sea region visible as the plane nears the destination.

Bosphorus Strait

On clear approaches from the east, you can see the bridges connecting Europe and Asia just before landing.

Almaty Cityscape

A great view of Almaty's urban grid and the surrounding steppe as the aircraft climbs to cruising altitude.

Aral Sea Remnants

Glimpse the northern parts of the shrinking Aral Sea, showing a unique and bittersweet ecological landscape.

Caspian Sea

An expansive crossing over the world's largest inland body of water, often showing turquoise coastal patterns.

Mount Elbrus

Spot Europe's highest peak, a dormant volcano with twin cones, rising above the northern Caucasus ridge.

Black Sea Coastline

Views of the vast blue water and the occasional container ships entering the Bosphorus.