Loading map...
ALA → OVB
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Tolmachevo Airport (Novosibirsk)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular departure with views of the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains and the distant Altai range throughout the journey.
Search flights from ALA to OVB
Trans-Ili Alatau
Stunning views of the 4,000m+ peaks of the Tien Shan range immediately after takeoff from Almaty.
Altai Mountain Glint
On clear days, the rugged, snow-dusted peaks of the Altai Republic are visible far to the east.
Kulunda Salt Lakes
The striking white and pink hues of Lake Kulunda and Lake Kuchuk, which occupy a low-lying basin.
Siberian Taiga Edge
The dramatic transition where the golden steppe gives way to the deep green of the dense Siberian pine forests.
Ob River & Novosibirsk
A prime view of the mighty Ob River and the bridges connecting the two halves of Novosibirsk during descent.
The right side is essential for mountain lovers. The takeoff from ALA is one of the most scenic in Central Asia. For the best photography of the Altai foothills, book a morning flight when the sun illuminates the peaks from the east. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight for the Ob River crossing.
Book Hotels in Novosibirsk
Almaty Urban View
A clear view of the Almaty city grid and its northern expansion as you climb away from the mountains.
Lake Balkhash
Depending on the specific airway, the western shore of this massive crescent-shaped lake can be seen in the distance.
Kazakh Steppe
The vast, seemingly endless plains of Central Kazakhstan stretching towards the horizon.
Pavlodar Agricultural Belt
Intricate patterns of large-scale farming circles and fields as you enter the Siberian border region.
Akademgorodok
The scientific hub of Novosibirsk tucked into the pine forests on the approach to Tolmachevo.
Sit on the left for better views of the vast emptiness of the Kazakh interior. During winter flights, the frozen landscapes provide a stark, geometric beauty. Late afternoon flights on this side can suffer from direct glare, so bring a sunshade.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for RussiaDistance: 1,358 km (844 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: OVB (55.012599945068, 82.650703430176)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.