ALA → PEK

Trans-Ili Alatau

Spectacular immediate views of the jagged peaks rising directly south of Almaty airport.

Tien Shan Range

Continuous views of the 'Celestial Mountains,' including some of the world's highest peaks outside the Himalayas.

Gobi Desert Dunes

Classic rolling sand dunes and 'flaming cliffs' topography as you cross into Inner Mongolia.

The Great Wall

Specific sections of the Ming-era Great Wall can be spotted snaking over ridges during the descent into PEK.

Beijing CBD

If the wind is from the north, the right side often gets a sweeping view of the China Zun and Beijing skyline.

Almaty Cityscape

A clear view of the Almaty urban sprawl and the northern Kazakh plains immediately after takeoff.

Lake Ebinur

A large rift lake located near the Alataw Pass on the border between Kazakhstan and China.

Dzungarian Basin

Vast, desolate stretches of the northern Xinjiang desert with unique geological folds.

Altai Mountains

On very clear days, the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Altai range are visible to the far north.

Hohhot

The capital of Inner Mongolia provides a bright urban grid amidst the yellow desert sands.