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ALA → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic Tian Shan mountains upon departure, a closer look at the shrinking Aral Sea, and the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains to the south.
Trans-Ili Alatau
Spectacular views of the northernmost range of the Tian Shan mountains immediately after takeoff from Almaty.
Kyzylkum Desert
The vast, undulating red sands of the Central Asian desert visible as the plane heads west over Kazakhstan.
Aral Sea Remnants
A striking view of the remaining water basins and the dramatic dry seabed of what was once one of the world's largest lakes.
Greater Caucasus
Gliding south of the main range, passengers can see the high-altitude glaciers and the peak of Mount Elbrus in the distance.
Princes' Islands
During the descent into SAW, look for the chain of islands in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul.
For the best mountain photography, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you when viewing the Tian Shan and Caucasus ranges. Seat yourself forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. During the winter months, the snow coverage on the Kazakh steppe provides a unique geometric landscape of frozen rivers.
Eurasian Steppe
The endless, flat horizons of the Kazakh plains stretching toward the Russian border.
Northern Caspian
The shallow, turquoise waters of the northern Caspian Sea, often featuring unique sediment patterns near the Volga Delta.
Black Sea Coast
As you approach Turkey, enjoy a long stretch of the rugged and green northern coastline.
Bosphorus Strait
Depending on the landing pattern, you may see the waterway separating Europe and Asia and its iconic bridges.
Northern Forests
The dense green forests of the Sabiha Gökçen area, a contrast to the dry landscapes of Central Asia.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunset on evening flights as you head west. If the aircraft approaches SAW from the north, this side provides the best view of the Bosphorus and the European side of Istanbul. Keep an eye out for offshore wind farms in the Black Sea just before the Turkish landfall.
Distance: 3,892 km (2,418 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 35 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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