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ALA → SCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Aktau Airport (Aktau)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior visual experience, beginning with the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau and concluding with the breathtaking limestone escarpments of the Ustyurt Plateau.
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Trans-Ili Alatau
Immediate views of the northernmost range of the Tien Shan mountains with jagged, snow-dusted peaks reaching over 4,000 meters.
Kyzylkum Desert Margin
The flight path skims the northern edge of this vast desert, revealing intricate sand patterns and arid wilderness.
Ustyurt Plateau Cliffs
Stunning white and pink limestone escarpments and 'chinks' that drop off into the desert floor near the Mangystau region.
Caspian Sea Arrival
Deep turquoise waters of the world's largest inland sea contrast sharply against the pale desert sands during the final descent.
Book an 'A' seat for a morning departure to keep the sun behind you. The Ustyurt Plateau is the highlight; keep your camera ready about 30 minutes before landing in Aktau for the best geological formations.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Great Kazakh Steppe
The quintessential 'Saryarka' landscape, offering a sense of the immense scale and emptiness of the Central Asian plains.
Syr Darya River
One of Central Asia's longest rivers, visible as a winding silver thread surrounded by rare patches of green vegetation.
Aral Sea Basin
Distances views of the North Aral Sea and the salt flats that mark the former seabed of the shrinking inland sea.
Karagiye Depression
View the unique topography near Aktau containing one of the lowest points on Earth, situated 132 meters below sea level.
Sit on the right side if flying in the late afternoon to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun over the Caspian. Look for the glint of salt flats that indicate the remains of the Aral Sea mid-flight.
Book Hotels in AktauDistance: 2,081 km (1,293 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 46 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: SCO (43.8601, 51.091999)
Route Type: Domestic
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