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ALA → SHJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Aral Sea basin, the vast Caspian coastline, and the iconic descent over the Persian Gulf towards the Sharjah and Dubai skylines.
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Syr Darya River
A life-giving artery winding through the arid landscapes of Central Asia.
Aral Sea Basin
The striking and somber remnants of the Aral Sea and its expanding desert floor.
Caspian Sea Coast
The eastern shoreline of the world's largest inland body of water.
Mount Damavand
The highest peak in Iran and the highest volcano in Asia, often visible in the distance.
Persian Gulf
Deep turquoise waters dotted with tankers and artificial islands during the descent.
Sharjah & Dubai Skyline
A panoramic view of the UAE's urban architecture, including the Burj Khalifa in the distance.
The right side is unbeatable for the final 20 minutes of the flight. As you cross the Persian Gulf, you'll have a clear view of the UAE coastline. Aim for a window seat away from the wing to see the Aral Sea basin clearly.
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Tien Shan Mountains
Dramatic snowy peaks visible immediately after departure from Almaty.
Kopet Dag Range
Rugged mountain borders separating Turkmenistan and Iran.
Dasht-e Kavir
The Great Salt Desert of Iran featuring unique geological salt crust patterns.
Zagros Mountains
Stunning folded mountain ridges spanning across western Iran.
Musandam Peninsula
The 'Norway of Arabia' with its rocky fjords and inlets near the Strait of Hormuz.
Choose this side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise reflecting off the Tien Shan range. It is also the better side for viewing the intricate geological folds of the Iranian plateau mid-flight.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for United Arab EmiratesDistance: 2,798 km (1,739 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: SHJ (25.32859992980957, 55.5172004699707)
Route Type: International
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