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ALA → SVO
Which side of the plane to sit from Almaty Airport (Alma-ata) to Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior due to the breathtaking immediate departure views of the Tien Shan mountains and the dramatic crossing of the Volga River.
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Trans-Ili Alatau
Spectacular views of 4,000-meter peaks rising directly south of Almaty during departure.
Aralkum Desert
An aerial perspective of the salt flats and shifting sands of the former Aral Sea basin.
Volga River
A wide-angle view of the Samara Bend, the largest and most scenic curve of the Volga River.
Moscow Outskirts
Dense suburban developments and the Kolomenskoye area visible during the southern approach.
For morning departures, the sun will be behind the aircraft, offering perfect lighting for mountain photography. In winter, look for the geometric patterns of frozen lakes across the Kazakh steppe. Keep your camera ready for the first 15 minutes of climb out of Almaty for the best glacier views.
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Lake Balkhash
The northern horizon often reveals the distinct crescent shape of this massive, turquoise lake.
Southern Urals
View the rolling, forested hills marking the ancient border between Asia and Europe.
Kama River
Glimpse the vast reservoirs and industrial hubs of the Tatarstan and Bashkortostan regions.
Russian Taiga
Endless expanses of birch and pine forests characteristic of the Russian heartland.
The right side provides a broader view of the vast Kazakh plains and the unique water color of Lake Balkhash if visibility is high. On evening flights, this side offers a better view of the lights from northern cities like Karaganda and Kazan. Use high-speed shutter settings to capture the Ural ridge detail through the haze.
Book Hotels in MoscowDistance: 3,122 km (1,940 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 40 min
Departure: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Arrival: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Route Type: International
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