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AUH → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most dramatic views of the Tien Shan mountain range during the final descent and offers a better perspective of the high Iranian plateau and Central Asian river basins.
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Abu Dhabi Skyline
A panoramic view of the UAE capital's skyscrapers and coastal developments during the initial climb.
Central Iranian Plateau
High-altitude desert landscapes and salt flats interspersed with dramatic mountain silhouettes.
Amu Darya Basin
The historic Oxus river valley, providing a ribbon of green through the dry Central Asian landscape.
Tien Shan Mountains
Breathtaking views of the snow-capped 'Celestial Mountains' which rise sharply to the south of Almaty.
Almaty Approach
As the plane descends, enjoy the sight of Almaty city nestled directly at the foot of the massive Trans-Ili Alatau peaks.
The right side is the 'money shot' for this route. Ensure you are awake for the final 30-45 minutes of the flight; the approach into Almaty often follows the mountain wall, offering spectacular close-up views of 4,000m+ peaks. Morning flights are particularly beautiful as the sun illuminates the glaciers.
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Persian Gulf
Clear views of the turquoise waters and the intricate coastline of the UAE upon departure.
Western Zagros
The rugged limestone ridges of the Zagros Mountains in Western Iran create a stunning textured landscape.
Karakum Desert
The vast 'Black Sand' desert of Turkmenistan features unique longitudinal dunes and arid plains.
Syr Darya River
One of Central Asia's longest rivers can be seen winding through the Kazakh steppe.
This side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. It offers excellent views of the Persian Gulf islands shortly after takeoff and the vastness of the northern Kazakh plains before landing.
Get eSIMs for United Arab Emirates
Get eSIMs for KazakhstanDistance: 2,930 km (1,821 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 54 min
Departure: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: International
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