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CIT → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Shymkent Airport (Chimkent) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the majestic Tian Shan mountain range, running parallel to the flight path for nearly the entire duration.
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Tian Shan Mountains
Continuous, breathtaking views of the 'Celestial Mountains' with peaks exceeding 4,000 meters.
Trans-Ili Alatau
The northernmost range of the Tian Shan, featuring dramatic snow-capped summits as you near Almaty.
Kyrgyz Border Peaks
Rugged, high-altitude terrain marking the natural border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Mountain Glaciers
Visible ice fields and permanent snow blankets nestled in the high crevices of the Ugam range.
The right side is the definitive choice for scenic enthusiasts. For the best photography, choose a morning flight when the sun illuminates the northern faces of the mountains. Try to sit away from the wing to have an unobstructed view of the jagged peaks that appear surprisingly close during the mid-flight cruise.
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The Kazakh Steppe
The vast, rolling golden plains of southern Kazakhstan stretching toward the horizon.
Karatau Mountains
An ancient, weathered mountain range visible shortly after departing Shymkent.
Almaty Cityscape
A comprehensive view of Kazakhstan's largest city and its grid-like urban layout during the descent.
Almaty TV Tower
One of the world's highest structures by sea level, perched on the Kok Tobe hill.
The left side is preferable for afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun. It offers a great perspective of the transition from the arid steppes to the lush greenery of the Almaty oasis. Keep an eye out for the Kapchagay Reservoir far to the north on clear days during the final approach.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for KazakhstanDistance: 626 km (389 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min
Departure: CIT (42.364200592041016, 69.47889709472656)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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