Loading map...
CIT → SCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Shymkent Airport (Chimkent) to Aktau Airport (Aktau)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side offers a superior perspective of the Western Tien Shan mountains upon departure and the dramatic geological formations of the Karagiye Depression and Ustyurt cliffs before landing.
Search flights from CIT to SCO
Western Tien Shan
Snow-capped peaks and rugged foothills visible shortly after departure from Shymkent.
Syr Darya River
The winding lifeblood of the region snaking through the arid southern plains.
Aralkum Desert
The stark, haunting landscape of the former South Aral Sea bed.
Ustyurt Escarpment
Dramatic limestone cliffs and canyons that mark the edge of the plateau.
Karagiye Depression
One of the lowest points on Earth (-132m), visible as a massive sinkhole south of the flight path near Aktau.
For the most dramatic lighting on the Ustyurt cliffs, choose an afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the western-facing limestone walls. Sit behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the Karagiye Depression during the final descent.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Kyzylkum Desert
Vast stretches of orange-red sand dunes extending toward the northern horizon.
North Aral Sea
The Kokaral Dam and the blue waters of the recovering 'Small Aral' are often visible in the distance.
Baikonur Steppe
The wide, flat expanse of the Kazakh steppe near the world's oldest spaceport.
Plateau Ridges
Distinctive horizontal geological layers and sediment patterns across the northern Ustyurt.
Caspian Sea Coast
The turquoise waters of the Caspian Sea providing a sharp contrast to the desert landscape upon arrival.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Keep an eye out for the North Aral Sea approximately 45-60 minutes into the flight; its blue color is a rare sight in this arid region.
Book Hotels in AktauDistance: 1,499 km (931 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs
Departure: CIT (42.364200592041016, 69.47889709472656)
Arrival: SCO (43.8601, 51.091999)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.