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DME → KSQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow) to Karshi Khanabad Airport (Khanabad)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Volga River's vast curves and the striking ecological contrast of the Aral Sea basin and the golden Kyzylkum sands.
Volga River Bend
Exiting Russia, you get a sprawling view of the Volga River near Saratov, showcasing one of Europe's most significant waterways.
Kyzylkum Desert
A vast expanse of red and gold sand dunes stretching across the Uzbek-Kazakh border, creating a ripple effect from above.
Aral Sea Basin
Looking east, you can witness the hauntingly beautiful salt flats and the receding shorelines of what was once the world's fourth-largest lake.
Uzbek Oases
The transition into the irrigated fertile lands surrounding the Zarafshan valley, creating a patchwork of green against the desert.
Samarkand Outskirts
Depending on the specific approach vector, the distant silhouette of the ancient Silk Road hub may be visible on the horizon.
For the best experience, book a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the desert colors. The contrast between the Russian forest-steppes and the Central Asian deserts is most visible about 2 hours into the flight. Keep your window shade open as you cross the Kazakhstan border for the best light on the Aral salt flats.
Don River Valley
Early in the flight, observe the winding path of the Don River as it cuts through the fertile Black Earth region of Russia.
Ustyurt Plateau
The rugged, elevated clay desert plateau in Kazakhstan, known for its unique 'chinks' or steep cliffs and canyons.
Amu Darya River
The 'Oxus' of antiquity, appearing as a life-giving green ribbon snaking through the arid landscape of western Uzbekistan.
Gissar Range Foothills
As you descend into Karshi, the distant western edges of the Pamir-Alay mountain system provide a jagged backdrop to the horizon.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. Watch for the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Ustyurt Plateau roughly mid-way through the journey. On clear days, the scale of the Amu Darya river's irrigation network is a marvel of human engineering visible from 30,000 feet.
Distance: 2,775 km (1,724 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)
Arrival: KSQ (38.8335990906, 65.9215011597)
Route Type: International
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