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DME → NCU
Which side of the plane to sit from Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow) to Nukus Airport (Nukus)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most dramatic views of the Ustyurt Plateau's cliff edges and the unique, desolate landscape of the receding Aral Sea basin.
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Volga River Bend
Sweeping views of the river's massive curves and the Stepnoy region of Russia.
Ustyurt Plateau
Dramatic white and ochre limestone cliffs known as 'chinks' that mark the plateau's edge.
Aral Sea Basin
The haunting landscape of the former seabed, now the Aralkum Desert, showing the scale of the ecological change.
Muynak Environs
The area around the former port city of Muynak, where the sea has receded miles away.
Kyzylkum Desert
The vast 'Red Sand' desert that surrounds the Nukus oasis with its rolling dunes.
The right side is essential for seeing the Aral Sea remnants. Ensure you have a daytime flight, as the most impressive geological features like the Ustyurt cliffs are visible in the final 45 minutes of the journey. Be prepared for harsh sunlight in the afternoon as you head southeast.
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Moscow Hinterland
Aerial views of the dense forests and suburban expansion south of Domodedovo Airport.
Volga River Crossing
Wide vistas of Russia's most famous river, typically seen near the city of Saratov.
Kazakh Steppe
An endless horizon of the great Eurasian plains stretching across western Kazakhstan.
Aktobe Industrial Hub
The geometric layouts of industrial zones and urban centers in western Kazakhstan.
Amu Darya Oasis
Green strips of irrigated land contrasting sharply with the desert as you enter Uzbekistan.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers a great perspective of the transition from Russian forests to the semi-arid Kazakh plains. Look for the glint of sunlight on the Volga River about 1 hour into the flight.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for UzbekistanDistance: 2,123 km (1,319 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 50 min
Departure: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)
Arrival: NCU (42.48839950561523, 59.62329864501953)
Route Type: International
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