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DME destination photo
SKD destination photo

DMESKD

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers spectacular views of the Russian plains transitioning into the vast Kazakh steppes, concluding with a dramatic descent alongside the snow-capped Pamir-Alay mountain ranges near the Uzbek border.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Moscow Suburbs

Scenic views of the southern Moscow metropolitan area and the winding Oka River shortly after takeoff.

🌾

Kazakh Steppes

An endless horizon of the vast, golden grasslands and semi-arid landscapes of central Kazakhstan.

🏔️

Pamir-Alay Mountains

Jagged, snow-dusted peaks of the Zarafshan and Turkestan ranges appearing during the descent phase.

🚜

Zarafshan Valley

The lush green contrast of ancient irrigated farmland against the arid desert backdrop near the destination.

🕌

Samarkand Skyline

Aerial view of the blue-tiled domes of the Registan and Bibi-Khanym Mosque on final approach if the wind is from the west.

Book a window seat on the left for daytime flights to avoid direct glare from the southern sun. Early morning flights offer a beautiful sunrise over the steppes. Keep your camera ready 30 minutes before landing for the mountain views.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Volga River

A major crossing over Europe's longest river, often visible shortly after leaving the Moscow region.

🏜️

Kyzylkum Desert

The dramatic red sands and rolling dunes of the 'Red Sand' desert as you enter Uzbek airspace.

💧

Aydar Lake

A massive turquoise man-made lake shimmering in the middle of the desert landscape.

🌆

Central Asian Sunset

On evening flights, the right side provides a stunning view of the sun setting over the desert horizon.

Excellent for evening flights to catch the sunset over the desert. Note that the glare can be intense during midday flights. Look for the sharp transition from desert to irrigated green valleys as you enter the Samarkand region.

Top Activities in Samarkand
Route Information

Distance: 2,760 km (1,715 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 41 min

Departure: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)

Arrival: SKD (39.70050048828125, 66.98380279541016)

Route Type: International

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