Loading map...

DZN destination photo
ALA destination photo

DZNALA

Which side of the plane to sit from Zhezkazgan Airport (Zhezkazgan) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

While both sides offer views of the vast Kazakh Steppe, the Right Side provides a spectacular finale as the plane approaches Almaty, showcasing the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏜️

Betpak-Dala

Fly over the desolate 'Hunger Steppe,' a vast desert region with a unique and harsh ecological character.

🏔️

Trans-Ili Alatau Peaks

Marvel at the high-altitude, snow-capped peaks of the northern Tien Shan range as you approach Almaty.

❄️

Perennial Glaciers

Spot the year-round ice caps and rugged ridges that tower over the city, reaching altitudes above 4,000 meters.

🌲

Ile-Alatau National Park

View the dense coniferous forests and deep alpine valleys clinging to the steep mountain slopes near the destination.

💧

Chu River Basin

Observe the winding river bed and scattered agricultural patches within the semi-arid landscape.

This is the essential side for mountain lovers. Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur when photographing the Tien Shan mountains. Afternoon flights are particularly stunning on this side as the sun illuminates the northern faces of the peaks during descent.

Left Side Highlights
6.8
🌾

Saryarka Steppe

Witness the vast, golden expanse of the central Kazakh plains characterized by low hills and semi-desert terrain.

🌊

Lake Balkhash

Catch a glimpse of the western part of this massive, unique dual-salinity lake depending on the specific flight vector.

🏭

Zhezkazgan Industrial Landscape

See the sprawling mining complexes and copper smelting facilities shortly after takeoff from DZN.

🏙️

Northern Almaty

Views of the residential and industrial outskirts of the former capital during the final descent into ALA.

Sit on this side if you want to spot the distinct blue of Lake Balkhash in the far distance. Morning flights provide soft, even light over the steppe, which is excellent for capturing the subtle textures of the landscape without harsh shadows.

Top Activities in Alma-ata
Route Information

Distance: 871 km (541 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min

Departure: DZN (47.708302, 67.733299)

Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.