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GYD β ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Baku) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers a spectacular grand finale with the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains providing a dramatic backdrop during the approach to Almaty.
Baku Skyline
Aerial views of the Caspian waterfront and the iconic Flame Towers shortly after departure.
Oil Rocks
Spot Neft DaΕlarΔ±, the historic 'City on the Sea' featuring a network of oil platforms and bridges.
Karakum Desert
View the stark, shifting sands of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to the south of the flight path.
Amu Darya River
The winding lifeblood of Central Asia snaking through the arid landscapes of Uzbekistan.
Tian Shan Mountains
Breathtaking views of the 'Celestial Mountains' with massive peaks visible for the final hour.
Trans-Ili Alatau
The majestic snow-capped range that forms the immediate southern backdrop to Almaty city.
The Right Side is the clear winner for this route. The final 45 minutes of the flight are spectacular as you parallel the northern edge of the Tian Shan range. For the best views of the mountains during the descent into ALA, a seat away from the wing is recommended. Late afternoon flights provide a stunning golden glow on the snow-capped summits.
Caspian Sea
Vast views of the world's largest inland body of water shortly after takeoff from Baku.
Ustyurt Plateau
Dramatic chalk cliffs and canyons visible as the flight enters the airspace of Western Kazakhstan.
North Aral Sea
Visible remnants of the receding sea, offering a stark look at a changing ecological landscape.
Kazakh Steppe
Endless golden plains and semi-desert landscapes stretching toward the northern horizon.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine glare. Morning flights offer the best lighting for the desert textures of the Ustyurt Plateau. Look for white salt flats near the Caspian coast.
Distance: 2,247 km (1,396 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs
Departure: GYD (40.46749877929688, 50.04669952392578)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: International
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