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HKG → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the massive Tianshan mountain range and the northern edges of the Tibetan Plateau, providing a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks for most of the flight.
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Pearl River Delta
Dramatic aerial views of Hong Kong's skyscrapers, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the dense urban sprawl of Macau shortly after takeoff.
Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
Cross over the rugged karst landscapes of southwestern China, featuring deep river valleys and limestone formations.
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Edge
Distant but breathtaking views of the high-altitude peaks and the remote, desolate beauty of the eastern Himalayan foothills.
Taklamakan Desert
The southern edge of the vast Tarim Basin, showcasing shifting sand dunes and the stark contrast of isolated oasis towns.
Trans-Ili Alatau
A magnificent final approach view of the snow-capped mountain range that looms directly over the city of Almaty.
For the best experience, choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. This route is most scenic during daylight; a morning departure from HKG ensures the sun is behind you, illuminating the mountains of the Sichuan and Xinjiang regions perfectly. Keep your camera ready during the final 30 minutes of the flight as the descent into Almaty passes very close to the northern Tianshan peaks.
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Views of major inland metropolitan hubs like Chengdu or Lanzhou, depending on the specific air corridor assigned.
Hexi Corridor
The historic Silk Road path, characterized by arid plains and the northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains.
Turpan Depression
Aerial perspective over one of the lowest points on Earth, known for its extreme heat and unique viticulture green patches in a brown landscape.
Dzungarian Basin
The northern steppe and semi-desert regions of Xinjiang, offering vast open horizons and unique geological strata.
Kapshagay Reservoir
A large, bright blue body of water in the Kazakh steppe visible just before the final descent into Almaty Airport.
While less mountainous than the left, the right side is excellent for seeing the vastness of the Gobi and the unique depressions of western China. If flying in the late afternoon, the right side will experience the sunset, which can cast long, dramatic shadows over the desert dunes. Watch for the 'Flaming Mountains' near Turpan if the flight path tracks slightly north.
Book Hotels in Alma-ataDistance: 4,113 km (2,556 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 50 min
Departure: HKG (22.308901, 113.915001)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: International
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