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HKG → OVB
Which side of the plane to sit from Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong) to Tolmachevo Airport (Novosibirsk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more dramatic perspective of the Altai Mountains and the heart of the Gobi Desert, with optimal lighting for evening photography during the long journey north.
Pearl River Delta
Massive urban sprawl and the complex bridge networks connecting Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai shortly after takeoff.
Loess Plateau
Unique terraced agricultural landscapes and highly eroded canyons in North-Central China.
Western Gobi
Expansive vistas of arid plains and unique rock formations along the Inner Mongolian border.
Altai Mountains
Rugged snow-capped peaks as the flight path transitions from the desert into the Siberian border region.
Siberian Taiga
Dense, evergreen forests and winding river tributaries that characterize the Russian interior.
Choose a window seat on the left for evening departures to witness the sunset over the desert. The transition from the yellow loess soil of China to the dark greens of the Siberian forest is best observed from this side.
Hong Kong Skyline
Spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and the dense skyscrapers of Kowloon if the flight path tracks east upon departure.
Yangtze River
A cross-section view of China's longest river as the aircraft heads north over Hubei or Anhui provinces.
Inner Mongolian Steppes
Vast rolling grasslands that stretch toward the horizon, punctuated by small settlements.
Ob River
The massive Siberian river system, one of the world's longest, visible during the final descent into Novosibirsk.
Ob Sea Reservoir
A large expanse of water or ice near Novosibirsk, providing a distinct landmark just before landing.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare while flying north. During winter months, keep an eye out for the frozen Ob River, which looks particularly impressive with its geometric ice patterns during landing.
Distance: 4,464 km (2,774 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 15 min
Departure: HKG (22.308901, 113.915001)
Arrival: OVB (55.012599945068, 82.650703430176)
Route Type: International
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