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HRB destination photo
OVB destination photo

HRBOVB

Which side of the plane to sit from Taiping Airport (Harbin) to Tolmachevo Airport (Novosibirsk)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a more dramatic transition from the Inner Mongolian grasslands into the rugged Altai-Sayan mountain ranges and the final approach over the vast Ob Reservoir.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌾

Hulunbuir Grasslands

Vast stretches of emerald green pastures in summer or a pristine white desert in winter as you cross Inner Mongolia.

⛰️

Khangai Mountains

The northern edges of Mongolia's central mountain range, featuring rounded peaks and deep valleys.

🏔️

Altai-Sayan Foothills

Dramatic, snow-capped peaks visible as the flight transitions into the Russian Federation's southern Siberian border.

🌊

Ob River Reservoir

Known as the 'Ob Sea', this massive body of water provides a stunning landmark during the descent into Novosibirsk.

For the best mountain definition, choose a morning flight when the sun illuminates the southern slopes. In winter, keep your camera ready for the 'Sea of Ob' which completely freezes over, creating a surreal white expanse just before landing.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🌲

Greater Khingan Range

Dense, ancient forests covering the mountain ridges near the China-Russia-Mongolia border tri-point.

🧊

Lake Baikal (Distanced)

On clear days and northern-leaning flight paths, the southern tip of the world's deepest lake can be spotted on the horizon.

🌳

Siberian Taiga

An endless canopy of coniferous forest that defines the landscape of central Russia, particularly striking during autumn gold.

🏙️

Yenisei River Basin

One of the world's great river systems, visible as a winding silver thread cutting through the dense forest.

The right side is ideal for capturing the scale of the Siberian Taiga. If the flight path drifts north, look for the deep blue of Baikal early in the journey. Best viewed during the long daylight hours of summer to appreciate the forest density.

Top Activities in Novosibirsk
Route Information

Distance: 3,207 km (1,993 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 46 min

Departure: HRB (45.6234016418457, 126.25)

Arrival: OVB (55.012599945068, 82.650703430176)

Route Type: International

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