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HTA → OVB
Which side of the plane to sit from Chita-Kadala Airport (Chita) to Tolmachevo Airport (Novosibirsk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of Lake Baikal's southern coastline and the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Sayan and Khamar-Daban mountain ranges.
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Southern Lake Baikal
Breathtaking views of the world's deepest lake, specifically the southern tip near Slyudyanka.
Khamar-Daban Range
Rugged alpine peaks and dense forests lining the southern shore of the lake.
Selenga River Delta
The complex, braided network of the Selenga river as it flows into the turquoise waters of Baikal.
East Sayan Mountains
High-altitude ridges and deep valleys that dominate the landscape west of the lake.
The highlight of the trip, Lake Baikal, appears roughly 40-50 minutes after departure from Chita. For the best photography, choose a morning flight when the sun is behind you, illuminating the mountain ridges and the lake's surface. In winter, the frozen lake creates incredible geometric ice patterns visible from cruising altitude.
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Irkutsk Cityscape
A clear view of the historic Siberian city and its distinct layout along the Angara River.
Siberian Taiga
Endless stretches of dense coniferous forests that represent the heart of the Siberian wilderness.
Baikal Mountains
Distant views of the northern mountain ranges reflecting sunlight across the horizon.
Angara River Valley
The winding path of the only river that flows out of Lake Baikal, heading north and west.
The right side is excellent for seeing the urban center of Irkutsk and the industrial landscapes of the Angara region. If flying during the late afternoon, this side offers a spectacular view of the sunset over the vast Siberian plateau as you approach Novosibirsk. Keep an eye out for the large reservoirs along the Yenisei river system later in the flight.
Book Hotels in NovosibirskDistance: 2,037 km (1,266 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 43 min
Departure: HTA (52.026299, 113.306)
Arrival: OVB (55.012599945068, 82.650703430176)
Route Type: Domestic
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