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ICN → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Incheon International Airport (Seoul) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Tianshan and Qilian mountain ranges, providing a dramatic contrast against the arid basins of Central Asia as you approach Almaty.
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Yellow Sea Archipelago
Aerial views of the numerous small islands off the coast of Incheon shortly after takeoff.
Qilian Mountains
Magnificent views of the glaciated peaks along the Hexi Corridor in Gansu province.
Taklamakan Desert Edge
The striking transition where the massive sand dunes meet the base of the mountains.
Tianshan Mountain Range
Continuous vistas of the 'Heavenly Mountains' with peaks exceeding 7,000 meters.
Trans-Ili Alatau
The final descent offers a breathtaking view of the high peaks bordering Almaty to the south.
For the most dramatic lighting on the mountain peaks, opt for a daytime flight. During the final 45 minutes of the flight, the Tianshan range is most prominent; sit behind the wing for unobstructed photos of the glaciers. In winter, the landscape is entirely white, while summer offers a beautiful contrast between green valleys and snowy summits.
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Bohai Bay Coastline
Views of the industrial and natural coastline near Tianjin and the northern Chinese plains.
Gobi Desert
The vast, desolate expanse of the Gobi, showing unique geological formations and dry lake beds.
Bogda Peak
A prominent, isolated snow-capped peak visible north of Urumqi standing at 5,445 meters.
Lake Balkhash
On clear days, the distinct crescent shape of one of Asia's largest lakes can be seen in the distance.
Ili River Delta
The winding silver threads of the Ili River as it flows through the Kazakh steppe toward the lake.
The right side is ideal for spotting the vastness of the steppe and the Gobi. It is often less turbulent due to the distance from the high mountain ridges. Look for Lake Balkhash about 30 minutes before landing; its turquoise water is a rare sight in the arid landscape. This side also avoids direct glare from the sun on westbound afternoon flights.
Book Hotels in Alma-ataDistance: 4,172 km (2,592 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 54 min
Departure: ICN (37.46910095214844, 126.45099639892578)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: International
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