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IKT destination photo
DYU destination photo

IKTDYU

Which side of the plane to sit from Irkutsk Airport (Irkutsk) to Dushanbe Airport (Dushanbe)?

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Central Asia, including the Altai and the massive Tien Shan ranges.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🌊

Lake Baikal & Angara

Immediately after takeoff, catch views of the southern tip of the world's deepest lake and the source of the Angara River.

🏔️

Sayan Mountains

Cross over the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Sayan range shortly after departure from Irkutsk.

❄️

Altai Mountains

Spectacular views of the glaciated peaks where Russia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan meet, including Mount Belukha.

💧

Lake Issyk-Kul

View the massive, deep blue waters of the world's second-largest alpine lake, framed by the Terskey Ala-Too mountains.

⛰️

Central Tien Shan

Peer into the 'Celestial Mountains' featuring some of the highest peaks outside the Himalayas, like Pobeda Peak.

🏜️

Pamir-Alay Range

The dramatic transition from high alpine peaks to the arid valleys of Tajikistan as you approach Dushanbe.

Sit on the left for the best mountain panoramas. If flying during the day, the sun will be mostly behind you or to the south, providing excellent lighting for photography of the Tien Shan. Watch for Lake Issyk-Kul about two-thirds of the way through the flight; it is an unmistakable landmark.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Irkutsk Urban Scrawl

Excellent views of Irkutsk city, its historic wooden architecture, and the industrial zones along the Angara River.

🌲

Siberian Taiga

Vast stretches of dense coniferous forests that dominate the landscape before transitioning into the steppes.

🌾

Kazakh Steppe

The endless horizon of the Eurasian grasslands, featuring unique geological formations and seasonal salt pans.

🌅

Lake Balkhash

Depending on the specific airway, look for the distinctive crescent shape of this massive lake in the distance.

🏔️

Western Tien Shan

The greener, lower ridges of the western mountain system as the flight enters Central Asian airspace.

🏗️

Dushanbe Basin

A clear view of the city's rapid expansion and the surrounding Gissar Valley during the final descent.

The right side is ideal for capturing the vastness of the Siberian and Kazakh landscapes. If you are on an evening flight, this side will catch the sunset over the steppes. During descent into Dushanbe, keep an eye out for the Varzob River valley to the north.

Top Activities in Dushanbe
Route Information

Distance: 3,124 km (1,941 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 41 min

Departure: IKT (52.268001556396, 104.38899993896)

Arrival: DYU (38.5433006287, 68.8249969482)

Route Type: International

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