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IKT destination photo
OSS destination photo

IKTOSS

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

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the most dramatic mountain ranges in Central Asia, including the rugged Sayan, Altai, and the towering Tien Shan peaks.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

Eastern Sayan Mountains

Shortly after takeoff, witness the snow-capped ridges of the Sayan range stretching toward the Mongolian border.

🏔️

Altai Mountains

Mid-flight views of the high-altitude peaks where Russia, Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan meet.

🌊

Lake Issyk-Kul

The world's second-largest alpine lake, appearing as a deep blue jewel surrounded by the Tien Shan mountains.

🏔️

Tien Shan Range

Dramatic views of the 'Celestial Mountains' with peaks exceeding 7,000 meters in the distance.

🏙️

Sulayman Mountain

A UNESCO World Heritage site standing alone in the center of Osh, visible during the final descent.

Book a window seat on the left (A) for morning flights to avoid direct glare while capturing the high-contrast shadows on the mountain ridges. Winter and early spring offer the most impressive snow cover across the Altai and Tien Shan ranges.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
💧

Angara River

Aerial view of the powerful river flowing from Baikal through Irkutsk immediately after departure.

🌾

Kazakh Steppe

Vast, seemingly endless plains showing the unique patterns of Central Asian agriculture and semi-desert terrain.

🌊

Lake Balkhash

Visible in the distance to the west, this unique crescent-shaped lake is divided into fresh and salt water sections.

🚜

Fergana Valley

As you approach Osh, the right side looks over the lush, patchwork irrigation of Central Asia's most fertile valley.

The right side (F/K) is excellent for sunset flights as the light bathes the Kazakh Steppe in gold. It also offers a broader view of the Fergana Valley's unique agricultural geometry during the approach to Osh.

Top Activities in Osh
Route Information

Distance: 2,716 km (1,688 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 37 min

Departure: IKT (52.268001556396, 104.38899993896)

Arrival: OSS (40.6090011597, 72.793296814)

Route Type: International

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