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IKT → YKS
Which side of the plane to sit from Irkutsk Airport (Irkutsk) to Yakutsk Airport (Yakutsk)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is significantly more scenic as it offers breathtaking views of Lake Baikal immediately after departure from Irkutsk, followed by the rugged Stanovoy Highlands and a spectacular approach over the widening Lena River.
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Lake Baikal
The deepest lake on Earth; see the southern basin and the sheer cliffs of the Primorsky Range dropping into the water.
Khamar-Daban Mountains
Rugged, snow-capped peaks to the southeast of the lake, providing a dramatic vertical contrast to the water.
Stanovoy Highlands
Fly over the remote and wild mountain ranges of the Trans-Baikal region, featuring sharp ridges and glacial valleys.
The Great Lena River
The massive waterway appears as a silver ribbon, growing wider and more braided as the flight approaches the Yakutsk valley.
Lena Pillars (Distant)
Depending on the approach path into YKS, you may spot the distant vertical rock formations along the riverbanks.
This is the 'must-sit' side for Baikal. For the best lighting on the lake, take a morning flight (sun in the east) or a midday flight. In winter, the ice patterns on the Lena River are spectacular, looking like shards of glass. Request a window seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the shoreline.
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Irkutsk Cityscape
Aerial view of the historic city center and the Angara River winding northwards shortly after takeoff.
Central Siberian Plateau
The vast, rolling terrain of the plateau covered in dense, endless larch and pine forests of the Siberian Taiga.
Peleduy River
Watch for the deep, meandering valleys carved by the northern tributaries as they flow toward the Lena basin.
Thermokarst Lakes
Unique circular 'alas' lakes formed by melting permafrost, creating a polka-dot pattern on the landscape near Yakutsk.
Choose this side if you prefer views of the sunset when flying in the late afternoon. In winter, the frozen landscape reveals intricate patterns of the Siberian forest that are less visible when green. Keep an eye out for the Angara River hydroelectric dam shortly after takeoff.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for RussiaDistance: 1,860 km (1,156 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 29 min
Departure: IKT (52.268001556396, 104.38899993896)
Arrival: YKS (62.093299865722656, 129.77099609375)
Route Type: Domestic
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