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KGF → SVO
Which side of the plane to sit from Sary-Arka Airport (Karaganda) to Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior lighting for the majority of daylight flights and captures the sprawling Volga River and the southern approach into the Moscow metropolitan area.
Karaganda Coal Basin
Views of the massive open-pit coal mines and industrial architecture of Karaganda shortly after takeoff.
Saryarka Steppe
The vast, golden plains of the Kazakh Uplands, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique steppe ecosystem.
Lake Tengiz
A large, shallow saline lake visible to the south, known as a vital habitat for pink flamingos.
Volga River Bend
A spectacular crossing of Europe's longest river, typically near the Samara or Saratov regions.
Moscow Skyline
On the final approach to SVO, the left side often provides a distant glimpse of the Moscow City skyscrapers.
For evening flights, the left side avoids the harshest direct sunlight, providing better conditions for photography. Keep your camera ready about 40 minutes before landing to catch the intricate meanders of the Oka and Volga tributaries. In winter, the frozen river patterns are particularly striking.
Temirtau Industry
The massive 'Steel Magnet' industrial complex of Temirtau is often visible to the north right after departure.
Southern Ural Foothills
Distant views of the ancient, weathered peaks of the Ural Mountains marking the border between Asia and Europe.
Russian Taiga
As you cross into Russia, the landscape shifts from open steppe to dense, dark green coniferous forests.
Kama River Confluence
The meeting point of the Kama and Volga rivers, creating a massive water reservoir system.
SVO Approach
Views of the northern Moscow suburbs and the vast forested areas surrounding Sheremetyevo Airport.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to catch the sunrise over the Kazakh steppe. Watch for the dramatic transition from the brown and gold tones of Kazakhstan to the deep greens of the Russian forest. If the flight path is northerly, look far to the horizon for the snowy peaks of the Urals.
Distance: 2,482 km (1,542 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 19 min
Departure: KGF (49.670799255371094, 73.33439636230469)
Arrival: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Route Type: International
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