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KOV → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Kokshetau Airport (Kokshetau) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers prime views of the expansive Lake Balkhash and the most dramatic perspectives of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range during the final descent into Almaty.
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Lake Balkhash
The massive, crescent-shaped lake, one of the largest in Asia, featuring distinct color variations from west to east.
Trans-Ili Alatau Range
Stunning snow-capped peaks of the northern Tian Shan system that dominate the horizon as you approach Almaty.
Kapchagay Reservoir
A large artificial lake on the Ili River that serves as a popular recreation spot, visible just north of Almaty.
Saryarka Steppe
The vast golden grasslands of the Kazakh Uplands stretching out shortly after departure from Kokshetau.
To see Lake Balkhash at its best, choose a morning flight when the sun illuminates the water from the east. The descent into Almaty is spectacular on this side; keep your camera ready for the transition from the flat steppe to the sudden, towering 4,000-meter peaks of the Tian Shan.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Betpak-Dala Desert
Known as the 'Hungry Steppe,' this arid region offers fascinating geological textures and salt pans from above.
Almaty Urban Sprawl
A bird's-eye view of Kazakhstan's largest city, showing its grid-like layout nestled against the mountain foothills.
Turksib Railway
Sections of the historic Turkestan-Siberia railway line can occasionally be spotted snaking through the landscape.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun will be behind the plane, reducing glare on the window. While less scenic in terms of water bodies, it provides a superior view of the 'Hungry Steppe' desert and the vastness of the Kazakh interior.
Book Hotels in Alma-ataDistance: 1,237 km (769 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: KOV (53.329102, 69.594597)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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