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KSN â ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Kostanay West Airport (Kostanay) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Right Side of the Plane
While the flight begins over the flat northern steppes, the Right Side offers a spectacular finale with panoramic views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains during the descent into Almaty.
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Betpak-Dala Desert
The 'Hungry Steppe,' a rugged and desolate desert plateau that dominates the central leg of the journey.
Trans-Ili Alatau Range
Stunning, snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountains that rise abruptly from the plains near Almaty.
Almaty Skyline
A bird's-eye view of the city's grid layout nestled directly at the foot of the massive mountain range.
For the best experience, choose an afternoon flight to see the sun illuminating the Tien Shan peaks. The mountain view is most dramatic in the last 20 minutes of flight. If the plane lands toward the east, you will get a perfect parallel view of the high-altitude ridges and glaciers.
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Northern Kazakh Steppe
Vast, seemingly endless horizons of the fertile northern plains shortly after takeoff.
Korgalzhyn Wetlands
A glimpse of the lake systems that serve as a UNESCO-protected habitat for pink flamingos.
Kapshagay Reservoir
A massive turquoise body of water, often called the 'Almaty Sea,' visible north of the city during descent.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh direct sun. Keep an eye out for the shimmering salt pans of central Kazakhstan mid-flight. During the final approach from the north, you will see the industrial outskirts and the Kapshagay dam.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for KazakhstanDistance: 1,478 km (918 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: KSN (53.20690155029297, 63.55030059814453)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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