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KZN → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Kazan International Airport (Kazan) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior dramatic entry into Almaty, featuring the rugged southern Ural foothills early in the flight and culminating in a breathtaking panorama of the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range during the final descent.
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Mugodzhar Hills
The southern-most tip of the Ural Mountains provides a rugged transition from the Russian plains to the Kazakh deserts.
Syr Darya River
Watch for the winding silver thread of this ancient river, a vital water source cutting through the arid landscape.
Trans-Ili Alatau
The most spectacular view of the flight: a massive wall of snow-capped peaks rising abruptly to over 4,000 meters as you approach Almaty.
The right side is essential for the mountain approach. As the plane descends into Almaty, the mountains will appear to be right outside your window. Choose an afternoon flight to see the sunlight hitting the northern faces of the Tian Shan range for the best photography.
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The Kazakh Steppe
Witness the vast, uninterrupted expanse of the Saryarka, showcasing the unique beauty of the Central Asian wilderness.
Lake Balkhash
On clear days, the shimmering crescent of this massive lake, one of the largest in Asia, is visible to the east.
Industrial Landscapes
Aerial views of the industrial complexes and salt flats near the Karaganda region as the plane heads southeast.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun glare. This side is better for observing the sheer scale of the steppe and the distant turquoise hues of Lake Balkhash if the pilot takes a more northerly routing.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for KazakhstanDistance: 2,399 km (1,491 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 12 min
Departure: KZN (55.606201171875, 49.278701782227)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: International
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