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LED → CEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg) to Chelyabinsk Balandino Airport (Chelyabinsk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of Lake Ladoga early in the flight and provides the best angle for observing the transition into the Ural Mountains without sun glare during daylight hours.
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Lake Ladoga
Europe's largest freshwater lake is visible shortly after takeoff, showcasing its vast, sea-like expanse.
Vologda Landscapes
View the historic northern Russian terrain, characterized by dense forests and ancient river trade routes.
Perm City & Kama River
A clear view of the industrial sprawl of Perm and the massive Kama River, a primary tributary of the Volga.
Middle Ural Ridges
Observe the ancient, weathered peaks of the Ural Mountains that mark the geographic border between Europe and Asia.
Book a window seat on the left to avoid direct sun glare, especially on morning flights. In winter, look for the 'white desert' effect over frozen Lake Ladoga. This side also provides a great view of the northern suburbs of St. Petersburg during a westward departure and climb-out.
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St. Petersburg Skyline
Depending on the runway, enjoy views of the city's southern districts and the Pulkovo Observatory.
Rybinsk Reservoir
A massive man-made reservoir on the Volga River, often appearing as a glittering horizon to the south.
Southern Taiga
Continuous stretches of dense coniferous forests and rolling hills typical of the Pre-Ural region.
Chelyabinsk Lake District
The final descent offers views of the numerous lakes surrounding Chelyabinsk, such as Smolino and Sineglazovo.
The right side is excellent for sunset views on evening flights as the sun dips below the southern horizon. During descent into CEK, keep an eye out for the industrial architecture that defines the Chelyabinsk region. Be aware that midday flights may suffer from harsh glare on this side.
Book Hotels in ChelyabinskDistance: 1,910 km (1,187 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 33 min
Departure: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Arrival: CEK (55.305801, 61.5033)
Route Type: Domestic
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