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LED → TSE
Which side of the plane to sit from Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg) to Astana International Airport (Tselinograd)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the mighty Volga River and the more dramatic peaks of the Southern Ural Mountains before descending into the vast Kazakh steppe and the futuristic Astana skyline.
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Gulf of Finland
Sparkling views of the Baltic waters and the Kronstadt naval base shortly after takeoff.
Volga River
Spectacular views of Russia's national river, often seen near the Kazan or Ulyanovsk region depending on the air corridor.
Southern Urals
Up-close views of the rugged peaks and ancient ridges of the Southern Ural range near Chelyabinsk.
Ishim River Meanders
Intricate river loops and oxbow lakes visible as the aircraft enters the Kazakh plains.
Astana Architecture
A clear view of the futuristic Khan Shatyr and Bayterek Tower during the final approach into the capital.
The right side is unbeatable for the descent into Astana; if arriving at night, the illuminated skyline is a highlight. During the day, keep your camera ready over the Urals for the contrast between the mountains and the flat steppe that follows. Be aware that the sun will be on this side for most of the flight if traveling during the day.
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St. Petersburg Skyline
Aerial views of the Neva River and the city's historic layout during departure from Pulkovo.
Lake Ladoga
Distant views of Europe's largest lake to the north-east as the plane climbs to cruising altitude.
Russian Taiga
Endless stretches of dense coniferous forests across the Vologda and Kirov regions.
Northern Urals
The distant, blue-tinted silhouettes of the northern Ural mountain range on the horizon.
Northern Kazakh Steppe
The transition from forest to the wide-open, golden horizons of northern Kazakhstan.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare while photographing the Russian forests and the Ural silhouettes. It provides a more consistent, diffused light for capturing the transition from European Russia to Central Asia.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for KazakhstanDistance: 2,725 km (1,693 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 38 min
Departure: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Arrival: TSE (51.02220153808594, 71.46690368652344)
Route Type: International
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