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LED β UGC
Which side of the plane to sit from Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg) to Urgench Airport (Urgench)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the majestic Volga River bends, the intricate Volga Delta, and the dramatic geological formations of the Ustyurt Plateau before descending into the Khiva oasis.
The Volga Bend
A spectacular view of the river's sharp turn near Volgograd, highlighting the scale of Russia's primary waterway.
Volga Delta
The intricate, emerald-green network of over 500 channels where the river meets the Caspian Sea.
Ustyurt Plateau
Dramatic white limestone cliffs and deep desert canyons that mark the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Ancient Khorezm
As the plane descends, look for the 'Desert Castles'βancient ruins of fortresses dotting the landscape.
Amu Darya Oasis
The sudden transition from harsh desert to the fertile green irrigation zones of the Urgench and Khiva region.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights, offering spectacular 'Golden Hour' lighting over the Ustyurt cliffs. Be ready with your camera about 40 minutes before landing to catch the geometric patterns of the Uzbek cotton fields and the winding Amu Darya river.
St. Petersburg Skyline
Initial climb views of the Neva River, the Lakhta Center, and the historic urban grid of the northern capital.
Middle Volga Basin
Lush river systems and the expansive Samara Reservoir visible during the mid-flight segment.
Saratov Landmarks
The massive bridge structures connecting Saratov and Engels over the wide Volga riverbed.
Aral Sea Basin
A haunting aerial view of the salt-crusted plains and receding shorelines of the North Aral Sea region.
Kyzylkum Sands
The vast 'Red Sand' desert of Central Asia with its characteristic longitudinal dunes and sparse vegetation.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side provides the best perspective of the Aral Sea's environmental transformation. Watch for the stark contrast between the Russian forest-steppe and the Kazakh semi-desert transition roughly 2 hours into the flight.
Distance: 2,899 km (1,801 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 52 min
Departure: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Arrival: UGC (41.58430099487305, 60.6417007446289)
Route Type: International
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