Loading map...

NER destination photo
IKT destination photo

NERIKT

Which side of the plane to sit from Chulman Airport (Neryungri) to Irkutsk Airport (Irkutsk)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for viewing the vast expanse of Lake Baikal and the dramatic Barguzin Mountain Range during the descent into Irkutsk.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
💎

Lake Baikal

The world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake, appearing as a massive inland sea of deep blue or crystalline ice.

🏔️

Barguzin Range

Sharp, alpine-style peaks that rise steeply from the eastern shores of Lake Baikal.

🌊

Vitim River

A powerful Siberian river carving deep canyons through the Vitim Plateau early in the flight.

🏝️

Olkhon Island

The largest island in Lake Baikal, known for its sacred Shaman Rock, often visible depending on the flight corridor.

💧

Angara River Source

The point where the Angara River leaves Lake Baikal, marked by the Shaman Stone near Listvyanka.

The right side is the clear winner for Lake Baikal views. For the best lighting, choose an afternoon flight so the sun illuminates the lake from the west while you look north/northwest. In winter (Jan-Mar), look for the incredible turquoise ice patterns and pressure ridges on the lake's surface.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Stanovoy Range

View the rugged, ancient peaks marking the border between the Amur Basin and the Lena Basin.

🌲

Trans-Baikal Taiga

An endless sea of dark coniferous forest stretching across the Zabaikalsky Krai territory.

🐍

Selenga River Delta

The intricate, braided channels of Baikal's largest tributary as it enters the lake from the south.

🏔️

Khamar-Daban Mountains

Snow-capped ridges that dominate the southern shore of Lake Baikal, visible during the final approach.

Sit on this side for better views of the southern mountain ridges. In the morning, this side will be shaded, making it easier to take photos without window glare. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain as the taiga meets the Selenga highlands.

Top Activities in Irkutsk
Route Information

Distance: 1,413 km (878 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min

Departure: NER (56.913898468018, 124.91400146484)

Arrival: IKT (52.268001556396, 104.38899993896)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.