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OSS destination photo
IKT destination photo

OSSIKT

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

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic Tien Shan mountains during departure and a breathtaking perspective of Lake Baikal's southern tip upon descent into Irkutsk.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Tien Shan Peaks

Spectacular snow-capped summits of the 'Heavenly Mountains' shortly after departure from Osh.

🌊

Lake Balkhash

The distinctive crescent shape of one of Asia's largest lakes visible during the mid-flight segment.

⛰️

Sayan Mountains

Rugged ridges and alpine valleys of the Sayan range as the flight moves into Southern Siberia.

💙

Lake Baikal

The southern basin of the world's deepest lake, often visible during the descent into Irkutsk.

🛤️

Circum-Baikal Railway

The historic lakeside rail route hugging the rocky shores of Baikal during the final approach.

The right side is the 'scenic side' for this route. Sit here to see the high-altitude glaciers of Kyrgyzstan early on. For the best experience, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the mountains and the deep blue of Lake Baikal clearly. In winter, the frozen surface of Baikal is a must-see from this side.

Left Side Highlights
6.8
🏙️

Osh Cityscape

A clear view of Osh and the sacred Sulayman Mountain immediately after takeoff.

🌾

Kazakh Steppe

Vast, undulating plains of Central Kazakhstan stretching toward the horizon.

🌲

Siberian Taiga

Dense, endless coniferous forests covering the landscape as you enter Russian airspace.

💧

Angara River

The winding path of the Angara River as it flows north from Lake Baikal near the arrival point.

Choose the left side for spectacular sunsets if flying on a late afternoon flight, as the sun will be on this side. It provides a better view of the industrial landscapes of central Siberia and the sprawling urban layout of Irkutsk during the final approach.

Top Activities in Irkutsk
Route Information

Distance: 2,716 km (1,688 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 37 min

Departure: OSS (40.6090011597, 72.793296814)

Arrival: IKT (52.268001556396, 104.38899993896)

Route Type: International

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