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OVB destination photo
KBP destination photo

OVBKBP

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a more dramatic view of the southern Ural Mountains and the spectacular Samara Bend on the Volga River, with generally better lighting for photography on westbound flights.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Ob River & Reservoir

Stunning views of the Ob River snaking south through the Novosibirsk reservoir shortly after takeoff.

🏔️

Southern Ural Peaks

Rugged ridges and deep valleys of the Ural range as you cross the border between Asia and Europe.

🔄

The Samara Bend

A massive, iconic 180-degree loop of the Volga River surrounding the Zhiguli Mountains.

🌾

Russian Steppe

Expansive agricultural mosaics and rolling hills of the Don River basin near Voronezh.

🏙️

Dnieper River Delta

Intricate wetlands and the suburban sprawl of eastern Kiev during the final descent phase.

For the best experience, book a mid-day flight; the sun will be positioned to the south, perfectly illuminating the southern slopes of the Urals. Look for the Samara reservoir about 2.5 hours into the flight, as its scale is truly massive from 36,000 feet.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏢

Novosibirsk Skyline

A clear view of the city center, the Opera House, and the industrial districts of the 'Capital of Siberia'.

🌲

Siberian Taiga

The endless green carpet of the West Siberian Lowland stretching toward the northern horizon.

⛰️

Middle Urals

Densely forested foothills and industrial cities like Ufa visible in the distance to the north.

🚢

Kama River Confluence

The meeting point of the Kama and Volga rivers, creating one of the largest reservoirs in Europe.

⛪

Kiev City Center

On many approach patterns to KBP, this side offers views of the golden-domed cathedrals and the Dnieper cliffs.

The right side is ideal for morning departures to avoid direct sun glare. During the descent into Kiev, keep your camera ready as the plane often banks over the Dnieper, providing a panoramic view of the Pechersk Lavra and the Motherland Monument.

Top Activities in Kiev
Route Information

Distance: 3,446 km (2,141 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 3 min

Departure: OVB (55.012599945068, 82.650703430176)

Arrival: KBP (50.34500122070313, 30.89469909667969)

Route Type: International

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