OVB → KQT

Ob River Valley

The winding loops of the Ob River and the sprawling Novosibirsk reservoir immediately after takeoff from OVB.

Lake Balkhash

A massive, crescent-shaped lake in Kazakhstan; its unique turquoise waters stand out against the dry steppe.

Tien Shan Mountains

The snow-capped 'Heavenly Mountains' appearing on the horizon as the flight moves south toward the border.

Alay Range Peaks

Dramatic, jagged mountain ridges and glaciers visible during the crossing into Tajik airspace.

Vakhsh Valley

The transition from rugged mountains to the fertile, irrigated agricultural lands surrounding Kurgan Tyube.

Kulundinskaya Plain

The vast agricultural patchwork of the southern Siberian plains fading into the Kazakh border.

Betpak-Dala Desert

The 'Hunger Steppe' of Central Kazakhstan, featuring harsh but mesmerizing desert textures and salt pans.

Tashkent Skyline

On clear days, the distant urban sprawl of the Uzbek capital can be seen to the southwest.

Hissar Range

Sharp mountain ridges that form the western boundary of the Tajik mountain systems.

Nurek Dam Area

Distant views of the massive engineering works and reservoirs nestled in the deep mountain canyons.