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OVB → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Tolmachevo Airport (Novosibirsk) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a more dramatic perspective of the transition from the Siberian forests to the rugged Altai Mountains and the stark, colorful desert basins of Xinjiang.
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Ob River Valley
Follow the winding path of one of the world's longest rivers shortly after departure.
Mount Belukha
The highest peak of the Altai Mountains, visible as a prominent snow-capped pyramid on clear days.
Dzungarian Gate
A historically significant mountain pass between the Altai and the Tian Shan ranges.
Gurbantünggüt Desert
Intricate patterns of sand dunes and arid basins as you enter Chinese airspace.
Tian Shan Panoramas
The 'Heavenly Mountains' provide a stunning backdrop of jagged peaks during the approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun begins to set, casting long shadows over the Altai peaks. Be sure to have your camera ready mid-flight when crossing the border, as the landscape shifts rapidly from green to deep ochre and beige.
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Novosibirsk Urban View
Aerial view of the largest city in Siberia and the industrial landscape surrounding Tolmachevo.
Salair Ridge
Ancient, low-lying eroded mountains covered in dense coniferous taiga forest.
Eastern Altai Slopes
Vast views of the Altai-Sayan mountain system as the flight heads south.
Lake Zaysan
A distant glimpse of this large freshwater lake located in eastern Kazakhstan near the border.
Bogda Peak
The highest point in the eastern Tian Shan, often visible on the descent into Ürümqi.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. During the final 30 minutes of the flight, look for the snow-capped Bogda Shan range which creates a dramatic contrast with the desert floor.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,282 km (797 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min
Departure: OVB (55.012599945068, 82.650703430176)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: International
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