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PEK → LED
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic landmarks of the Siberian route, including a prime view of Lake Baikal and the vast Lake Ladoga upon arrival.
Lake Baikal
The world's deepest lake appears as a massive, deep-blue crescent, often frozen in intricate patterns during winter.
Siberian Taiga
Uninterrupted vistas of the world's largest forest, a dense carpet of coniferous trees stretching for thousands of miles.
Ural Mountains
The symbolic border between Asia and Europe, featuring ancient, rounded peaks and deep valleys.
Lake Ladoga
Europe's largest lake, located just east of St. Petersburg, often seen during the descent phase.
Imperial St. Petersburg
The grand canals, the Neva River, and the Peter and Paul Fortress visible during the final approach into LED.
Watch for Lake Baikal approximately 2.5 to 3 hours after departure from Beijing. As you approach St. Petersburg, the right side usually provides a spectacular view of the Neva delta and the city's historic center if the wind is blowing from the west. Use a polarized filter for photos to cut through the atmospheric haze.
Gobi Desert
The expansive, arid landscapes of Northern China and Southern Mongolia shortly after takeoff.
Altai Mountains
Distant views of the rugged, snow-dusted peaks where Mongolia, China, and Russia converge.
Eurasian Steppe
Infinite horizons of the Russian steppe, turning from gold to green depending on the season.
Kazan & Volga River
Possible views of the ancient city of Kazan and the winding curves of the mighty Volga River.
The sun stays on the left (south) side for the duration of this westward flight. Use your window shade to manage the intense glare, especially during the middle part of the journey. In winter, the landscape is almost entirely white, making the rivers stand out as dark veins.
Distance: 6,057 km (3,764 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 8 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Route Type: International
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