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PEK → VKO
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an exceptional vantage point for the Great Wall shortly after takeoff, followed by the dramatic transition from the Gobi Desert to the snow-capped Altai Mountains and the southern Ural range.
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The Great Wall
Shortly after departure from PEK, the ancient fortifications are visible snaking across the ridges of the Yan Mountains.
Gobi Desert
Expansive views of the Martian-like landscapes and shifting dunes of the Mongolian plateau.
Altai Mountains
Dramatic, jagged peaks capped with snow where the borders of China, Mongolia, and Russia converge.
Novosibirsk
A clear view of the sprawling Siberian metropolis and the massive Ob River crossing.
Southern Urals
The symbolic boundary between Asia and Europe, featuring rugged ridges and dense pine forests.
Volga River
The iconic winding path of Europe's longest river as the flight approaches the Russian heartland.
Sit on the left for the iconic Great Wall views 10-15 minutes after takeoff. This side faces south, so expect significant sunlight and potential glare during daylight hours; keep your window shade adjusted to manage heat. In winter, the contrast between the dark Altai peaks and the surrounding snow is most striking from this side.
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Inner Mongolian Steppe
Vast, rolling grasslands that provide a serene green or golden palette depending on the season.
Lake Baikal (Distant)
On clear days, the southern tip of the world's deepest lake can sometimes be spotted far to the north.
Siberian Taiga
Endless stretches of dark green coniferous forests that dominate the middle portion of the journey.
Omsk Cityscape
Industrial landscapes and the confluence of the Irtysh and Om rivers in Western Siberia.
Kama River Basin
A complex network of reservoirs and waterways that shimmer during the afternoon descent.
Moscow Ring Road
Detailed views of the outer dacha communities and the dense urban expansion approaching Vnukovo.
The right side is ideal for photographers who want to avoid direct sunlight, as it faces north for the duration of the flight. This side offers better views of the 'Blue Eye of Siberia' (Lake Baikal) if the flight path tracks slightly further north than usual. During late afternoon arrivals, the landscape on this side is often bathed in a soft, golden light.
Book Hotels in MoscowDistance: 5,817 km (3,615 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 51 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: VKO (55.591499328599994, 37.2615013123)
Route Type: International
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