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PPK → ALA
Which side of the plane to sit from Petropavlosk South Airport (Petropavlosk) to Almaty Airport (Alma-ata)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the massive Lake Balkhash and the dramatic approach over the Kapchagay Reservoir towards the Tian Shan mountains.
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Kazakh Steppe
Endless stretches of the northern steppe, changing from green in spring to golden hues in late summer.
Lake Balkhash
A massive, crescent-shaped lake featuring a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater zones visible from cruising altitude.
Ili River Delta
The intricate network of waterways where the Ili River flows into Lake Balkhash from the south.
Kapchagay Reservoir
A large blue expanse just north of Almaty, often used as a major landmark for the flight's descent phase.
Trans-Ili Alatau Range
The stunning snow-capped peaks of the northernmost Tian Shan mountains appearing during the final descent.
Book a window seat on morning flights to catch the sunrise reflecting off the steppe lakes. Keep an eye out for the distinct turquoise color of Lake Balkhash approximately 45 minutes into the flight. During winter, the contrast between the frozen white landscape and the deep blue reservoirs is particularly striking.
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Get eSIMs for Kazakhstan
Saryarka Uplands
The undulating hills and ancient granite massifs of the Kazakh Uplands, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Betpak-Dala Desert
The vast and arid 'Hunger Steppe,' characterized by its reddish soils and sparse vegetation.
Korgalzhyn Lakes
Distantly visible salt lakes that serve as critical habitats for pink flamingos and migratory birds.
Almaty Outskirts
The sprawling suburban growth of Kazakhstan's largest city as the plane aligns with the runway.
Western Tian Shan
Distant views of the rugged mountain borders between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan during the descent.
The right side is perfect for sunset flights, offering views of the sun dipping below the flat horizon of the Betpak-Dala. On the final approach into Almaty, the right side often gets a clearer view of the city center and the mountain wall behind it if the plane approaches from the north. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain from flat desert to high-altitude peaks within just a few minutes of flight time.
Book Hotels in Alma-ataDistance: 1,391 km (864 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min
Departure: PPK (54.77470016479492, 69.18389892578125)
Arrival: ALA (43.35210037231445, 77.04049682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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